Come Follow Me in my family

Alma 23-29

They “Never Did Fall Away”

June 29-July 5

Scripture: Alma 26:11

The word that kept sticking out to me throughout the whole reading section is the word JOY. I was so curious in fact that I put the section into a word frequency counter (because I always seem to miscount on my own.) The last 4 chapters of this reading section (Alma 26-29) mention the word JOY 24 times. Alma 26 mentioned JOY 8 times, Alma 27=7 times, Alma 28=2 times, Alma 29=7 times.

According to https://gospelcougar.blogspot.com/2007/12/word-frequency-in-book-of-mormon.html the word ‘joy’ is mentioned 137 times in the Book of Mormon.

That means that roughly 17.5% of the times that JOY is mentioned in the whole Book of Mormon is talked about in this 4 chapter section.

In the Church News in 2017 it stated that “The 10 most frequent emotion words found across the Standard Works? In descending order — love, fear, desire, anger, peace, rejoice, joy, wrath, please and hate.” (https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2017-03-16/discover-how-often-emotions-are-used-in-the-scriptures-20528).That puts JOY the 7th most frequent emotion word in the standard works.

In the Guide to the Scriptures (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/joy?lang=eng&clang=eng) it defines Joy as “A condition of great happiness coming from righteous living. The purpose of mortal life is for all people to have joy (2 Ne. 2:22–25). A full joy will come only through Jesus Christ (John 15:11; D&C 93:33–34; 101:36).” I also found it interesting that the see also (or synonym to joy was obedience.)

Ammon talks about how his joy is full and Aaron rebukes him and tells him that he might be bordering boasting. Ammon continues to tell his brother that he is joyful and boasting in his God. “I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things” (Alma 26:12) He then continues to tell us why we can have joy and that it is through Jesus Christ because He has saved us from our sins and hell, and has brought us into his redeeming love, He has brought us and others into light, “encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love,” with the blessing of being an instrument in God’s hands to do His work (Alma 26:15).

I know that I’ve been needing to feel more joy and love in my life lately. I feel like Ammon has something that I need to hear now about how to find lasting JOY and love in my life.

What do we learn from these 4 chapters about joy?

How can we feel joy in our lives?

What is the difference of joy and pleasure?

Activity Idea: Make and Bury Swords

Alma 23:6-13 & Alma 24:16. Talks about how because the Anti-Nephi-Lehies were converted to the Lord they did not want to fight God nor their brethren. So they laid down their weapon of their rebellion (Alma 23:13) and did bury them deep in the earth (Alma 24:16).

What weapons are you holding onto in rebellion against God and/or your brethren? What are we holding onto that is holding us back in our conversion? What can you let go of to come closer to God? To show Him and others that you are a true follower of Christ?

My kids will enjoy making these swords out of craft sticks, toothpicks, and tape. I might even let them have some duels. Then we will read in Alma 23-24 and give them time to think of something that they want to give up and bury. Then off to our garden we go to bury them.

Activity Idea from the church: Digging Deep!

Sing “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47).
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a promise with God that they wouldn’t fight again. They buried their weapons in the ground (see Alma 23:7, 24:17).
Take a small piece of paper and write down something you want to stop doing, like fighting or complaining. Share what you wrote, and promise to do your best to stop doing that thing. Then rip the paper into tiny pieces and bury it in the ground.

Alma 17-22

I Will Make an Instrument of Thee

June 22-28

Scripture: Alma 17:11

And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

How can you be an instrument in God’s hands today? What does HE want you to do to bless others?

We can be tools that God uses to bless the lives of those around us. Find out how by asking Him in prayer who He wants to bless through your hands.

Activity Idea: Scatter and Gather Sheep

Get some cotton balls (or marshmallows). Have someone be a lamanite (or have several) and have them scatter/hide the ‘flock’ of ‘sheep’ in a room or space. Then have the other members of the family try and gather all of the lost ‘sheep.’

You can read the story of Ammon gathering the scattered sheep in Alma 17:24-29. You can talk about being obedient, faithful, cheerful, not giving up, or whatever you feel like your family needs to focus on.

Activity Idea from the Church: Hide and Sheep

Sing “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116).
The prophet Alma taught that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd (see Alma 5:38). He watches over us and calls us to come to Him.
Play this game with your family. One person is the shepherd. The others are sheep. All the sheep hide while the shepherd closes his or her eyes and counts to 20. Then the shepherd searches for the sheep. Whenever sheep are found, they help the shepherd find the others.

Alma 13-16

Enter into the Rest of the Lord

June 15-21

Scripture: Alma 13: 3

After my mission I was really distraught over knowing why I was so blessed. Why was I so blessed to have the gospel? Why was I so blessed to come from a family who loved me? Why was I so blessed to not worry about eating every day? Why was I so blessed?

It just didn’t seem fair to me. I met so many people that I knew and loved and they didn’t have the gospel from the earliest years of their lives. They struggled daily to put food on the table…a thing I took for granted for at home.

My grandpa is someone that I’ve always looked up to and admired. He served in many church callings and I asked him why. Why I was so blessed? And this is the scripture he had me turn to.

I’m still not sure how I sit with it. Yes, I can see that I’ve been blessed from choices made here. But, some of the most faithful people I know haven’t been so blessed in the ways that I have.

I feel like we all came to earth and we knew that we would be tested and tried. I feel like we all came to our ‘lot’ in life by divine design. Heavenly Father knows us from when we lived with Him before. He created an environment that He knew that we needed to grow and to be TESTED. Some of my blessings can be challenges too.

The homes I went to where they had the least, I somehow always left with something. They were always giving. I can learn from that. They blessed me.

I’m so grateful for a Heavenly Father who knows all. He knows us from before.

I pray that I can continue to choose the good and show my faith.

Activity Idea: Learn how to do Laundry

Alma 13:11-12 it says:

11 Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.

12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

It reminds me of laundry. You can either start from the beginnings of the process and have them sort their clothes and learn how to put soap in and turn it on and move it to the dryer. Or just teach them to fold their own clothes. If you have really young kids you can have them sort the socks and find matches.

While folding the laundry we can talk about how Christ cleans us and purifies us. Just as we had dirty and stinky clothes they can be made clean and fresh. (Although I will say that sometimes my kids put clean clothes in the hamper so they don’t have to put them away…that does not make me happy and I have to remember that Jesus said to love the children.)

Activity Idea from the church: Follow the Leader

Sing “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11).
Zoram was captain of the Nephite army. He asked the prophet how to rescue some people who had been captured. Because he listened to the prophet Alma, he was able to rescue the people! (See Alma 16:2–8.)
Play this game to practice following instructions. One person tells everyone to do three things, like, “1. Touch your nose. 2. Pick up three toys. 3. Jump up and down.” Then everyone has to remember and follow the instructions! Take turns being the leader. Add more instructions to make it harder.

Alma 8-12

Jesus Christ will Come to Redeem His People

June 8-14

Scripture: Alma 8:1

I don’t know if I’m just tired and a little stressed with girls camp next week, youth conference the following, coaching my kids swim team, starting to teach swim lessons , training my clients, making SO. MUCH. FOOD. ALL. THE. TIME. and then trying to stay up with the laundry, dishes, floors, bathrooms, and make memories with my kids and husband.

Granted, I know I took a lot of this on myself. But I’m grateful for this scripture this week. This verse this week probably isn’t for my family. It most likely isn’t for whoever reads this. It was God speaking to ME. God does that. He really does. He speaks through the scriptures, verses like this one to me when I’m tired and need to take a nap (which I did.)

He also speaks to me in thoughts that are generous and good, mostly to bless other people (like listening to a sad child that was disappointed that summer swim is cancelled and having the thought come to your mind that you could coach your kids and have your own swim team in the backyard every morning.)

Search for that voice and listen to it. God loves you and wants to talk to you.

Especially if it tells you to REST.

Activity Idea: Speedily Follow the Directions

The church had this idea that I wanted to expand on a little. In the manual it says: “Alma 8:10–18. What can we learn from Alma about obeying the Lord “speedily” (verse 18) even when it might be difficult? To reinforce this principle with small children, you could play a game where you give instructions for a task and see how quickly family members accomplish it. For instance, you might see who could quickly fold a piece of clothing.”

I was thinking of things that my kids could do to “speedily” obey. Sometimes it is in the simple things like cleaning up their room or their toys. Sometimes it is to think of others and remember the Lord.

Activity Idea: Make bread or scones to share with someone

In Alma 8:19-22 it talks about how Amulek fed Alma. “bread and meat.” How neat could it be to talk about following the spirit (or an angel) to bless someone with food. I thought it would be fun for my kids to make scones to share with a neighbor. They are super easy so I thought I’d share a recipe with you if you want to give it a try. I’d love to try your favorite bread recipes.

Activity Idea: Play-doh and a soft heart

So last night my husband, Steve, was asking about how things were going and what my idea was for Come Follow Me this upcoming week. He knows that I’ve had a lot going on and when I told him that I’ve studied it but didn’t have any ideas yet. He got out the Come Follow Me Manual and read through it and thought of this idea. I’m all about giving credit when credit is due. Along with that I’m feeling super grateful for a loving and supportive husband who will see a need of mine and try and meet it.

Isn’t is amazing how service can soften our hearts to one another? If you are having hard feelings towards someone, try serving them!

In Alma 12:8-18 it talks about learning to not harden your heart to receive more of God’s word. Play with play-doh and talk about how it is malleable. In the Cambridge English Dictionary it says that malleable means to be “easily influenced, trained, or controlled.” and that “a substance that is malleable is easily bent and shaped.” I hope that we can learn to be malleable to the influence of the Lord in our lives and shaped into being the person that God wants us to be.

You can also have a rock and ask your kids to try and shape it into a specific shape (like a heart) and see what they say about that. We don’t want to have a hard heart that can’t be molded and changed.

Alma explained a possible reason why we aren’t receiving the light, inspiration, or mysteries of God is that we may have hardened our hearts. God can’t give us more knowledge if we are immovable and He knows we aren’t willing to be molded and follow what He has to teach us. He loves us so much that he isn’t going to give us knowledge that we can’t handle at the time or will not use.

What can you do to have a more malleable heart to receive more of God’s word?

Activity Idea: Learning about the Resurrection

Trying to teach my kids about the restoration and our spirits and our bodies after death. Alma 11:41-45 is a great resource to use to teach your kids. I know that there are other ways to show this like the hand in the glove, which might be a good option for you and your family.

I’m going to draw stick figures for all of my kids and then they can color on the clothes that they are currently wearing on the piece of paper. If you are a more skilled artist than I am you can draw little people or have your kids do it!

I think it is fun to be able to visualize the difference (and similarities!) of our spirits and our bodies. That the separate at death and are reunited again in the resurrection.

Activity Ideas from the church: Who’s a Friend?

Sing “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73).
When Alma was sad, the Lord blessed him with a good friend named Amulek to help him (see Alma 8:14–30). How can you be a good friend?
Play the “Who Am I?” game on page 24. You could make your own version of the game with pictures of your friends and family.

Alma 5-7

“Have Ye Experienced this Mighty Change in your Hearts?”

June 1-7

Scripture: Alma 5: 14

And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

Activity Idea: Melt ice to reveal toy/figure

We all have at one time or another felt a change of heart. Our hearts have been softened as we humble ourselves before God and men. I thought of ice melting, revealing what really matters. God wants us to change to become the best version of ourselves and more like Him. This is only possible through Jesus Christ. We can’t change by ourselves. We can’t become perfect overnight (or in this life!). We need Christ to cleans us but also to help change us. It takes time to melt our frozen exteriors, but it is possible!

Another Activity Idea for: Alma 7:11-13- Miming

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and ^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose 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 ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit ^aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the ^bflesh that he might ^ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

I’ve been pondering this scripture for awhile. It has always been one of my favorite scriptures on the atonement of Jesus Christ. I have done pretty good with this whole quarantine thing until two weeks ago. And I have struggled. Seriously struggled. Hard to be motivated. Hard to be patient. Nothing to look forward to. Depression sinking in. I prayed. Prayed for help. For relief. I understood the peace when I read this scripture and prayed for succor, but I didn’t FEEL it. I know that He suffered THIS particular thing. He knows why I spiraled. He knows why I’m struggling. He knows how hard I’m trying to swim to the surface and not drown. He has been there. Relief has slowly come. I’m still swimming, but I see land in the distance. I’m starting to feel the peace that the Savior brings.

Activity Ideas from the church: Hide and Sheep

Sing “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116).
The prophet Alma taught that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd (see Alma 5:38). He watches over us and calls us to come to Him.
Play this game with your family. One person is the shepherd. The others are sheep. All the sheep hide while the shepherd closes his or her eyes and counts to 20. Then the shepherd searches for the sheep. Whenever sheep are found, they help the shepherd find the others.

Mosiah 29-Alma 4

“The were steadfast and Immovabe”

May 25-31

Scripture: Alma 1: 25

Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.

Activity Idea: Bubbles and Pride

Alma 1: 36 & Alma 4: 6-19. It talks about pride and being lifted up. That they “began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon the riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, adn they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure” (Alma 4: 8)

Pride is lifting yourself up and thinking you are better than others.

I thought of bubbles. Sometimes we can be like bubbles and ‘puffed up’ and ‘float’ and think we are pretty neat. The thing about bubbles is that they can’t go where they want to. They are forced to go where the wind takes them. I feel like that is kind of like the world. You are blown without an anchor. And then you *pop* and bam the fun is over. Pride is not sustaining. We aren’t better than others.

If you want you can blow up a balloon and add a string to it and see the difference of the protection of living the gospel brings. You aren’t as easily popped. Also, the string is an anchor to keep us tethered to Jesus Christ. The longer the string, the more we will blow around and get knocked over, but if we keep our string close to our anchor of Christ we won’t be blown around by the false doctrines and the world. We can be ‘steadfast and immovable’ (Alma 1:25) when we keep ourselves close to Christ. You can study more in Alma 1 & 4 and see if you can make any more comparisons for yourself and your family.

You don’t need a helium balloon. One of my kids had a birthday. Use what you have!

Activity Idea: Word Search on True and False Doctrines found in the scripture block:

Here is a FREE download of the word search:

wordsearch-mosiah-29-alma-4 Download

Activity Ideas from the church:

Sing “Testimony” (Hymns, no. 137).
Alma had faith that sharing his testimony would help others (see Alma 4:19). Sharing your testimony means sharing what you believe is true.
Have a family testimony meeting and take turns sharing what you believe.

Mosiah 25-28

“They were called the people of God”

May 18-24

Scripture: Mosiah 27:24

For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.

Activity: Act out the conversion of Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah

Cast:

Narrator
Alma (the elder…aka dad)
Alma the younger
Angel
King Mosiah
The Sons of Mosiah: (Ammon, Aaron, Omni, & Himni)
Optional: Priests

Scene one–Mosiah 27:8-10:

Alma the younger: Hey guys! (speaking to the sons of Mosiah) Let’s go see if we can cause some trouble today! I don’t think that some of the kids in town have the latest game, can you believe it?!!? Let’s go show it off.

Ammon: I’ll bring mine! I can’t believe that those kids that would rather spend their money on giving it to the church instead of getting cool new gadgets, I just don’t get it!

Omni: I bought some extra games, let’s go and see if we can get any of those self-righteous kids to come and join with us.

Aaron, Himni, and Ammon: YES! Let’s go!

–Enter Angel— Mosiah 27: 11-17

Angel: Why are you harassing those that belong to the church of God? This is the Church of Jesus Christ! I am here because God has heard your father’s faith filled prayers. I have come to convince you of the power of God. Remember the power of God!

Narrator: Alma the younger, Aaron, Himni, and Ammon fall to the earth—Mosiah 27:18

Sons of Mosiah take Alma the younger and to Alma (the elder)– Mosiah 27:19

Sons of Mosiah: Guess what happened, Alma? There was an angel. And he talked to us and now look at Alma! (Mosiah 27: 19-20)

Alma the elder—talking to the sons of Mosiah: Glory be to God. I know that it is by His power that this happened. Gather the people that they can see for themselves what has happened. (Mosiah 27: 20-22)

Alma the elder—talking to the priests: Priests, can you please pray for my son that he can speak, and for his body to have strength again? That the people can see the goodness and glory of God. (Mosiah 27: 22)

Priests: We will pray and fast (Mosiah 27:23)

–2 days later–

Alma the younger: (wakes up) I have repented and been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. I was in darkness and now I behold the marvelous light of God. From this time forward I want to teach the people the word of God. (Mosiah 27: 24-32)

Narrator: Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah put on missionary badges. They tried to repair the damages they had made among the people. They began to teach the word of God to all that would hear him. (Mosiah 27: 33-27)

Scene 2:

(court of King Mosiah)

Sons of Mosiah– (talking to King Mosiah): Dad, can we please go to the land of Nephi to preach the word of God to the Lamanites? (Mosiah 28:5)

King Mosiah: Let me go and pray about it. (Mosiah 28:6)

Narrator: King Mosiah prays

King Mosiah: The Lord told me that you may go and He will deliver you. You may go. (Mosiah 28:7-8)

Narrator: Alma and the sons of Mosiah went as missionaries to the land of Nephi to preach unto the Lamanites (Mosiah 28:9)

-end-

Here is a PDF of the text with the missionary tags to print out at home. As always it is FREE!:

mosiah-27-28 Download

Print out some missionary tags for each of your children

Bonus Activity Idea: You can write your names on the name tags and talk about being missionaries like Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah.

Activity Idea from the church:

Sing “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99).
The Book of Mormon teaches us to repent and forgive others (see Mosiah 26:30–31).
Read “Sister Squabble” on page 12. Then cut out paper hearts and make love notes for your family members. Hide them where your family will find them throughout the week!

Mosiah 18-24

“We Have Entered Into a Covenant with Him”

May 11-17

Scripture: Mosiah 18: 8-10

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are ^adesirous to come into the ^bfold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as ^cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the ^dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being ^abaptized in the ^bname of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a ^ccovenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Activity: Through baptism we can be made clean–washing toy cars

My daughter is getting ready to be baptized at the the end of the month. So I am so excited that we are going over this. I love how it outlines how you know if you are ready to be baptized:

You want to be a part of the church (desirous to come into the fold of God) Mosiah 18:8
You want to be called His (Christ’s) people v. 8
Willing to help others (bear one another’s burdens) v. 8
Be there for others when they need you to show love and compassion (mourn with those that mourn; comfort those that stand in need of comfort) v. 9
Willing to be a witness of God all the time. v. 9
You want to (desire of your hearts) v.10
Willing to enter into a covenant with God. v.10
Wanting to serve God (and others) v.10
Willing to keep the commandments. v.10
Desiring to have the Spirit. v.10

For the activity I thought it would be fun to paint cars (with washable paint) you could also use dirt, shaving cream, or whatever you have on hand.

As we paint the cars I want to talk about how as we go through this life we become soiled with sin and from being human. And talk about specific things that happen in life that would make us dirty. I want to talk about how God doesn’t expect us to be perfect and not make mistakes. That mistakes are a part of life. But we couldn’t be dirty and return to live with God in our dirty state.

Then I want to talk about wanting to be clean. Wanting to be baptized. Having been changed through Christ and wanting to have all of the dirt of life removed (Mosiah 18:8-10)

Then wash the cars by completely covering them in water with soap. I am planning on talking about the proper way to baptize.

You must have the authority of God to do so (Mosiah 18:13)
Must be immersed completely by water (v.14-15)

We are made clean and pure only through Jesus Christ.

I also want to mention how we partake of the sacrament to remember what we promised at baptism and to be made clean once again through that sacred ordinance made possible because of Christ.

Activity Ideas from the Church: Care-Package Delivery Service

Sing “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101).

At the waters of Mormon, Alma taught about our baptism covenants. He said that when we are baptized, we promise to “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9).

Read “Doing What Jesus Would Do” on page 20. Call or visit someone who needs extra love. You can make a care package for someone who needs extra love. Here are some ideas.

Draw a picture or write a nice note.
Pack useful things, like tissues, pens, a notebook, or lip balm.
Make a treat or pack a snack.
Include something soft, like fuzzy socks or a small stuffed animal.

Mosiah 7-10

“In the Strength of the Lord”

April 27-May 3

Scripture: Mosiah 8:15-17

“But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.” (Mosiah 8:17)

Activity: A Seer Can Translate. Let’s try to translate!

Here is a PDF version of this activity so you can print it and try it at home! As always, it is FREE:

mosiah-7-10-activity-idea-of-translating Download

Ideas from the Church:

From the Come Follow Me For Individuals and Family Manual:

To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could show them pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?

You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators and ask your family what they know about them. How are we following them?

In the Come Follow Me For Primary Manual:

Show the children how to hold their hands up to their eyes as if they were looking through glasses or binoculars. Read Mosiah 8:17, and ask the children to put on their “glasses” each time they hear the word “seer.” Explain that God has given us prophets and that one of the roles of a prophet is to be a “seer” because he can “see” things to come. Share some examples of things that prophets have seen and revealed to us (including the scriptures), or share an example of when a prophet was acting as a seer (such as 1 Nephi 11:20–21).

Another Idea from The Come Follow Me For Primary Manual:

Make paper footprints, and draw on them pictures of things that prophets have counseled us to do. Place these footprints in a path around the room, and describe the pictures. Let the children take turns acting as a prophet and guiding the other children in following these footprints.

Ensign Family Fun Activity:

Paper Chain Deliverance

In Mosiah 7, Limhi reminds his people of instances when God has delivered groups out of physical bondage. Likewise, the Lord is willing and able to deliver us from spiritual bondage.

On strips of paper, write the tools that Satan uses to keep us in spiritual bondage (pornography, alcohol, immorality, and so on).
Connect the paper strips to make a paper chain.
Bind someone’s wrists with the paper chain.
Read Mosiah 7:33 aloud. As you discuss ways we can turn to the Lord, trust Him, and serve Him, break the chain to represent how the Lord can deliver us.

Discussion: What does it mean to “turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart”? How do we “serve him with all diligence of mind”?

Mosiah 4-6

“A Mighty Change”

April 20-26

Scripture: Mosiah 5:7

Activity: Change of Heart; Change of State

The idea of a change of heart to me implies becoming different. Changing your state of being. I thought it would be fun to try a change of state science activity. Talk about how things can start out one way and turn out to be another. Change. Change is possible through Christ.

Make Chalk!

1 cup baking soda
1 cup flour
1/2 cup white glue
3 TBS water
Food Coloring

Simple (mostly) kitchen ingredients when combined make something completely different and usable! Just like combining ourselves with covenants and Christ, we start as everyday people to someone completely different with different hearts and desires. It would be fun to color hearts on the sidewalk and talk about changing our hearts to be like Christ.

Instructions: Divide the mixture into several cups. Mix a few drops of food coloring into each. Then press the mixture into a container (leftover plastic Easter eggs, ice cube trays, muffin tins). Let them dry for a day until it hardens. Then have fun using your chalk!

Another Idea: Making chalk too much effort? Freeze water to make ice. There is a change of state. It is a simple and effective way to teach about how when we place our hearts with Christ (in the freezer), He can change us.

Bonus Idea: Freezing ice for your family activity? Why not put some small toys in the water (toy dinosaurs, toy soldiers, or we have lots of Shopkins at our house), freeze it in a bowl (or even ice tray) before your activity. Then talk about the change of state of ice–>water. Soften our hearts and let Christ in our lives and let us break free!

My initial thought for an activity: Caterpillar and Butterfly. @latterdayfamily on Instagram has this great idea for making caterpillars out of clothes pins and they can turn into butterflies by adding tissue paper. Talk about having a change. Christ can transform and change us and our hearts.

Use a clothes pin. You can use pom pom balls to make a caterpillar. Add some tissue paper and bam you have a butterfly.
Follow @latterdayfamily on Instagram Super fun family activities.

Activity Ideas from the Church:

Primary Manual–Laundry: “Ask the children how it feels when we get our clothes dirty. How do we feel when we become clean again? Explain that like washing dirty clothes, we can repent when we make a mistake. Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and testify that He has the power to remove our sins and make us clean again if we repent. Sing together the second verse of “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). Ask the children what the song teaches about repentance.”

Primary Manual–Hearts: “Draw a small heart on the board. Invite the children to share ways they can be kind to others. Each time they share, erase the heart and draw a bigger one. Testify that our love for others grows as we are kind to them. Give the children paper hearts, and invite them to draw on the hearts ways they can show love and be kind.”

Primary Manual–Christ’s Name Tags: “Help the children create badges displaying the name “Jesus Christ” and attach them to their shirts over their hearts (see this week’s activity page). Explain that King Benjamin taught his people that when we make covenants, or promises, with God, it’s like having the name of Christ “written always in [our] hearts” (Mosiah 5:12).””

April Ensign Family Fun Activity Idea–Change. “After King Benjamin taught his people about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they experienced “a mighty change” in their hearts, so that they had “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2).

Cut out six paper hearts and write the letters C-H-A-N-G-E, one letter on each heart. Turn the hearts upside down on the table and scramble them.
Choose a family member to flip the papers over and unscramble the word. Discuss how King Benjamin’s people experienced a change in their hearts.
Each family member now chooses a letter from the table and thinks of a word or phrase that suggests a mighty change of heart. (Example: C = charity, or choose the right; H = happiness; and so on.)

Discussion: What caused the people to experience “a mighty change” in their hearts? What blessings can we receive when we turn our hearts to God?”