CFM Printable Activity Sheet for Genesis 37-41; Joseph of Egypt LESSON PLAN (Mar 15)

  These original activity sheets that align with the Come, Follow Me lessons each week are totally free and easy to print from a Google Doc file.   They're designed to print double-sided 2-to-a-page and are perfect for introducing or reviewing the concepts from the Come, Follow Me lesson.  Our home ward hands them out along with the sacrament programs on Sundays, others use them in their family or Sunday School lessons.  I hope they add an element of fun to your gospel learning and help to engage even the most reluctant learners.  Make sure to come back each week for the latest!   

This activity sheet is based on the CFM lesson for March 15th and contains a coloring sheet, word search puzzle, and fill-in-the-blank scripture.   

*NOTE:  See the post for March 22nd with another coloring sheet and activity page to go with Joseph of Egypt.   
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"THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH"

Last time we studied the Old Testament for Come, Follow Me, my husband and I were youth Sunday School teachers.  It was the first time we'd had a calling that we did together and we enjoyed the opportunity to study and teach together.  We worked really hard to keep the focus of our class on Christ and how the lessons applied to us in modern times.   What worked for our class may not work for yours, but I encourage you to not get caught up so much in the story or history, but find a way to make it mean something.   This lesson plan was one I've adapted from that time here for the blog.   

LESSON PLAN IDEAS 
We taught the youngest class of 12-13 year olds, so we always threw in some games and light-hearted aspects to the lesson, to keep them engaged.  (ITEMS NEEDED:  scriptures, slips of paper, writing utensils) 

SNOWMAN OR OTHER WORD GAME TO INTRODUCE MAIN TOPICS FROM LESSON
{or spotlight them from the word search below}
(Snowman is a politically correct version of "hangman" where you'll add a part of the snowman for every wrong guess and the goal is to guess the words before it's complete )  
 
Set up the chalkboard with SNOWMAN with these 4 words:
1. FORGIVENESS (11 letters),
2. TEMPTATION (10 letters),
3. PRAYER (6 letters),
4. CHRIST (6 letters)

After they guess the 4 words, talk about how today's lesson is going to be about Joseph's story from the Old Testament and then you'll find a way to connect each of those words from the story with a modern day application. 

Take turns having members of the class pick the next word to discuss.  Below I've included some potential questions to ask, activities, and scriptures to read for each word.  If you're running low on time, prioritize talking about Christ. 

PRAYER
What kind of person was Joseph? Faithful. What do you think Joseph did when he was thrown into a pit by his own brothers? What about when he was sold? What about when he was a servant? When he was falsely accused and imprisoned for doing something he didn’t do? Joseph prays for deliverance.

What would have happened if God had answered Joseph’s prayers the way that he had expected?

Share story of praying to find out the right thing for our family. It really seemed like the right thing, but I got an unexpected NO answer. 

TEMPTATION
What are some of the temptations that Joseph faced? What did he do?

What kinds of temptations do we face today? HAND OUT PIECE OF PAPER AND PEN and have everyone write one thing that tempts them 

Go through each item (anonymously) and talk about ways to avoid that temptation .

Not just get away from temptation, but sometimes we need to fill our lives with good things

Have someone recite the 13th article of faith and relate it to temptation

FORGIVENESS

ASK FOR A VOLUNTEER:  to recount some of the wrongs that had been committed against Joseph 
(sold into Egypt, coat was stolen, accused of wrongdoing and thrown into prison, etc) 

SOME SCRIPTURES TO READ/DISCUSS: 
Genesis 37:3-4 – (Joseph’s family before forgiveness)
Genesis 45: 9-10, 14-15 (Joseph’s family after forgiveness)
45: 7-8 (Joseph recognizes that God’s purposes were at play)
50:20-21 (Joseph recognizes that God’s purposes were at play)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:  
What role did forgiveness play in the change in Joseph’s family?
How might things have turned out differently if Joseph had not been willing to forgive?

You might invite class members to suggest ways this story could help families today overcome contention and jealousy.

What are the benefits of forgiveness? 

If inspired, share a personal story of forgiveness: 


CHRIST
Joseph becomes a TYPE of Christ.  Explain what a "type of Christ" is if they don't know. 

Joseph is a type of Christ in 7 ways:
 1. 1st born of his mother
2. beloved by his father
3. betrayed
4.  avoids temptation
5.  gets accused of things he didn’t do
6. washes feet of brothers (Genesis 43:24)
7.  both end up being deliverers (Genesis 45: 4-5)


INTERESTING FACT:  
It was about 22 years between when brothers sold Joseph to when they saw him again.

QUESTION TO PONDER:
How have I seen God’s purpose in my life? 

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AN ORIGINAL PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET ON GOOGLE DRIVE (in case it's not showing below):  

Enjoy learning the gospel together.   

CFM Printable Activity Page for Genesis 6-11; Moses 8 (Feb 15)

I make these activity sheets each week to align with the Come, Follow Me reading and they're great for introducing or reviewing key concepts from the reading.   (Here is the link  to the CFM outline on the church website for February 9-15).    Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them and they're great for distributing along with programs for sacrament meeting, or as a part of a Sunday School lesson.   They're best printed double sided, so it's just half a sheet per person.   

I love the title of this week's outline, "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."  It's hard for my brain to fathom how wicked the world must have been for God to want a clean slate, but I love the idea that it was through grace of Christ that Noah, the animals, and his family were saved.  If I were teaching this week, I'd study study grace and discuss what that looks like in our lives today.   Here are a few talks and scriptures to get going.   

Compensating Blessings by Elder Caussé   (Apr 2025)
Worthiness is not Flawlessness by Elder Wilcox (Oct 2021)
Moroni 10:32; Alma 7:11-12; 2 Nephi 25:23


PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE FOR CFM

THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITY SHEET LINK (in case it's not showing below)

  Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

Enjoy learning the gospel together.  

Come, Follow Me Activity Sheet and Thoughts on Temples: D&C 124 (Nov 2)

    This blogpost features some thoughts on temples and a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  October 27 - November 2,  which includes Doctrine and Covenants 124.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.
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RESOURCE THAT MAY BE INTERESTING, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF PRESIDENT OAKS' RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT SLOWING THE PACE OF TEMPLE ANNOUNCING:  
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/temples/chronology/ 

That's over 100 temples that have been announced and haven't even started construction on yet!  

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TEMPLES:  MY STORY
This blogpost was previously published in 2020. 


I grew up in the great state of Minnesota.    It was a great place to grow up, but when I was a child, the closest temples were over 1000 miles away.  Idaho Falls, Cardston, Washington DC, and the Utah temples were all right about the same distance away, which meant that going to the temple was quite an ordeal for the people in our area.    Our family didn't have much money, but my parents always did love a good road trip, so they'd build visiting temples into our family trips. 

That's me in the piggy tails on the front row! 

That distance meant that they generally only went to the temple once a year or so, but my parents would usually set aside a day or two out of our vacation  and attend as many sessions as they could during that time.  I learned first-hand from their example,  that the temple  was important to my parents. 

This is what visiting the temple looked like when I was a child:

Then, in the year I turned 12, the temple in Chicago, Illinois was dedicated and that is where I went on all of our youth temple trips.  Chicago is about 400 miles away from where I grew up, so significantly closer than driving to Utah, Cardston, Idaho, or DC, but still an event.  We generally went with the youth a couple times per year and my parents would do babysitting exchanges with other families, so they could be away for 20+ hours at a time while they did a session.

This is what traveling to the temple looked like when I was a teen: 
 

When I was a college student, I worked at a store that sold glass temples at the University Mall in Provo.    As part of that job, I had the opportunity to get asked a lot of questions about temples.   I got asked design questions--why don't all temple have an angel Moroni statue?   And a lot of questions about where temples were and why?   I was quite the temple trivia whiz in my time and I enjoyed learning more about temples in a time when the internet wasn't really a widespread thing yet.  haha. 😂

 At the time I worked there in the early 1990's, there were about 50 temples in operation around the world.  It was sometime in that time period that Gordon B. Hinckley announced his plan to have 100 temples built by the year 2000.   As someone who grew up so far away from a temple, that announcement blew me away.   What a blessing it was going to be for so many people around the world and I wondered if Minnesota would ever get one. 

Sure enough, in 1998, plans to build one in Minnesota were announced and in January of the year 2000 it was completed--the 69th temple.   There were 102 dedicated by the end of that year.  The year 2000 was a great year for temples in the latter-days! 

Though I no longer lived in Minnesota, I rejoiced with the people of Minnesota and with all the people in the upper-midwest who now had a temple in their backyards after having sacrificed so much money and so many hours  of their time to go to the temple for so many years.     Today there are 208 functioning temples with another 40 or so somewhere in the process of being built (source).   Think of all the people in the world who are blessed for their closer proximity to the temple. 

WHY DO TEMPLES MATTER? 
So I've spent all this time telling you about how great it is that temples are more accessible to the people, but why does that matter? 

#1. I think the first thing people think of when they think of blessings of the temple is that when couples are married and/or families are sealed in the temple, those families are sealed together forever. 

"The full realization of the blessings of a temple marriage is almost beyond our mortal comprehension. Such a marriage will continue to grow in the celestial realm. There we can become perfected."  Russell M. Nelson

The ability to be sealed to our families is a wonderful blessing and should be a goal for all to strive for, but you don't have to wait until you're married or sealed to enjoy the blessings of the temple. 

President Russell M. Nelson told us that “Building and maintaining temples may not change your life, but spending your time in the temple surely will.”

Why is that?  

Elder Quentin L. Cook answers it well:   

“The temple is also a place of refuge, thanksgiving, instruction, and understanding, “that [we] may be perfected … in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth.” Throughout my life it has been a place of tranquility and peace in a world that is literally in commotion. It is wonderful to leave the cares of the world behind in that sacred setting.”(source)

#2.  The temple is a haven from the world. 

I'll be totally honest here.   The temple hasn't always been easy for me to attend.   BUT, when I do make the effort to go,  even when I am tired or feeling frazzled,  I STILL AM BLESSED WITH PEACE.    The world is more fast-paced than it's ever been and we literally need...yes, need...this time for our minds, spirits, and bodies to take a break from the freneticism of the world.  Now,  more than ever,  we need to give ourselves that quiet time to commune with God without the distractions that beset us almost everywhere else we could otherwise be.  

So those are some nice blessings for us when we go to the temple, but what about the actual work you do while you're there?

“After we receive our own temple ordinances and make sacred covenants with God, each one of us needs the ongoing spiritual strengthening and tutoring that is possible only in the house of the Lord. And our ancestors need us to serve as proxy for them."  Russell M. Nelson

#3.  Our ancestors are relying on us to perform important saving ordinances for them. 

“This work is all about people. It’s about giving every one of our Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters the chance to make covenants and receive saving, exalting ordinances. It’s all about helping his children return home to him.”-- Sheri Dew 

I love that when we walk in the doors of the temple all people are equal. We walk in the doors to do a selfless work of saving our ancestors, and there are no distinctions of wealth, status, or position. We all wear the same clothing, missionaries don't wear their tags, and general authorities sit in the same seats with the rest of us. It's actually a beautiful thing to behold....people from all walks of life gathering together to do an important work that can't be done anywhere else. And it doesn't matter to our ancestors whether a farmer, grocery store clerk, or CEO is the one doing their work. They're just happy it's being done. Think of the joy we facilitate on the other side of the veil when we participate in temple work.

“Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings.”  Thomas S. Monson (source

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PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET

THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITY SHEET LINK (in case it's not showing below)

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Have fun learning the gospel together and make sure to come back each week for a new activity sheet! 

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Giving Your Best Effort to the Lord: Resource Page, Lesson Ideas, and a CFM Activity Sheet D&C 71-75 (July 6)

This blogpost features a resource page and some lesson ideas, along with a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  June 30 - July 6, which includes Doctrine and Covenants 71-75.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

NOTE:  I am trying to decide whether it's worth the effort to continue doing these CFM posts for the second half of the year, so if you find these posts meaningful, PLEASE let me know.  They're getting challenging to keep up with and I need just a little feedback to know whether they're worth my time.  If you have constructive feedback on how I can improve them, I welcome that as well.  Thank you!   

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I CAN GIVE MY BEST EFFORT TO THE LORD:
There were several different directions to go with this week's reading, but the one that stood out to me the most, was about how we can give our best effort to the Lord. We all go through seasons of life when our efforts may seem exceedingly "small and simple," but the point is that you keep trying.  Christ multiplies our efforts and blesses us for trying!  Below, you will find teaching ideas and some resources as you study and prepare for your lesson or talk on this topic. 

"THE LORD'S MATH" OBJECT LESSON: 

MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. A small enough treat that you can give several to each child (but keep them in the original packaging for now)--this could be something like gummy bears, teddy grahams, M&Ms, skittles, etc.

2.  a container for the treats, but do NOT put anything into it for now

To get started:  Tell everyone you brought a treat to share with them.   Show them the bag of whatever you brought, then tell them that you are going to share some with them. 

Pretend to pour some treats into your bowl and announce, "I poured ZERO treats into this bowl to share with you.  Now hold out your hand and I'll share  ZERO treats with each of you."

When they protest, say something like "What does zero times zero equal?  Oh yeah, zero times zero is zero.  Now let me put 7 treats in here (or however many it takes so there is one for each person)."  

Then very dramatically give them each one treat and have them READ THE SCRIPTURE:  .  
"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but 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."  Alma 37:6

Now pour out the whole bag and let everyone have a small handful of treats, and talk about  how when we don't put anything into the bowl, there was nothing to share and we all got zero treats from it.  BUT THE MORE YOU PUT INTO IT, THE MORE TREATS YOU GET FROM IT.    AND THE LORD BLESSES EVEN OUR SMALL EFFORTS TO DO BETTER!  

Now relate that to BLESSINGS and the relationship they have to our  EFFORT.    The more effort we give to righteous tasks, the more blessings we receive.   When we throw up our hands and say something is too hard (or that we're too busy) without really trying, we are forgoing the blessings that we could be receiving.   On the other hand, the Lord blesses us even when our efforts are SMALL and SIMPLE!    This is the Lord's math!  

VIDEOS: 
The Lord Loves Effort from President Nelson (short video clip)


Bastian the Baby Elephant Learns to Work Hard by Latter-Day Kids

SCRIPTURES: 
"Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might..." D&C 75:3

QUOTES:
“by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” One home evening, one gospel conversation, or one good example may not change your child’s life in a moment, any more than one drop of rain causes a plant immediately to grow. But the consistency of small and simple things, day after day, nourishes your children much better than an occasional flood.”   Elder Uchtdorf

“Your power will be multiplied many times by the Lord. All He asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart. Do it cheerfully and with the prayer of faith. The Father and His Beloved Son will send the Holy Ghost as your companion to guide you. Your efforts will be magnified in the lives of the people you serve.” President Henry B. Eyring

TALKS TO STUDY:
Two Principles for Any Economy by Elder Uchtdorf (Oct 2009)
In the Path of Their Duty by Elder Bednar (Oct 2023)

SONG:
"I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go," Hymns, #270  (this version is so pretty and would be appropriate to show in a church setting)
https://youtu.be/XS17lrLxxrg?si=ONOfp95JFdU8jUBt

ORIGINAL ACTIVITY SHEET: 

THIS WEEK'S PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET LINK (in case it's not showing below)


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Be sure to come back every week for more Come, Follow Me resources. 

Enjoy learning the Gospel together!  💗

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Resources and Ideas for Teaching about Centering Your Life on Christ, Plus a Prinable Activity Sheet for D&C 67-70 ( CFM--Jun 29)

        This blogpost features some resources for your personal study or if you are preparing a talk or lesson on Centering Your Life in Christ.  Also included is a  half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 23-29, which includes D&C 67-70.    Click here for an index
and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks. 

NOTE:  I am trying to decide whether it's worth the effort to continue doing these CFM posts for the second half of the year, so if you find these posts meaningful, PLEASE let me know.  They're getting challenging to keep up with and I need just a little feedback to know whether they're worth my time.  If you have constructive feedback on how I can improve them, I welcome that as well.  Thank you!   

CENTERING YOUR LIFE IN CHRIST

Below you will find some ideas and resources that you can use in your personal study for preparing a talk or a lesson on Centering Your Life on Christ. 

OBJECT LESSON IDEA:

Oreo Object Lesson (adapted from this website)

Materials Needed:  Enough  Oreos for everyone in your class, plus at least one extra.

1. Show your class some Oreos

2. Eat the filling of an Oreo.

3. Put the two chocolate cookies back together.

4. Show your class the reassembled, empty sandwich cookie, ASK: Is this an Oreo?

5. Let your class respond.

If they determine that the answer is  "no," ASK: Why not?  (she will probably say, because it has no filling/stuffing)

If she says "yes," ASK: How it is still an Oreo? (point out that there is no filling)

6. Based on your class’s reply, respond to their thoughts.

7. ASK:  How is an Oreo that has no filling like a life without Jesus?

8. Respond based on your class’s response.

We can have good, strong values and things might look good from the outside,  but we are missing the full sweetness of the Gospel if we don't make time for Christ in our lives every day.   Just as an Oreo cookie isn’t an Oreo without the stuff in the middle, a person can't be their best selves without  Jesus as the center!

9. READ:  Proverbs 3:5-6  and  THIS QUOTE AND DISCUSS WHAT  IT MEANS TO LEAN AWAY FROM CHRIST: 

“In English the word lean has a connotation of physically listing or moving to one side. When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off center, we are out of balance, and we tip. When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior. If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ.” Bonnie Cordon

10. CONCLUDE:   Bear your testimony about how our lives are better with Christ.  Christ gives us strength and we are missing out when we do not prioritize our relationship with him.  

SCRIPTURES: 

D&C 68:25 (parents should teach children to understand the principles of the Gospel, including faith in Jesus)
Mark 8:34 (deny yourself and follow Christ)
Philippians 4:13 (I can do ALL things through Christ)
2 Nephi 25:26 (we talk of Christ...)
Moroni 7:48 (true followers of Jesus strive to be like Him)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (trust in the Lord and LEAN NOT)

TALKS TO STUDY :

"A Life Centered on Jesus Christ" (Elder S. Mark Palmer, BYU Graduation Address, 2022)

"The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life"  (Elder Richard J. Maynes, Oct 2015)

"Trust in the Lord and Lean Not" (Sister Bonnie Cordon, April 2017)

"Staying Centered On Christ when the World is Trying to Knock You Off Balance" (churchofjesuschrist.org, June 2018) 

VIDEOS: 

Temptation Fades as We Seek Christ in Every Thought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fta0-zS1tFo&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0&index=14

  Come Unto Jesus:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2d6l02H9vI&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0&index=33

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET: 

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.

Here is the LINK to the printable activity page (in case it's not showing  below)


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.” Russell M. Nelson,

“In English the word lean has a connotation of physically listing or moving to one side. When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off center, we are out of balance, and we tip. When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior. If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ.” Bonnie Cordon

“Please remember this one thing. If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.”  President Howard W. Hunter

"So what does a Christ-centered life look like? A Christ-centered life is being faithful to covenants. It is loving and serving others. A Christ-centered life rejoices in eternal family relationships. It prioritizes “the riches of eternity” over the riches of the world. A Christ-centered life humbly accepts that “to be learned is good if [we] hearken unto the counsels of God.” A Christ-centered life is full of joy."  Elder S. Mark Palmer

"I invite you to focus on that which is within your control, to center your faith and your life on Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, and, as needed, from time to time, to recenter your life on Him. I promise that doing so will lead to true and lasting joy."  Elder S. Mark Palmer

"The world in which we live is similar to the potter’s spinning wheel, and the speed of that wheel is increasing. Like the clay on the potter’s wheel, we must be centered as well. Our core, the center of our lives, must be Jesus Christ and His gospel. Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness."  Elder Richard J. Maynes


OTHER RESOURCES: 
Teaching Ideas for Making the Christ the Center of Our Lives

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Be sure to come back every week for more Come, Follow Me resources!  

Enjoy learning the gospel together!
 
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Forgiveness Teaching Ideas and Resources, CFM D&C 64-66 (Jun 22)

        This blogpost features some resources to help you teach about forgiveness, including a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 16-22, which includes D&C 64-66.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks. 

NOTE:  I am trying to decide whether it's worth the effort to continue doing these CFM posts for the second half of the year, so if you find these posts meaningful, PLEASE let me know.  They're getting challenging to keep up with and I need just a little feedback to know whether they're worth my time.  If you have constructive feedback on how I can improve them, I welcome that as well.  Thank you!   

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SOME RESOURCES TO HELP YOU TEACH ABOUT FORGIVENESS

If I were teaching or speaking about forgiveness this week, I would review the following materials and  pick what important points you feel inspired to focus on.  

OBJECT LESSON IDEA:
Materials Needed: Backpack filled with cans, books, or whatever will make it heavy

Ask for a strong volunteer to carry the backpack.   Have them walk around the room for a minute and ask how they would like to carry that weight around day and night from now on?  

Tell them that's what NOT forgiving someone is like.  We are carrying a burden that we don't need to carry and it's heavy and tiring.  

Now ask for a volunteer to come help the person carry the backpack.  Ask if that feels any better?   Yes, but it's still heavy. 

Now ask if they would like it if someone else were to carry the backpack for them?    

picture source

Because that's what Jesus offers to do for us. He wants to take the hurt and anger and other things that weigh us down, and take that yoke upon himself. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Remind them that us carrying the burden of NOT forgiving does not hurt or punish the other person at all, it only punishes ourselves. The goal of forgiveness is for OUR peace, not the person who caused the pain.  The other person may never repent or even feel sorry for what they've done, but that's not for us to worry about.  That's God's place to judge.  Forgiveness is a gift that we are given to lighten our own load and find peace and lightness.  

QUOTES:

"You can forgive someone and choose to not see them again to save yourself the stress of trauma. You can choose to protect yourself and those you love from any potential harm. Reconciliation may come in time (and we should work towards that whenever possible), but it is not required for forgiveness.
Some things may not be worked out until the next life. Perhaps that is why space is such a big place and eternity is such a long time; the Lord knows some people are going to need serious time and distance away from each other in order to work it out.
Remember these words from Elder Holland…
“Jesus did not say, ‘You are not allowed to feel pain or sorrow from shattering experiences you have had at the hand of another.’
“Nor did He say, ‘In order to forgive fully, you have to re-enter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance.’” Hank Smith

“You cannot erase what has been done, but you can forgive. Forgiveness heals terrible, tragic wounds, for it allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord.”  Elder Richard G. Scott

"Forgiveness is not excusing accountability or failing to protect ourselves, our families, and other innocent victims. Forgiveness is not continuing in a relationship with someone who is not trustworthy.  Forgiveness is not condoning injustice.  Forgiveness is not dismissing the hurt or disgust we feel because of the actions of others.  Forgiveness is not forgetting, but remembering in peace.  

Forgiveness is putting more faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  In His time and in His way, His love and sacrifice for us will take away our pain and heal our souls.  As we wait upon His healing, remembering how unjustly the Savior of the world was treated, we move forward in faith, believing that in this world or the next, God will generously and justly bless all  have been treated unjustly."  
Divine Gift of Forgiveness Institute Class 

SCRIPTURES
D&C 64:10 (God will forgive who he will forgive; we must forgive all)
Matthew 18:21-22  (how often shall we forgive?  70x7)
Ephesians 4:31-32 (put away bitterness and wrath; be kind and forgiving)
3 Nephi 12:44 (love your enemies)
Luke 11:4 (we all have need to be forgiven and to forgive others)
Matthew 6:14-15 (if you forgive others, God will forgive you)

TALKS/ARTICLES
Beauty for Ashes:  The Healing Path to Forgiveness by Kristin Yee (Oct 2022)
Forgiveness:  Our Challenge and Our Blessing by Elder Gilliland (Liahona Aug 2004)

ARTICLES FOR CHILDREN
Pebble of Forgiveness by Jane McBride Choate (Friend Magazine, Feb 2003)
Jesus Forgave by Kim Webb Reid (Friend Magazine, Aug 2017)
Forgiving Demi by Breanne Richards (Friend Magazine, Jan 2018)

BUILDING FORGIVENESS ACTIVITY (taken from the Friend Magazine)

Cut out squares of colored paper to look like bricks. Write each tip below on a brick. Take turns talking about each tip, and then glue it to a poster board. When you’re done, you’ll have a strong foundation of forgiveness. Draw a house on top of your foundation as a reminder that forgiveness helps make a happier home.

What can you do when you feel sad or angry with someone?

• Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then repeat.

• Try to think about why the other person might have done what he or she did.

• Walk away and come back when you’re not so angry.

• Tell the other person how you feel about what he or she did. Speak calmly, without yelling.

• Say, “I forgive you.”

• Do something kind for the person you’re upset with.

• Remember that there are times when you need to be forgiven.

• Pray for help to forgive when it’s hard.

• Remember that sometimes the person you forgive might not be sorry. But we can forgive anyway.

• If you’re upset with something you did, forgive yourself and try to do better next time.

• What else can you do?

VIDEO:  The Goal:  A Story of Faith, Friendship, and Forgiveness


PRINTABLE COME, FOLLOW ME ACTIVITY SHEET

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.  I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.

Click here for the link to the activity sheet (in case it's not showing below).



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Be sure to bookmark this site and come back every week for more Come, Follow Me material! 

Enjoy learning the gospel together!

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Real Life Tips for Sharing the Gospel as an Introvert and a Printable Activity CFM Activity Sheet to go with D&C 60-63 (Jun 15)

       This blogpost features some down to earth, approachable ways to share the gospel as an introvert, as well as a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 9-15, which includes D&C 60-63.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

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REAL-LIFE TIPS FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL AS AN INTROVERT

Being someone who leans toward the introverted side of the personality spectrum, means that sometimes sharing the gospel in the traditional way can feel a little extra intimidating. After years of worrying that I'm not doing enough in this department, I'm coming to realize that there are many more ways to share the gospel than just the "extroverted" way of boldly inviting people to come to church or to meet with the missionaries.  Of course, I may feel prompted to extend those bold invitations sometimes, but I'm realizing that, for many people, our quieter, introverted approach is exactly what they need for their seed of faith to be nurtured.   After a lot of thought and study on this topic, here is my plan for sharing the gospel more effectively as an introvert.  

1. Live it every day.
In Preach My Gospel, it says: “The Savior has shown the way. He has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is.”  And in the Bible, we are commanded to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 

Living the gospel consistently  is by far the most effective way to let that light shine and share the gospel with others.  When the way you live on a day-in and day-out basis reflects your love for the Savior, people will notice.   Just as they say, "Actions speak louder than words," I believe that the way you treat people, how you handle difficult situations, and  the integrity with which you live are all testaments that will speak much louder than any spoken testimony can.   Of course, that doesn't mean perfection.   But it does mean doing our best to live in more accordance with how the Savior lives and when we fall short, doing what we can to make it right.  People are drawn to light and when you let the light of Christ shine through you, people will notice. 

2. Pray
Praying for the people we care about to feel  the Spirit is a powerful tool to help us in our quest to share the gospel.   On the surface, it may seem passive, but when those prayers are coupled with action, there is no better foundational premise on which to base our efforts to share the gospel.  

The following scripture is a good reminder that there is no topic for which we can't turn to the Lord.  
 
"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."  Alma 37:37
 
Whether we are praying to recognize an opportunity to share the gospel,  or to give us the courage to speak up, or to simply help someone to feel the Spirit; prayer is always a good idea!  

3. Build relationships
If you were to gather all the teachings of the prophets through the scriptures and through modern times, I think there are two themes that would stand above the rest.  The #1 theme of course being Jesus Christ, but not far behind that would be love.  When someone random tells me something, I may or may not pay attention to what they have to say.  But when someone I love tells me something, I pay far more attention.  

When we view sharing the gospel as a gradual process of nurturing a seed, it just makes sense that getting to know someone and developing a friendly loving relationship with them is a big part of that process.     I believe wholeheartedly that the best way for someone to hear your message (spoken or not), is to be a true friend and let them know you care, whether they ever express any interest in the gospel or not.  Additionally, I feel compelled to mention that sometimes the relationships we need to focus on most are the ones within our own families.  Remember that family is first, especially when it comes to sharing the gospel love!

"Through Christlike love for others, we preach the glorious, life-transforming properties of Christ’s gospel, and we participate significantly in the fulfilling of His great commission." Elder Stevenson

4. Don't view it as a big thing
My brain has a tendency to blow things up into bigger things than they need to be and sharing the gospel often has been one of those things for me.   What I've come to realize over the years is that taking  the "bigness" out of it, makes it seem more approachable.  For me that meant not viewing "sharing the gospel" as only extending a special invitation to come to church with us or to have them meet with the missionaries, but, as I mentioned above, more of a gradual process.    

I love what Elder Uchtdorf shared on this topic: 
“Years ago our family lived and worked among people who in almost every case were not of our faith. When they asked us how our weekend was, we tried … to share some religious experiences we had as a family over the weekend—for instance, what a youth speaker had said about the standards from For the Strength of Youth or how we were touched by the words of a young man who was leaving on his mission.”   Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Somehow sharing a small gospel insight that I learned at church that week seems much easier than asking if they want to come to church with me.

5. Be you. 
I am someone who does not speak well on the fly, which is why it's much easier and more effective for me to share my thoughts and feelings on the gospel in writing.  For others, that would be torture.    Additionally, I really like creating these activity sheets to go with the Come, Follow Me reading each week.  It gives me direction in my scripture study  and I feel that they are a way that I can share the gospel with others weekly.   What works for you to share the gospel may look very different than it does for me.   Part of the challenge is finding how YOU can share the gospel in a way that's authentic to you, in a way that you can consistently do it.   That doesn't mean never having to step outside our comfort zones, but when we find a way to do it day-in, day-out, we can find that we can have a far greater impact for good than if we sit silently back waiting until we feel comfortable. 

SOME NON-SCARY IDEAS FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL

1. Read church books in public places, so people can ask questions. 
2. Don't be afraid to chime into  religious discussions.   
3. Send a weekly spiritual thought to your grown children. 
4. Share a spiritual insight on social media occasionally
5. Add a quote from scripture or a General Authority when you post a random picture on social media
6. Work on strengthening your own testimony, so you can speak with greater confidence when the opportunity arises
7. Approach it slowly and with love
8.  Send an uplifting note to someone who is struggling
9.  Seek for opportunities to serve in the community
10.  Pick one uplifting/interesting thing that you experienced each Sunday and be prepared to share it whenever anyone asks, "How was your weekend?"
11. Write encouraging emails/letters to the missionaries serving from your ward
12. Pray to recognize missionary opportunities
13.  Exercise patience and forgiveness when people fall short of your expectations.  See #1 above.  Your actions speak much louder than any spoken words ever could.
14. Love, Share, Invite.  I love this simple admonition from Elder Stevenson that starts with love!  
15. Keep a written record of spiritual experiences and impressions that you've had that you can pass on and share with the next generation

SOME GREAT RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY

"Missionary Work:  Sharing What's in Your Heart" by Elder Uchtdorf
"3 Easy (and Unscary) Ways to Share the Gospel with Others" by Daniel A. (church website)
"Love, Share, Invite" by Elder Stevenson

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PRINTABLE CFM ACTIVITY SHEET

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.


CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ACTIVITY PAGE (in case it's not showing below)


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Be sure to bookmark this site and come back every week for more Come, Follow Me resources!  

Enjoy learning the Gospel together!

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A Hen Gathering Her Chicks and a Come Follow Me Activity Sheet for D&C 29 (Apr 6)

 This blogpost features some of my thoughts on why the scriptures use the analogy of Christ being like a "hen gathering her chicks," which you may find useful if you are preparing a talk or a lesson on this topic.   Additionally, you'll find  a half-sheet activity page at the bottom to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  March 31 - April 6, which includes Doctrine and Covenants 29.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

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MY THOUGHTS ON A HEN GATHERING HER CHICKS

When I read this week's Come, Follow Me reading, I immediately paused on D&C 29:2. 

"Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer."

I think it stuck out to me because it was the first time I was realizing (no, I'm not a scriptorian) that the imagery of  Christ gathering His people like a "hen gathereth her chickens under her wings" is used throughout the scriptures.   You can find this analogy with very similar wording in the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, and in the Doctrine and Covenants.    I had read it many times before, but had never connected that it was found so many times in the scriptures in different places.  

It made me pause and consider why this same imagery was used by different writers throughout the ages.  In those considerations, my mind was turned to   think of our own experiences with chickens.  

About a decade ago, we had friends that owned  a small hobby farm who asked for volunteers to take care of some baby chicks until they were old enough to join the hens in their coop.   We were very much suburbanites living a very suburban life, but we decided we could convert one of our bathtubs into an incubator for a few weeks, so my kids could have the experience of taking care of them.  All in all, it was a good (and slightly smelly) experience for them to learn how to care for such helpless creatures, but we were happy to give them back to the owners when it was time. 

Fast forward several years and we moved to Utah!   The home we purchased here came with a chicken coop and a few chickens.   We were pretty excited by it at first, but have since realized that taking care of chickens is a lot of work and they don't give as much as they take.  But it's all good.  We take care of them and they give us eggs when they feel like it.  

Both of our separate experiences with baby chicks and then with fully grown hens has given me a new lens to consider the imagery found in these scriptures. 

First off, it's hard not to think of my own "baby chicks" who needed a lot of care when they were young, but now  have somehow all grown and left our coop to go off to create their own lives.  I know the scattering is natural and what we want for our children, but   I am filled with longing looking at the picture below.  These days it is rare for our family to all be under the same roof and I miss the simplicity (though it didn't feel simple when we were living it) of having a house filled with our little people.   I had no idea in the moment that picture was taken, the challenges that lay ahead very shortly, for if I had, I would have held onto them a little tighter.   But God knew.  And looking back I can see that he was preparing us for those challenges.  

I'm not experienced enough with chickens to have ever witnessed a hen gathering her chicks, but looking at this picture, I can relate.   

I very much want to protect my children from any storm that may befall them, but I've come far enough into life to realize that that's just not possible.  Try as I might,  I couldn't stop my daughter from developing epilepsy.  I couldn't stop my son from developing leukemia.  I couldn't stop my husband's job losses.  I couldn't stop my child from experiencing severe mental illness.   Then I realized that it's not my role, nor is it in my capacity, to STOP storms from happening.  But what I can do, is follow the example of our Savior and make sure that my kids know that my arms and our "coop"  are always a safe place to come back to.  That no matter where their journeys take them, that they know that my love for them is unconditional. 

I love this quote from October's General Conference that illustrates many of the feelings of my heart on this topic so well:  

"One of the miracles of the divine economy is that when we try to share Jesus’s love, we find ourselves being filled up in a variation of the principle that “whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Being filled with God’s love shields us in life’s storms but also makes the happy moments happier—our joyful days, when there is sunshine in the sky, are made even brighter by the sunshine in our souls."    "God's Favourite," Karl Hirst, October 2024

The storms still happen, but with God, we are better equipped to weather them.   I believe that one of Satan's greatest tools is to have us believe that somehow we've messed up so much that we've fallen out of reach of Christ's atonement.  He'd have us think  that because our path in life is  windy and hilly, that we're too far gone to qualify for God's help...and I think that's where the beauty of the imagery of a hen gathering her chicks comes into play.   We are never, ever too far gone.   Christ's reach is infinite and he can pull us out of our lowest lows and bring us in from the furthest path.   

In the 10th Article of Faith, it reads: 
"We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory."

Gathering is an integral part of the gospel plan and just as I yearn for and treasure the moments when our family is all gathered in, I know Christ yearns for us to be able to return to Him.  He doesn't stop the storms from happening, but he provides the soft place to land, as well as that sure foundation for us to hold onto when we are in the midst of them.  

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PRINTABLE CFM ACTIVITY SHEET
These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.


HERE IS THE LINK TO THE ACTIVITY SHEET (in case it's not showing below)

 

 

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💗HAPPY GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND AND HAVE FUN LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!  💗

CFM Teaching Ideas, Resources, and an Activity Sheet for D&C 23-26 (Mar 23)

 This blogpost features some interesting resources, a fun fill-in-the-blank hymn hunt to uncover a secret message, a few thoughts, and  a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  March 17-23, which includes Doctrine and Covenants 23-26.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

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SOME THOUGHTS:

There are a lot of different ways to go with teaching about Doctrine and Covenants 25.  If I were teaching young women, I would almost certainly focus on what it means to be an "elect lady".  There are some great scriptures listed in this study guide, which would be great for launching some good discussions.  I would also use this as an opportunity to talk about other "elect ladies" from the scriptures and church history (like Esther, Eve, Anna, Ruth, Mary, Martha, etc.) and what it means to be an elect lady today.  This article would be a great resource if you decide to go with this route.

Focusing on the hymns would also great way to go!  You could talk about the power of good music and discuss why the Lord prioritized creating a hymnbook so early in the church.  You could play name-that-tune or have a hymn scavenger hunt.  Have fun with it!  

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SOME INTERESTING RESOURCES:

A guide for studying Doctrine and Covenants 25, including some historical background and some insights on specific verse

A page by page glimpse at the original hymn book (scroll through the pages by dragging the arrow found along the bottom of the page).  I thought it was fascinating that it was not standard at the time to include the sheet music, because most hymns were sung to familiar tunes. 

An interesting article about Emma Smith

"The Influence of Righteous Women" by Dieter Uchtdorf

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A PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them. 😊

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE (in case it's not showing below)



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A FILL-IN-THE-BLANK HYMN HUNT:
You'll want to cut off the bottom section with the answers before distributing it.


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ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!! 💗

Come Follow Me: Thoughts on Christ's Atonement and a Printable Activity Sheet for D&C 19 (Mar 9)

 This blogpost features some of my thoughts on Christ's atonement, including some scriptures and quotes you can add to your studies this week.   Below all that you'll find a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for  March 3-9, which includes Doctrine and Covenants section 19.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

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THE PERFECT LIE:  Thoughts on Christ's Atonement

Several years ago I watched a video on the church website by Tiffany Webster called “The Perfect Lie”. Sister Webster identifies what she calls Satan’s “Perfect Lie” as a formula that if I take me as I am, flawed, imperfect and all and just add more, more humility, more service, more righteousness, more [fill in the blank], then I will be Christlike. Chasing perfection in that way is a human hamster wheel – we’ll never reach the finish line and we'll never stack up. We absolutely cannot become as Christ is through our own efforts.

However, if we can change the formula, to take me as I am, flawed, imperfect and all and add Christ, then I become more--More powerful, more lovable, more fit for service, more [fill in the blank].

It's interesting how someone can share their thoughts on a Gospel topic that isn't necessarily all that new or original, but there's something about the way they share it that resonates with you.  That's how this video (which used to be an online article as well) was for me.   My personality is such that I am prone to chasing perfection in my life and there was something about the way Sister Webster expressed her experiences and thoughts that was transformational for me.   I shared this video with everyone I knew, taught lessons using some of her ideas, and really tried to change my focus from striving for perfection to striving to simply add more time to connect with Christ each day in my life.   As with most things in life, it's a complicated and ongoing effort that I sometimes fail at, but I do believe that it's something I'm getting better at over the years.    
 
Since then, I've started to be more cognizant of this same idea popping up in General Conference talks and in the scriptures.  Here are a few that I've found:  

In a 2015 General Conference talk, Elder Uchtdorf shared:

“Grace opens windows of heaven… through which God pours out blessings of power and strength enabling us to achieve things that would otherwise be far out of our reach…Throughout our lives God’s grace bestows temporal blessings and spiritual gifts that magnify our abilities and enriches our lives. His grace refines us and helps us become our best selves.”

 Paul said “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Ammon said it this way, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things…”

As the Lord said to Moroni: “…my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

In one of my favorite new hymns,  "Amazing Grace," we sing, "Amazing grace—how sweet the sound— That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found,  Was blind, but now I see. The Lord has promised good to me; His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be. As long as life endures. Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. His grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home."

I add my voice to these great prophets that though I often feel weak, though I often feel I am not good enough temporally or spiritually, that when I strive to walk more deliberately with Christ, by his grace, I am my best self.

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ACTIVITY SHEET

These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half.  They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting.   I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week.  Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.

HERE IS THE LINK TO THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITY SHEET (in case it's not showing below)




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Enjoy learning the Gospel together!  💗