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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NEW TESTAMENT: CFM Teaching Ideas for June 19-25, 2023 {Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19}

 This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for June 19-25, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

 PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE:  This activity page is geared for kids 8+, but has the coloring section that's good for all ages.   Print them double sided and get an easy 1/2 sheet activity page that's perfect for handing out in sacrament meeting or for using as an attention activity in your classrooms and families.  

 TEACHING IDEA: 

Visual of the Pits:

PREP:  In advance, gather two plates, two dish towels, treats enough for the family, and several rocks.   Without anyone seeing, place the treats on one plate and rocks on the other, then cover both plates completely so that they will not be able to tell what is on them. Then make a line across the table with tape or yarn and place each plate on opposite sides of the table/line.

THE ACTIVITY:  Have Dad standing near one plate and Mom near the other, each doing their best to persuade the children to choose their side, for it will bring them  joy and happiness. Let each child choose a side and once all the children have chosen, uncover the plates and reveal what is underneath the dishtowel.

The ones who chose the rocks will undoubtedly be disappointed and will want to switch sides. Explain that they made their choice and can‘t switch to the other side. Further explain that this is what life would be like if Christ had not atoned for our sins. We would be stuck in the misery of our wrong choices, with no hope of enjoying happiness again. Fortunately Christ‘s atonement provided a way for us to cross back over to happiness again.

Explain that the line is like a pit and, then share how Christ‘s atonement is like a bridge. Allow the children to cross the bridge to the side of happiness. Share the treats with everyone as you encourage the children to appreciate the sacrifice that was made by Christ so that we could have a way to return to our Heavenly Father again.

 For those who are ready to learn more, you can explain the difference between spiritual and physical death and what the resurrection and the atonement mean to us as individuals. The main purpose here is to convey Christ‘s great love for us and His desire for us to be happy and return to live with Him again someday.

VIDEOS: 

Matthew 27:  Jesus is Condemned Before Pilate  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs-nHYYmors


Matthew 27:  Jesus is Scourged and Crucified  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlALmOx8Sk0


Matthew 27:  Jesus is Buried in the Tomb  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPfC9kSPP_Q


QUOTE: 

"If we are to have unity, there are commandments we must keep concerning how we feel. We must forgive and bear no malice toward those who offend us. The Savior set the example from the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). We do not know the hearts of those who offend us. Nor do we know all the sources of our own anger and hurt. The Apostle Paul was telling us how to love in a world of imperfect people, including ourselves, when he said, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Cor. 13:4–5). And then he gave solemn warning against reacting to the fault of others and forgetting our own when he wrote, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known”"  Henry B. Eyring, "That We May Be One," April 1998

 

HAVE FUN LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

CFM for May 22-28, 2023 {JST Matthew 1; Matthew 24-25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21}

 Hello!   This blogpost is filled with resources that will complement  the Come, Follow Me reading for May 22-28, 2023!  

Click here to see an index of all my CFM posts: 

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET: This 1/2 page activity sheet is geared for kids ages 8-14, though younger kids often enjoy the coloring pages and older kids/adults often enjoy the learning activities.   They're great for reviewing or introducing gospel topics found in the reading.  I hand them out along with the sacrament programs in our ward.  Others use them in their church classrooms and still others use them to reinforce learning at home.  They're best printed double-sided.

TEACHING IDEAS:

The activity at the end of this lesson would be great: http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com/2012/09/yw-manual-1-lesson-29-second-coming.html?m=0

 The following  FHE lesson has some activities and a game that would be great for teaching about preparing for the Second Coming of Christ. 


QUOTES: 
"Spiritual security will always depend upon how one lives, not where one lives. I promise that if we will do our best to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and access the power of His Atonement through repentance, we will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord."  Russell M Nelson, "The Future of the Church:  Preparing the World for the Savior's Second Coming," April 2020

"If we would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them.

We need to make both temporal and spiritual preparation for the events prophesied at the time of the Second Coming. And the preparation most likely to be neglected is the one less visible and more difficult—the spiritual. A 72-hour kit of temporal supplies may prove valuable for earthly challenges, but, as the foolish virgins learned to their sorrow, a 24-hour kit of spiritual preparation is of greater and more enduring value."  Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparation for the Second Coming," April 2004


VIDEOS:

 The Parable of the Ten Virgins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwCavwlkp0A

The Widow's Mite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1G-aZIempw



Time is Running Out:  Recent Prophetic Teachings on the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPRkwSEcBuA

 The Parable of the Talents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Havcr-2Kx30

Enjoy learning the gospel together!  

 

 

Come Follow Me Teaching Tools for May 15-21, 2023 {Matthew 21-23; Mark 11; Luke 19-20; John 12}

Hello and welcome to my blog--a place dedicated to learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I create these blogposts each week as a resource for people to find some teaching tools that complement the Come, Follow Me reading.   This week is all about humility and love! 

Click here to see an index of all my CFM posts: 

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:  This 1/2 page activity sheet is geared for kids ages 8-14, though younger kids often enjoy the coloring pages and older kids/adults often enjoy the learning activities.   They're great for reviewing or introducing gospel topics found in the reading.  I hand them out along with the sacrament programs in our ward.  Others use them in their church classrooms and still others use them to facilitate learning at home.  They're best printed double-sided. :)

HANDS-ON TEACHING IDEA:  This video has a great object lesson using marshmallows in a microwave to talk about pride.  I would recommend watching the video for the idea, then implementing it yourself, because hands-on learning is always so much better.  I especially love the acronym (J.O.Y.) they introduce in the video and it would make for a great launch to talk about the humility of the woman who washes Jesus' feet.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwEifwQ0l7A&t=267s



QUOTE:

"The Savior was understanding and compassionate with sinners whose hearts were humble and sincere. But He rose up in righteous anger against hypocrites like the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees—those who tried to appear righteous in order to win the praise, influence, and wealth of the world, all the while oppressing the people they should have been blessing. The Savior compared them to “whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”...

Why does this happen? Why do we sometimes try to appear active, prosperous, and dedicated outwardly when on the inside—as the Revelator said of the Ephesians—we have “left [our] first love”?

In some cases, we may simply have lost our focus on the essence of the gospel, mistaking the “form of godliness” for the “power thereof.” This is especially dangerous when we direct our outward expressions of discipleship to impress others for personal gain or influence. It is then that we are at risk of entering into Pharisee territory, and it is high time to examine our hearts to make immediate course corrections."  Dieter Uchtdorf, "On Being Genuine," April 2015

VIDEOS:  

Matthew 21: Jesus' Authority is Questioned  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI8JWMNyEN0&list=PL4A73DDEE675FBC39&index=36


Matthew 21:  The Lord's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdUw_E-tGjE


Enjoy learning the gospel together!  

CFM for May 8-14, 2023 {Matthew 19-20; Mark 10; Luke 18}

 This blogpost is dedicated to helping parents and church teachers teach the Come, Follow Me curriculum for the week of May 8-14, 2023.   You will find a printable activity page, quotes, videos, and teaching ideas.  Feel free to add your own in the comments. 

Click here to see an index of all my CFM posts.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE:  This 1/2 page double-sided activity sheet is perfect for handing to kids during sacrament meeting, as an attention getting activity in a class, or as a review for families.  My teens  {and husband }love it when there's a word search!  


HANDS-ON TEACHING IDEA: 

This video has a great hands-on / visual  way to teach about the Parable of the Laborers.  It's not taught from an LDS perspective, but the overall principles are good and easily adjustable to fit with church doctrine.  You could put a small picture of Christ in the bottom of the bag, instead of the cross.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rat_wlLUnCw

QUOTES:
"Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,”2 as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live."  Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Laborers in the Vineyard," April 2012

"I would like to suggest that each of you participate in a spiritual exercise sometime soon, perhaps even tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following question: “What is keeping me from progressing?” In other words: “What lack I yet?” Then wait quietly for a response. If you are sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be revelation intended just for you.

Perhaps the Spirit will tell you that you need to forgive someone. Or you may receive a message to be more selective about the movies you watch or the music you listen to. You may feel impressed to be more honest in your business dealings or more generous in your fast offerings. The possibilities are endless.

The Spirit can show us our weaknesses, but He is also able to show us our strengths. Sometimes we need to ask what we are doing right so that the Lord can lift and encourage us. When we read our patriarchal blessings, we are reminded that our Heavenly Father knows our divine potential. He rejoices every time we take a step forward. To Him, our direction is ever more important than our speed.

Be persistent, brothers and sisters, but never be discouraged. We will have to go beyond the grave before we actually reach perfection, but here in mortality we can lay the foundation. “It is our duty to be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today.”9

If spiritual growth is not a priority in our lives, if we are not on a course of steady improvement, we will miss out on the important experiences that God wants to give us." Larry Lawrence, "What Lack I Yet?", October 2015

VIDEOS: 

Jesus Christ and the Rich Young Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4FnoXC9xIA

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUBf5rRSyO0

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YehxfK8oXx0



Enjoy learning the gospel together! 

CFM for May 1-7 {Luke 12-17; John 11}

 This post contains a printable activity sheet, some quotes, teaching ideas, and links to videos which complement the material found in the Come, Follow Me reading for May 1-7, 2023.   Enjoy teaching your families and classes about these powerful stories from the New Testament!  

Click here to see an index of all my CFM posts

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:  this 1/2 page activity sheet would be great as a handout for kids in sacrament meetings, as a review for families, or as an attention getter in a church class. 

QUOTES: 

"This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.

When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.

We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?

Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges." Dieter Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances", April 2014

"Now, if for any reason you individually or as a family have lost your way, then you need only apply the Savior’s teachings from Luke, chapter 15, to correct your course. Here the Savior tells of the effort of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep, of a woman searching for a lost coin, and of the welcome received by the prodigal son returning home. Why did Jesus teach these parables? He wanted us to know that none of us will ever be so lost that we cannot find our way again through His Atonement and His teachings. As you seek to live the gospel and doctrine of Christ, the Holy Ghost will guide you and your family. You will have a spiritual GPS to tell you always where you are and where you are going."  M. Russell Ballard, "That the Lost May Be Found", April 2012

TEACHING  IDEAS:   Hot and cold game!  Hide something valuable (ideally something the kids will be excited about, like some treats or something) and have the kids start looking for them.   Let them know when they are hot  (close) or cold (far away).  Use this as a launching point for discussion of the lost sheep, or the prodigal son. 

VIDEOS:  

Jesus Gives the Parables of the Prodigal Son
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_QCQ5i7NKs




The Prodigal Son
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCOPOrxU0Nc

 

Russell M Nelson on the Healing Power of Gratitude: 
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2020-11-1100-president-russell-m-nelson-on-the-healing-power-of-gratitude?lang=eng

 

CFM for April 24-30, 2023 {John 7-10}

 This post contains teaching ideas, quotes, and other resources for the CFM reading for April 24-30, 2023.   

Out of all the titles Christ is given in the scriptures, "The Good Shepherd" is one of my favorites.  It's a name that invokes the thought of a gentle, yet humble leader who leads His followers with love and watchfulness.   

See here for the catalog of other Come, Follow Me posts.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE:   {Christ is the Good Shepherd coloring page, scripture activity from the CFM manual} 

These printable activity sheets are designed to be easy to hand out with the sacrament programs.  They're also perfect as an attention getter in a Primary, Seminary, or Sunday School class and they  also make for great conversation starters about different topics found in this week's CFM reading.   If you use them, leave me a comment and let me know how it goes.  :) 

OBJECT LESSON:  
Hold up a picture of a pet (or if you have a pet, just show the real thing).   Have your group discuss the effort it takes to take care of a pet.   They'll have to feed it, make sure it gets exercise, makes sure it doesn't get lost, etc.  Now ask what they would do if their beloved pet ran out into the street.  Of course, they would go after it and bring him safely home.   Would they be angry?  Frustrated, maybe.  Worried, yes.  But, not angry.  

Now relate taking care of a pet to a shepherd taking care of its sheep.    The sheep need to go where there is food and water available.  They need to be watched over to make sure they don't wander off.  They need to to all be gathered safely back in at the end of the day.   Etcetera. 

Now talk about Christ is our Good Shepherd.  Discuss what that means.  He wants us all to be spiritually safe.  He doesn't judge us for messing up or getting ourselves into dangerous situations.  He might be worried and even a little frustrated, but not angry.  And never ever not welcoming.  He is always there with open, welcoming arms to bring us back to safety.  

QUOTES ABOUT CHRIST AS THE GOOD SHEPHERD: 

"Our Good Shepherd is unchanging and feels the same way today about sin and sinners as He did when He walked the earth. He does not recoil from us because we sin, even if He on occasion must think, “But what a sheep!” He loves us so much that He provided the way for us to repent and become clean so we can return to Him and our Heavenly Father.32 In doing so, Jesus Christ also set the example for us to follow—to show respect to all and hatred toward none.    As His disciples, let us fully mirror His love and love one another so openly and completely that no one feels abandoned, alone, or hopeless. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd, who loves and cares for us. He knows us and laid down His life for His sheep.33 He also lives for us and wants us to know Him and exercise faith in Him. I love and adore Him, and I am profoundly grateful for Him..."

Dale Renlund, "Our Good Shepherd," April 2017 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/our-good-shepherd?lang=eng



"As our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ calls us in His voice and His name. He seeks and gathers us. He teaches us how to minister in love. Let us consider these three themes, beginning with Him calling us in His voice and His name.   First, our Good Shepherd “calleth his own sheep by name. … They know his voice.”6 And “in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ.”7 As we seek with real intent to follow Jesus Christ, inspiration comes to do good, to love God, and to serve Him.8 As we study, ponder, and pray; as we regularly renew sacramental and temple covenants; and as we invite all to come to His gospel and ordinances, we are hearkening to His voice."
Gerrit Gong, "Good Shepherd, Lamb of God," April 2019   https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2019/05/53gong?lang=eng

VIDEOS: 


The Good Shepherd and Other Sheep I Have:    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-10-0059-the-good-shepherd-and-other-sheep-i-have?lang=eng 

Good Shepherd Children's Story (this isn't a church video, but it's a sweet  (very appropriate) video made by a family that owns sheep)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvi5N_y-910 

Enjoy learning the gospel together!  

Come Follow Me Printable Page and Teaching Ideas for April 17-23, 2023 {Matthew 18; Luke 10}

Below you will find an original printable activity page and some teaching ideas to go along with the CFM reading for April 17-23, 2023.   There are a ton of different topics in this reading, but I focused in on the ones that stood out to me.   Enjoy learning the gospel together! 

See here for the catalog of other Come, Follow Me posts. 

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE {forgiveness, coloring page, fill-in-the-blank scripture, spot the difference, good Samaritan}.  The coloring page and the spot-the-difference activity are from the church website, the rest is original  :  

These printable activity pages are original and only found here at The Golden Seven.  They can be used as review or conversation starters for the topics found in the CFM reading each week.  


LESSON IDEAS: 

QUOTE ON CHOOSING THE BETTER PART: (Luke 10:38-42)
"We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.

Jesus taught this principle in the home of Martha. While she was “cumbered about much serving” (Luke 10:40), her sister, Mary, “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” . When Martha complained that her sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Martha for what she was doing, but taught her that “one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” . It was praiseworthy for Martha to be “careful and troubled about many things” , but learning the gospel from the Master Teacher was more “needful.” The scriptures contain other teachings that some things are more blessed than others ....

As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.

Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom” "
 Dallin H Oaks, "Good Better Best", Oct. 2007)   https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/good-better-best?lang=eng 


"Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions. …. My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.”  Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world."  

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Things that Matter Most", October 2010, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng 

VIDEO ON MOMENTS THAT MATTER MOST:  

What Matters Most:  


 https://youtu.be/l70e1TfN34w

Moments that Matter Most 

https://youtu.be/KYhDhiojBPA

 

Come, Follow Me Teaching Ideas for March 27 - April 2, 2023 {Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5-6}

Hello, Come Follow Me friends!   

I'm back with another round of teaching ideas and an original activity page to go along with each week's CFM reading.   Our studies in April are full of some of the most memorable and meaningful moments of Christ's life, so I don't try to cover every topic and event, but rather spotlight some of the ones that stood out to me the most.   

See here for the catalog of my other Come, Follow Me posts.  

Here are some resources for the readings for March 27 - April 2, 2023, which include Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5-6. 

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE (includes an original crossword puzzle, a coloring page from the church website, and a fill-in-the-blank scripture).  These are great for handing out to accompany the sacrament programs, as an attention activity in a Sunday School or Primary class, or as a fun review with your family.    Enjoy!  

OBJECT LESSON:  
Serve a meal with some form of bread (even if it's gluten free) as a side.   Spaghetti or soup would be especially good.  Make sure to mention during the meal how much the bread completes the meal and makes it even better and helps us to be fuller.   Then read John 6:35 and talk about how Jesus is the bread of life.  When we make time for Christ in our lives every day, He blesses us and makes us better than we could be on our own.  Then talk about how we even use bread to remember Christ during the sacrament each Sunday, so we can remember that it is through Him that we can have the fullness of eternal life.  

QUOTES:  

"The symbolism of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is beautiful to contemplate. The bread and water represent the flesh and blood of Him who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, poignantly reminding us of the price He paid to redeem us. As the bread is broken, we remember the Savior’s torn flesh. Elder Dallin H. Oaks once observed that “because it is broken and torn, each piece of bread is unique, just as the individuals who partake of it are unique. We all have different sins to repent of. We all have different needs to be strengthened through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we remember in this ordinance.” As we drink the water, we think of the blood He shed in Gethsemane and on the cross and its sanctifying power. Knowing that “no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom,” we resolve to be among “those who have washed their garments in [the Savior’s] blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.”
{Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Living Bread Which Came Down From Heaven", General Conference, Oct 2017, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/the-living-bread-which-came-down-from-heaven?lang=eng }  


"Knowing that Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life—the way by which all can receive eternal life—we have an important responsibility. We should seek to help people come to Him and partake of His word, like the people who were filled with the loaves and fishes. Our friends may not know they are hungry in spirit. They may try to consume many things to satisfy their spiritual hunger, and as a result, they may feel frustrated and lost. Let us help them know how they can be spiritually filled—by coming unto Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life." 
 {Elder Won Yong Ko, "Lessons from the New Testament: Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life,"  March 2007 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2007/03/lessons-from-the-new-testament-jesus-christ-the-bread-of-life?lang=eng}

VIDEOS: 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vci5QPRvSQk

From Elder Christofferson on why we need to make Christ our "daily bread":   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJKmXtoMI5s

What resources have you found?   Share them here in the comments!   

Enjoy learning the gospel together!  

The Atonement and the Tree of Life

The Atonement and the Tree of Life

SONGS:
"Christ the Lord is Risen Today,"  Hymns, page 200
"He is Risen," Hymns, page 199
"He Sent His Son,"  Children's Songbook, page 34

ATONEMENT SCRIPTURES: 
Alma 34:9--the atonement is necessary or we will perish
Alma 34:14-16--mercy can satisfy the demands of justice
2 Nephi 9:26--atonement saves us from hell
Doctrine and Covenants 88:6--Christ can comprehend all things
Mosiah 13:27-32--why we cannot be saved by just keeping the law of Moses
John 3:16-17--God sent Christ to atone for us because He loves us

EASTER FHE LESSON IDEAS:
Christ's Atonement--with the Parable of the Ketchup
Easter Walk with Jesus--go on a family walk and find objects that symbolize Christ's atonement
Symbols of Easter--a fun lesson to help tie the Easter Bunny into the true meaning of Easter
Easter Coloring Book--a simple coloring book about the life of Jesus and His sacrifice for us

OBJECT LESSON IDEA:
Drops of Awesome

QUOTES: 
"No mortal can cry out, "He does not understand my plight, for my trials are unique."  There is nothing outside the scope of the Savior's experience.  As Elder Maxwell observed, "None of us can tell Chrsit anything about depression."  As a result of his mortal experience, culminating in the Atonement, the Savior knows, understands, and feels every human condition, every human woe, and every human loss.  He can comfort as no other.  He can life burdens as no other.  He can listen as no other.  There is no hurt he cannot soothe, rejection he cannot assuage, loneliness he cannot console.  Whatever affliction the world casts at us, he has a remedy of superior healing power."  Tad R Callister, Infinite Atonement


"Each of us will taste the bitter ashes of life, from sin and neglect to sorrow and disappointment. But the atonement of Christ can lift us up in beauty from our ashes on the wings of a sure promise of immortality and eternal life. He will thus lift us up, not only at the end of life, but in each day of our lives."  Bruce Hafen

"I suspect that many Church members are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming and cleansing power of the Atonement than they are with the strengthening and enabling power. It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us—that is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us...

The gospel of the Savior is not simply about avoiding bad in our lives; it also is essentially about doing and becoming good. And the Atonement provides help for us to overcome and avoid bad and to do and become good. Help from the Savior is available for the entire journey of mortality—from bad to good to better and to change our very nature."  Elder David A Bednar

“It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.”  Bible Dictionary

"There is one who understands, who sympathizes. He was misunderstood, rejected, knew supreme loneliness, was poor and had not a place to lay his head, suffered anguish and conflict of mind.  He understands.  He can give pardon and bring peace."  Marion D. Hanks

VIDEOS ABOUT EASTER AND CHRIST'S ATONEMENT