Joseph Smith Lesson 2 - The Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith: The Book of Mormon

By Deborah Pace Rowley

Story: Moroni and the Gold Plates

Tell the family that you want to tell a story but you are not sure how it goes. You wrote down a note to remind yourself about the story. It has to do with the Angel Moroni and Joseph Smith. Your note says this: 1 night-3 visits-2 tired-4 years. See if the family can figure out what any of these numbers or words mean and work together to tell the story about Joseph Smith and the Angel Moroni.  This is what the numbers mean: The Angel Moroni came to visit Joseph 1 night when he was in bed. He came 3 times that night and repeated the same message each time. The next day Joseph was 2 tired to work and he told his father about his experience. His father sent him home and the Angel Moroni appeared again. He asked Joseph to meet him each year for 4 years on the Hill Cumorah where the gold plates were buried. He received more instruction each time, then after four years he received the plates.

Activity: Translation Treasure Hunt

Once Joseph had the plates, he began to translate them from the reformed Egyptian language that the Nephites used to English. Tell the family they get to try a little bit of translating with a special treasure hunt. Prepare ahead by hiding a small box filled with candy in the washing machine. Make several copies of the Translation Treasure Hunt for the family. See the link below. Divide into two or three teams. Work together as a team to translate the three clues using the secret code. When you have the clues deciphered, run to find the treasure. Share the treat with the rest of the family.

Clue 1: Get Wet. Clue 2: Go in dirty, come out clean. Clue 3: Soapy Clothes.

Talk about what it was like to translate. Did you think you knew where the treasure was after one clue? Where you right? Did you need to translate all the clues to get the full picture? How did Joseph Smith translate the book of Mormon? Explain that Joseph used special stones to help him translate. They were called the Urim and Thumin. He didn’t have a code like we did to tell him how to translate each letter or picture. He needed to rely on the Holy Ghost to help him know what the words said.

Game: Book of Mormon Stories

When Joseph Smith was translating he read the same wonderful Book of Mormon stories that we know and love. He even read about himself in the scriptures. Read 2 Nephi 3:15. Who was the seer who had the same name as Joseph the ancient prophet? Joseph Smith. What was his father’s name? Joseph Smith Sr. What was the thing that he would bring forth by the power of the Lord that would bring salvation to his people? The Book of Mormon.

This is a game where you try to guess favorite Book of Mormon stories. Print out the Book of Mormon stories cards from the link below. To play this game, one person comes forward and draws a card. On the card is a Book of Mormon story. The person can say anything that that they want to help the family guess the correct story except for the forbidden words that are listed on the card. (This is similar to the game of Taboo.) You can’t say those four words or you are out and someone else gets to come up and draw a card. Continue to play until all the stories are guessed and all the cards have been used.

Game: Guard the Plates

Play this game as you would play “Capture the Flag”. Instead of having a flag at each end of the field for the opposing teams to capture, use two small boxes that you have wrapped in gold wrapping paper. These are the golden plates for each team to guard. After Joseph Smith was given the plates by Moroni, he had to guard the plates with his life. He was shot at and his home was broken into by wicked men trying to steal the plates. At different times Joseph hid the plates in a barrel, under the floor boards of his house, and in a hollowed out log in order to keep them safe. The team that is able to successfully keep their plates from being stolen is the winner.

Testimony:

Ask the family to share their testimonies of the Book of Mormon and their gratitude to Joseph Smith for bringing us this sacred record.

Treat: Build your own gold plates

For refreshments you can have the children build their own gold plates by stacking 4 graham cracker squares on top of each other with yellow frosting in the middle of each layer and on top. Then bite a pretzel in half (you don’t need the knot in the middle or the side in your mouth). This should make a C-shaped ring that you can stick onto the side of your plates with frosting. 

Print a copy of the Translation Treasure Hunt HERE.
Print a copy of the Book of Mormon Stories cards HERE.

Joseph Smith Lesson 1 - First Vision

Joseph Smith: First Vision

By Deborah Pace Rowley

The next seven lessons are about the Prophet Joseph Smith. These lessons, as well as the lessons on Jesus Christ, are included in the book: Three Men They Need to Know.

Activity: Mormon Mural

Lay out a big piece of butcher paper or several poster boards on the kitchen table. Have the family members gather around the paper and give them each a section to color. With markers or crayons, the family can illustrate the story you will read to them. Read Joseph Smith History Chapter 1 verses 3-20 while the family illustrates the story of the First Vision.

Liken the Scriptures:

Discuss the story of the First Vision as a family. Can you imagine something like this happening to you at 14 years old? How do you think you would feel? How do you think Joseph felt? Have you ever wanted an answer to a question from Heavenly Father? What did you do? Do you believe that this story is true? How can you know it is true? Ask each family member to add one more picture to their mural on the table. Have each person draw a picture of him or herself praying to Heavenly Father to gain the answers that they need.

Activity: Testimony Tree

Cut leaves out of green construction paper. Tell the family that you are going to make a Testimony Tree on the fridge or kitchen wall for the family to see all week. Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees to pray and had an experience that strengthened his testimony of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This testimony tree is going to record some of the things that your family has a testimony about. First cut out and tape up a brown piece of paper for the tree trunk and branches. Then take the leaves and write down the things that you know are true. Perhaps members of the family have a testimony of prayer. They have had their prayers answered and know that God is listening to them. Write down the word prayer on a leaf and hang it on the tree. Perhaps someone in the family has a testimony of tithing and can share a time when they were blessed because they paid their tithing. Write down tithing on a leaf and add it to the tree. Fill out as many laves as you can as you share simple testimony-building experiences together. Show the family how many leaves you have on the tree already. Discuss how the tree can continue to grow as you gain stronger testimonies and more knowledge from Heavenly Father.

Story: Questions

Joseph Smith was not the only prophet who had questions as a young boy. When President Gordon B. Hinckley was 12 he didn’t want to go with his father to priesthood meeting. Still he went and while he was sitting in the back he heard the men of the priesthood sing a song about Joseph Smith. The song was called “Praise to the Man.” President Hinckley said, “Something happened within me as I heard those men of faith sing. There came into my heart a conviction that the man of whom they sang was really a prophet of God.” This conviction strengthened Gordon as he grew older. When he went to college, the country was in The Great Depression. The future looked very dark. Pres. Hinckley said, “It was a time of terrible discouragement, and it was felt strongly on campus.  I began to question some things, including perhaps in a slight measure the faith of my parents. That was not unusual for university students, but the atmosphere was particularly acute at that time. The testimony which had come to me as a boy remained with me and became as a bulwark to which I could cling during those very difficult years.” (In Memoriam: A Supplement to the Ensign 1998 pg. 5)

Testimony:

Explain to the family that it is normal to experience some questions and doubts like Joseph Smith and President Hinckley did when they were teenagers. Bear testimony that each member of the family can have their questions answered and gain their own testimonies by following the example of Joseph Smith. You may wish to share your experience gaining a testimony of Joseph Smith and how you came to know that the gospel was true.

Game: Safe in the Trees

Trees were important in the First Vision. Joseph was able to pray in privacy and feel the Spirit in the Sacred Grove. Many apostles have gone out to the woods to find a peaceful place to pray and feel close to Heavenly Father. Trees also bring peace and safety in this game. Depending on the size of your family, designate one or two members of the family to be trees. These trees will stand in place during this game of tag. One family member is chosen to be it. It begins to chase the rest of the family around the playing field. One person can wrap his arms around the tree to be safe and can’t be tagged while in this position. When a second person comes up to the tree and wraps his or her arms around the tree, the first person then just leave the safety of the tree and run back out to be chased again. If you are tagged by “It” when you aren’t safe hugging a tree, you are out of the game and need to watch from the sidelines until everyone but the trees has been tagged.

Treat: Edible Trees

Make a fun edible tree for family home evening. Begin with a pretzel rod. This is the trunk. Ten take green melting chocolate, melt it according to the package directions and paint it onto real mint leaves with a small clean paintbrush. Let the chocolate harden then peel away the leaves. Now you will have a chocolate leaf to put onto your tree. Make as many leaves you would like, assemble your tree on a plate, then eat and enjoy. 

Jesus Christ Lesson 7 - Service Project

Jesus Christ: Service Project

By Deborah Pace Rowley

                                                                  Sabrina Rowley

For this family home evening, perform some service in honor of the Savior Jesus Christ. He fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited those who were sick or in prison. Choose a project as a family from the list below. Or come up with your own idea to follow the example of Jesus when He was on the earth.

*Make homemade cards and deliver them to someone who is sick or in the hospital.

*Go through your closets and donate some nice, gently used articles of clothing and toys to your local Deseret Industries or other charitable organization.

*Participate in a humanitarian project. Make hygiene kits or newborn kits or other needed items listed on LDS.org.

*Volunteer at a Food Bank.

*Work at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter as a family.

*Gather some uplifting magazines and books, including church magazines and copies of the Book of Mormon, to donate to a local prison facility.

My favorite part of Christmas this past year was the evening we spent serving dinner to a subdued and quiet group in Salt Lake City, Utah. This group included patients and their families living at the Ronald McDonald House located near the Primary Children’s Hospital. My sister-in-law Sabrina Rowley had spent many months at a Ronald McDonald House in Portland, Oregon, enduring countless medical treatments in the years before her death. We went to serve dinner in her honor and near her birthday on December 23^rd. I know my children will remember this night much longer than they remember the gifts they received this Christmas. It was a miracle to feel the love of the Savior, looking into those thin faces and huge eyes, trying not to stare at the bandages and bald heads, as we smiled past our nervousness and tears. My big, tough husband broke down as he recalled his little sister and the impact she had in his life. Thank you, Sabrina, for a memory we will never forget. 

Jesus Christ Lesson 6 - The Living Christ

Jesus Christ: The Living Christ

By Deborah Pace Rowley

Progressive Family Home Evening

For this lesson, the family will be progressing from room to room as they read the statement by the first Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called The Living Christ. Prepare ahead by getting a bag for each person. This can be as simple as a plastic bag or as elaborate as a small fabric bag with a draw string. Attach a label that says “Symbols of the Savior.” Gather enough of the following seven items so that each person can have one to place in his or her bag.

      1. Real or silk flowers

      2. Straw (Cut up pieces of raffia work well for this)

      3. Hearts (these can be small wooden hearts or candy hearts or heart stickers)

      4. Nails

      5. Small rocks

      6. Pieces of red cloth

      7. Small pictures of the Savior

Place each item in a different room of the house along with a picture that corresponds with each part of the Savior’s life. You will be traveling from room to room in darkness. You can put a candle in each room next to the picture if you would like to light this candle to illuminate the picture as you enter each room. You may also choose to carry one single candle as you travel from room to room. Or you can simply hold a flashlight and shine it on the picture as you enter each room. These pictures can be found in the Church Picture File or at LDS.org or through the distribution center or your church library. Below are the pictures that you will need:

      A. Picture of the Savior creating the world or a picture of the earth or the beauty of nature.

      B. Picture of the Nativity- The Birth of Christ

      C. Picture of Christ healing the sick.

      D. Picture of Christ on the cross.

      E. Picture of the Resurrected Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene.

      F. Picture of the Savior returning to earth at the Second Coming.

      G. Picture of Christ with little children.

Apostles Witness of Jesus Christ

Begin by turning off all the lights in the house and lighting a candle or turning on a flashlight. Using just a single light or flashlight to guide you will increase the feeling of reverence as you talk about these sacred things. The scriptures are filled with testimonies of Jesus Christ by prophets from long ago. One apostle said that the scriptures are little packets of light in a dark world. In addition to the witnesses in the scriptures, we have the written testimony of Jesus Christ by the prophets and apostles on the earth in the last days. Show the family a copy of The Living Christ. Read the names of the 15 men who made this statement. Most of these men are still living today. These living apostles have each had experiences with the Savior and know that he is real. When we read their words, we feel the Holy Ghost and grow closer to Jesus Christ.

This is the testimony of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: His eyes were of flaming fire, the hair of his head was white like the pure snow, his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice was the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying, “I am the first and the last, I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain, I am your advocate with the Father.” Of Him the Prophet also declared: And now after the many testimonies which have been given of Him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--- That by him and through him and of him, the worlds are and were created and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” We declare in words of solemnity that his Priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—Built upon the foundations of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.”

Just as apostles have a testimony of Jesus Christ, we can have our own testimonies of Jesus Christ. Share your testimony of the Savior and tell the family that they can also know that Christ is real and gain their own testimony.

Activity: Symbols of the Savior

Hand out a bag to each person. Explain that they will be given several items that represent the Savior to go in the bag as they move around the house. Ask the family to be very reverent and to listen quietly in each room so that they can feel the Holy Ghost as you talk about Jesus. Have the family move quietly to the first room without talking while you guide them with the flashlight or candle. Continue to use the flashlight or light a candle in each room as you read the section of the The Living Christ and look at the pictures. You may choose to simply read the words from The Living Christ or you can add your own testimony and explanation in each room depending on the ages of the children and as you are directed by the Spirit.

Room 1:

Christ lived in the pre-mortal world.

“Under the direction of His father, he was the creator of the earth. All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

*Picture of the Savior creating the world or a picture of the earth or the beauty of nature.

*Hand out a small flower to represent Christ’s creation for each person to put in their bag.

 Room 2:

Christ came to earth as a baby.

“As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of his great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all you have lived and will yet live upon the earth.”

*Picture of the Nativity.

*Hand out some straw to represent the manger for each person to put in their bag.

Room 3:

Christ lived a perfect life to set the example for all of us.

“Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He went about doing good, yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow his example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truth of eternity, the reality of our pre-mortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.”

*Picture of Christ healing the sick.

*Hand out a heart to represent the Savior’s love and kindness.

Room 4:

Christ died on the cross to atone for all our sins.

“He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.”

*Picture of Christ on the cross.

*Hand out a nail to represent the crucifixion.

Room 5:

Christ was resurrected so that all mankind could live again.

“He rose from the grave to become the first-fruits of them that slept. As risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His other sheep in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long promised dispensation of the fullness of times.”

*Picture of the Resurrected Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene.

*Hand out a rock to represent the stone that was rolled away from the empty tomb.

Room 6:

Christ will come to earth again a second time to rule and reign.

“We testify that he will someday return to earth. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.”

*Picture of the Savior returning to earth at the Second Coming.

*Hand out a piece of red cloth to represent the robes of royalty that the Savior will wear when he comes again.

Room 7:

Happiness is found in following Christ.

“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—That Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”

*Picture of Jesus with little children.

*Hand out a picture of the Savior for each family member to put in their bag.

Testimony:

Now that you have real all of The Living Christ, have each family member write his or her own feelings about the Savior. Each person can write this testimony in a journal or on a piece of paper to keep in their bag. Older family members can help younger children to write down their feelings about Jesus. You may want to consider these questions: Why are you grateful for the Savior? What do you love about Him? How does Christ feel about you? How does your testimony of the Savior influence your life? Once everyone is finished, ask the family to keep their bag of symbols in a prominent place in their room this week so that they can see it and think about Jesus more often.

Treat:

Serve a dessert made of fruit for the refreshments. This can be a delicious strawberry shortcake, a fresh peach pie, or a yummy banana pudding. Talk about the phrase in The Living Christ that says that Jesus is the first-fruits of them that slept. Explain that this means that he was the first person who was resurrected. He is also called the Living Vine and He can be seen as the most precious and delicious fruit on the Tree of Life. Because of Jesus was can enjoy every sweet blessing. We can also bring forth good fruit in our own lives because of Jesus Christ. 

To print a copy of this lesson, click on the square printer button 

by the comments section at the very bottom of this post. 

Bonus Post - Easter Walk

by Tiffany Rudd

Of course I love all the books Deborah has written, but Easter Walk is definitely one of my favorites! Reading the book together and going on our own Easter Walk has become a special Easter tradition in our family. It is such a wonderful and memorable way to remind children, and parents, the reason we celebrate Easter. I hope it becomes a treasured tradition in your family too. You can purchase the book Easter Walk at Deseret Book and follow the instructions below to go on your own Easter Walk as a family. *You can use the code SPRINGSHIPPING at deseretbook.com to get free shipping on any in-stock order over $10 through April 6th! 

Walk around your neighborhood or go to a park or wooded area near your home.  You may want to carry a sack to hold your treasures. Read the following verses in the Bible and the Book of Mormon and have your children find items suggested by the scriptures. Discuss the significance of each item as you walk or after you arrive home. Bear testimony to your family of the truthfulness of the Atonement and the Resurrection. Share your feelings about the Savior. As you do this, your children will feel the Spirit and their testimonies will grow.

Scripture Clue 1: Mark 15:17

         Something pointed and sharp to represent the crown of thorns.

Scripture Clue 2: John 19:17-18

         Something made of wood to represent the cross.

Scripture Clue 3: Luke 23:46

         Something dead to represent the Savior’s death.

Scripture Clue 4: 3 Nephi 8:23

         Something dark to represent the darkness in Jerusalem and in
         America.

Scripture Clue 5: Mark 15:46

         Something hard and round to represent the stone placed in
         front of the tomb.

Scripture Clue 6: Matthew 28:5-6

         Something alive to represent that Jesus Christ is alive again. 

Jesus Christ Lesson 5 - The Atonement

Jesus Christ: The Atonement

By:

Deborah Pace Rowley

Object Lesson: Trapped in Sin

Before the lesson, find a large box that a family member can stand in. If you can’t find a big box, a large laundry basket would also work for this activity. Also buy all the necessary ingredients for ice cream sundaes. As the lesson begins, explain that sin is like a trap that prevents us from growing. Sin keeps us from being happy and receiving the blessings that Heavenly Father has for us. Have one family member stand in the box that has been labeled sin. Tell them they can’t get out of the box. Invite the other family members to join you in the kitchen where you proceed to get out all the toppings for ice cream sundaes. When the child in the box starts to complain, explain that they can’t enjoy the treats with the rest of the family because they are trapped by sin. You don’t need to actually eat the ice cream sundaes right now. Save the sundaes until the end of the lesson, but make a big enough deal out of “pretending to eat” that the person in the box feels the pain of their predicament.

Visual Aid: Sweet Rewards

Show the picture of the ice cream sundae that is available at the end of this lesson. Ask the person in the box how they felt thinking that they were going to miss out on the ice cream sundaes. Wouldn’t it be much worse missing out on all of Heavenly Father’s blessings? Do you know that someone made it possible for us to get out of the box after we have sinned? Who is that person? Jesus Christ. As a family label each part of the ice cream sundae with one of the blessings or rewards that we have been promised from our Heavenly Father.  These could include: the celestial kingdom, happiness, eternal life, peace, living with the Father and Son again, eternal families, treasures of knowledge, the gift of the Holy Ghost, all that the Father has etc. After you have labeled each part, ask how we are able to enjoy these rewards when we have all committed sin. Write the words Repentance on a spoon beside the bowl. We are able to enjoy these delicious rewards because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Jesus sacrificed and died for us.  His atonement releases us from the trap of sin if we will just repent.

Scripture Story: Alma the Younger

Make some visual aids with the family to illustrate the scripture story of Alma the Younger. Give each family member a piece of paper, some markers or crayons and one of the word strips below. Each person then illustrates their page to go along with that part of the story. Depending upon the size of your family, you may need to have each person illustrate more than one page. When each person has completed their illustrations, you can tell the story of Alma the Younger. You can either ask family members to hold up their page when you come to their part, or you can tape all of the pictures together and create a roller-box TV according to the instructions below.

Roller-Box TV:

If you decide to create a roller-box TV, you will need to gather a box, some rods and tape.

1.     Cut a square in the side of a large box or carton. The opening should be slightly smaller than the 8 ½ x 11 pictures to be displayed.

2.     Cut two rods about six inches longer than the width of the box. You might use dowel rods, an old broom handle, wrapping paper tubes or sticks broken off a tree in your yard.

3.     Cut two holes for the rods at the top and bottom of each side of the box.

4.     Insert the rods through the holes.

5.     Tape the ends of the pictures together in the proper sequence so they form a single scroll of paper.

6.     Tape the last picture on the scroll to the rod on the right hand side of the T.V. Roll up all the pictures around this rod and then tape the first picture to the rod on the left hand side of the T.V.

7.     Mom or Dad can be the narrator and read the word strips in order as they scroll through the pictures on the “screen”.

Word Strips:

Even though his father was the prophet, Alma the younger and his friends spent their time causing trouble and seeking to destroy the church of God.

Alma’s father prayed and fasted for many days that his son would be humbled and recognize his sins.

One day, an angel appeared to Alma the Younger and his friends. The angel spoke to them and his voice shook the earth.

Alma the Younger fell to the ground because he was so afraid of the power of God.

For three days and night, he lay on a bed as if he were dead.

Even though Alma could not move or speak, he could think. All he could think about was the terrible things he had done. He was tormented with guilt and pain because of his sins.

 Then Alma remembered Jesus Christ. In his mind, he called out to the Savior and began to repent. Instantly, his pain was gone and he felt joy and peace because of the Atonement.

He stood up and began to teach the people about repentance and the love the Savior has for us. He became a powerful missionary and a great example of the rest of his life.

Liken the Scriptures:

Read the family the following verses where Alma describes the difference between these two feelings to his son Helaman. First he describes the pain of sin and then he describes the joy of repentance. Alma 36: 13-21.

Song: I Stand All Amazed

Have the family lie on their backs on the living room floor and turn off the lights. Then play a recording of the song “I Stand All Amazed.” This is available at LDS.org. If you are musical, you can sing this song quietly to your children. Have them listen carefully to the words as the song plays and think about their feelings for the Savior.

Testimony:

Ask family members to share their gratitude for repentance and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Treat: Ice cream Sundaes

Invite all the family into the kitchen to eat the ice cream sundaes. Remind the family that all the sweet blessings of our Heavenly Father are available to us if we repent because of Jesus Christ. 

Click on the items below to download.

Jesus Christ Lesson 5 - The Atonement Lesson Plan

Ice Cream Sundae Picture

Alma The Younger Word Strips