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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

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



TRIALS CAN STRENGTHEN US OBJECT LESSON: 

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

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

QUOTES:   

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEO: 

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

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

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



OUR WORDS MATTER OBJECT LESSON (James 3): 

Items needed:  tube of toothpaste, bowl, spoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

QUOTES:   

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

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

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

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

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

VIDEOS: 

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

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


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


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


ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

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

GAME:  FAITH CHARADES AND RELATING IT TO OUR LIVES 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUOTES:   

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

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

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

VIDEOS: 

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

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

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

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



OBJECT LESSON:  JESUS IS ABOVE ALL  

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

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

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

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

Jesus vs. anyone/anything else in the world

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

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

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



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

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

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

QUOTES:  

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

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

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

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

VIDEOS: 

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

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

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




TEACHING IDEA:   SCRIPTURES ARE LIFE'S GPS: 

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

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

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

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

QUOTES:   

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

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

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

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


VIDEOS: 

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



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


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




ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

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



"STUDYING TO BE QUIET" TEACHING IDEA: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUOTES:   

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

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

VIDEOS: 

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

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

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

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   

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


TEACHING IDEA: 

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

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

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

QUOTES:   

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

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

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

VIDEOS:  

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

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

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

ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

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

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

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:   


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

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

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

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


QUOTES:   

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

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


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

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

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

VIDEOS: 

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

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



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


ENJOY LEARNING THE GOSPEL TOGETHER!!!

Come Follow Me, Teaching Ideas and Resources for July 24-30, 2023 {Acts 16-21}

This blogpost features some  resources and ideas to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for July 24-30, 2023.    Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY SHEET:    These 1/2 page activity sheets are perfect for handing out with the sacrament programs or as a review or discussion starter in your classes or families.  They're designed for ages 8-14, but all ages can do the coloring page and older teens and adults often enjoy the activity portion as well.  


TEACHING IDEA:   This FHE Lesson I shared several years ago has some ideas for discussion and teaching the concept of our divine natures.

QUOTE(S):  
"Why was God willing to let His Son serve as a sacrifice? Why did He send us here to be proven and tried? Because, as taught in an equally beautiful truth, “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10).   Why are we of such great value to Him? Naturally, because we are His children, He loves us. But in the next several verses, He describes the great gift given to each of us because of His love for us—His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. He sent His Son to suffer “death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:11–12). He tells us, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39)."   Jan E. Newman, "The Worth of Each Soul," February 2021


“Understand that it’s not your job to convert people. That is the role of the Holy Ghost. Your role is to share what is in your heart and live consistent with your beliefs.  So, don’t be discouraged if someone does not accept the gospel message immediately. It is not a personal failure.  That is between the individual and Heavenly Father.  Yours is to love God and love your neighbors, His children.  Believe, love, do.  Follow this path, and God will work miracles through you to bless His precious children.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Missionary Work: Sharing What is In Your Heart,"  April 2019

"No idea has been more destructive of happiness, no philosophy has produced more sorrow, more heartbreak and mischief; no idea has done more to destroy the family than the idea that we are not the offspring of God..."  Boyd K. Packer, "Our Moral Environment," April 1992


VIDEOS:  
Acts 17:  We are the Offspring of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCLuPk7ZKVg&list=PL4A73DDEE675FBC39&index=94


I Am a Child of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrcqqpHCt8

 

HAVE FUN 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

 

CFM Activity Page and Teaching Ideas for April 3 - 9, 2023 {EASTER}

 The New Testament is all about Jesus and Easter is all about Jesus, which means that this week's Come, Follow Me studies is doubly all about Jesus.   See below for some great resources to help you bring the spirit of Christ into your Easter season!  

PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGE --including an Easter word search, coloring page, and scripture fill-in-the-blank.  These activity pages are great for handing out with the sacrament programs, as attention activities in classrooms, or as a fun discussion starter for your families as you talk about the CFM reading:   


OBJECT LESSON:  
1.  This takes a good deal of prep work and effort, but having an Easter Seder with your family would be a unique and powerful way to talk about the Atonement.  We did this as part of a Sunday School class a few years ago and loved how visual and hands-on it was.   https://powerofmoms.com/easter-seder-a-new-spin-on-an-old-tradition/

2.  This Easter Walk with Jesus would require much less prep and it was something my kids loved when they were young.  https://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com/2011/04/take-easter-walk-with-jesus.html

QUOTES:  

"However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made …, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines." – Jeffrey R. Holland

"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

VIDEOS:
The Peace and Hope of Easter from President Nelson:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bACX8BXHuEs


 
Lifting Burdens:  The Atonement of Christ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coef8G5ax6E 

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc  

Church Bible Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAuaSpJ7zGs 

OTHER RESOURCES:  
See here for the catalog of other Come, Follow Me posts and here are some other Easter posts I have--including an Easter Walk with Jesus, a fun Symbols of Easter lesson, an Easter coloring book, a couple lessons on the Atonement (#1 {better for kids}, #2 {good for older kids/teens})

Have a wonderful Easter!   

Come, Follow Me Activity Page and Teaching Ideas for 2/27 - 3/5/2023 {Matthew 8 ; Mark 2-4 ; Luke 7}

See below for some great resources, ideas, and activity sheets  for teaching about this week's Come, Follow Me reading.    See the index of  other weeks at this link.   

February 27 - March 5, 2023
Matthew 8; Mark 2-4; Luke 7

 

 TEACHING IDEA:
This video shows a simple object lesson that would make for a great launching point for a discussion about the miracles of Jesus.   Make sure to talk about faith and how Christ can make the impossible possible.    

QUOTES ABOUT MIRACLES:

"Miracles can come as answers to prayer. They are not always what we ask for or what we expect, but when we trust in the Lord, He will be there, and He will be right. He will suit the miracle to the moment we need it.

The Lord performs miracles to remind us of His power, His love for us, His reach from the heavens to our mortal experience, and His desire to teach of that which is of most worth. “He that hath faith in me to be healed,” He said to the Saints in 1831, and the promise continues today, “and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.” There are laws decreed in the heavens, and we are always subject to them.

There are times we hope for a miracle to heal a loved one, to reverse an unjust act, or to soften the heart of a bitter or disillusioned soul. Looking at things through mortal eyes, we want the Lord to intervene, to fix what is broken. Through faith, the miracle will come, though not necessarily on our timetable or with the resolution we desired. Does that mean we are less than faithful or do not merit His intervention? No. We are beloved of the Lord. He gave His life for us, and His Atonement continues to release us from burdens anbeautid sin as we repent and draw close to Him.

The Lord has reminded us, “Neither are your ways my ways.” He offers, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—rest from worry, disappointment, fear, disobedience, concern for loved ones, for lost or broken dreams. Peace amidst confusion or sorrow is a miracle. Remember the Lord’s words: “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” The miracle is that Jesus Christ, the Great Jehovah, the Son of the Highest, is responding with peace." {Behold, I am a God of Miracles, Ronald Rasband, General Conference, April 2021}

"Moving your mountains may require a miracle. Learn about miracles. Miracles come according to your faith in the Lord. Central to that faith is trusting His will and timetable—how and when He will bless you with the miraculous help you desire. Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life.

The more you learn about the Savior, the easier it will be to trust in His mercy, His infinite love, and His strengthening, healing, and redeeming power. The Savior is never closer to you than when you are facing or climbing a mountain with faith." {Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains, Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, April 2021}

A BEAUTIFUL SONG ABOUT MIRACLES: 

CHURCH VIDEOS ABOUT MIRACLES: 
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/bible-videos-miracles?lang=eng

HOW TO USE THESE PAGES:
These activity pages are perfect:
1. to use at home, during sacrament meeting, or in a classroom
2. as a review for the CFM reading for the week
3.  as a discussion starter for CFM topics

LET ME KNOW: 
I'd love to hear how you use them in your classrooms or families. 

CFM Activity Sheet (Day of Fasting and Crossword Puzzle)--March 29, 2020

My apologies to all of you for forgetting to double check that my General Conference packet posted correctly yesterday.  All errors are fixed now and you will find it here. 

Below you will find  the activity sheet (including a crossword puzzle and a coloring page reminder about this Sunday's day for fasting) to go along with this week's CFM reading.   

“We are living in a remarkable age when we constantly see the hand of the Lord in the lives of His children.  Our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, know us, love us, and are watching over us.”  Russell M. Nelson

CFM Activity Sheets x2 (for younger and older kids)

Today there are two versions of the activity sheets.  I created one, then decided it was too hard for most kids, so made a younger version with a word search.  Hopefully between the two, you will find one of them perfect for your family.  :)

So, I created these sheets more than a week ago and thought I'd be posting this today from my parents' mission apartment in Paris.   Alas, not only am I  posting this  from home in Pennsylvania, but later today I will be picking my parents up from the airport.  They, along with all senior missionaries and young missionaries with health issues, are being evacuated from Europe.  Their house has tenants living in it, so they will stay with us while they figure out what their next steps will be.  Definitely not quite the spring break we had planned! 

  I think we are all in a little shock of how quickly everything has changed in the last couple of weeks and I hope you are adjusting well to all the life changes.  

FOR OLDER KIDS:






FOR WORD SEARCH LOVERS AND YOUNGER KIDS: 

I don't have a great quote for you today, but I love the story of the Currant Bush as told by Hugh B. Brown.   It's summarized below and is shown in video form here.    I think it's especially apt for the circumstances of the day and ties in well to the CFM reading for this week.  

 

"THE CURRANT BUSH" originally told by Hugh Brown

"I would like to speak of one particular attitude and practice we need to adopt if we're to meet our Heavenly Father's high expectations. It is this: willingly to accept and even seek corrections. Elder Hugh B. Brown told of purchasing a rundown farm in Canada many years ago. As he went about cleaning up and repairing his property, he came across a currant bush that had grown over six feet high and was yielding no berries.

So he pruned it back drastically, leaving only small stumps. Then he saw a drop like a tear on the top of each of these little stumps, as if the currant bush were crying, and thought he heard it say: "How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. ... And now you've cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me. ... How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here."

"Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I [don't] intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, 'Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down.'"

Years later, Elder Brown was in line to be promoted to general. But even though he was fully qualified for the promotion, it was denied him because he was a Mormon. Continuing his story, Elder Brown remembered: "I got on the train and started back ... with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. ... When I got to my tent, ... I threw my cap on the cot. I clenched my fists, and I shook them at heaven.

I said, 'How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could to measure up. ... How could you do this to me?' And then I heard a voice. ... It was my own voice, and the voice said, 'I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.' The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness. ...

And now, almost 50 years later, I look up to [God] and say, 'Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.'" All of us can meet God's high expectations, however great or small our capacity and talent may be".

CFM Activity Sheet for 1 Nephi 31-33 (March 8, 2020)

Here is a free double-sided 1/2 page activity sheet to go along with the Come, Follow Me reading for the week of March 2-8, 2020.   It's all about the Doctrine of Christ and I hope will be a good kick-off for discussions in your families and classes.  😀

 If you have any feedback on what I've been doing on this blog recently, I would love to hear it.  I'm pretty committed to continue doing the CFM activity sheets, but my pageviews are so low, I'm not sure any of the rest of what I've been doing is resonating with anyone.   What do you come to my blog for?   Is there anything I can change or do that would make the content on my blog more meaningful or accessible to you?    

Thanks in advance for your feedback.  Have a great week!  

Come, Follow Me activity sheet for 2 Nephi 26-30 (3/1/2020)

Ahhhh, this week's CFM was a little easier than last week--not only fewer chapters, but far less Isaiah.     Granted, I do like to think I've gained a greater appreciation of Isaiah through the years, but, man, when I'm wading through the middle of 2nd Nephi I do start to yearn for some words of Nephi again.     In the meantime, I keep plugging away hoping that someday (likely in the very distant future) I'll have a perfect understanding of the symbolism and cultural meaning behind Isaiah!

So, in honor of the easier reading this week, I made the word search just a bit easier than usual.   But don't worry....for those of you who like a challenge, I did throw in a bonus word you'll need to figure out first, then find. 


ENRICHMENT IDEAS:    Here's a great talk if you want to read a talk from Elder Bednar on the idea of receiving revelation "line upon line".   And I think it goes well with this FHE lesson about recognizing the spirit. 

"As you ponder the principle of “line upon line, precept upon precept,” you will be able to discern more clearly the consistent help from heaven you have received in your lives. And your faith in the Savior will be stronger, and your hope for the future will be brighter. I pray you will recognize the Lord’s pattern and process for obtaining spiritual knowledge."   David A. Bednar

Have a great week!