Spiritual Body Exercise Plan Sharing time

Sharing time- My Spiritual Body Exercise Plan

February 2013 week 3 theme- I have been sent to earth to gain a body and to be tested

 

(Could show picture from cover of http://res.ldschurch.ch/magazines/newera/en/2005/newera_2005-02.pdf)

 “Denver Brown [a weightlifter] from Seymour, Missouri, started out bench-pressing 80 pounds when he was 14.  Now that he’s 19, he can bench 430 pounds….  In fact, he holds the United States record in his age group for raw lifting.  As a state and national record holder in bench-press events for his age group, Denver has trophies to prove he’s physically fit.” http://www.lds.org/new-era/2005/02/true-strength

Denver was given a physical body from our Heavenly Father and through a carefully crafted physical exercise program he was able to strengthen his body to become a champion weightlifter.  We shouldn’t attempt to lift 400 pounds (this took Denver years to safely master), but we can exercise our bodies daily to help ensure they stay strong and healthy.  We have been given these magnificent physical bodies from our Heavenly Father, but we have also been given spiritual bodies to care for on earth.  Can we spiritually exercise our bodies?  Of course we can.  We are going to discover a “spiritual exercise program” to help strengthen our spiritual bodies.  Source: http://www.lds.org/manual/the-life-and-teachings-of-jesus-and-his-apostles/section-10-pauls-witness-to-priesthood-leaders/chapter-45-i-have-fought-a-good-fight-i-have-finished-my-course-i-have-kept-the-faith

So where do we start?  We need to have a goal when we physically exercise.  Denver had a goal to lift a certain number of pounds.  Our goal when we spiritually exercise is “to become like Jesus Christ” (Put a picture of Jesus the Christ from Primary picture packet 2-3 at the top of the chalkboard)

Do you think Denver did his physical exercise program one time and was done and won the weightlifting trophy?  No, of course not, his program was consistent – meaning he did it day after day.  (Put up a picture of a calendar on the chalkboard) We need to exercise our spiritual bodies each day to make them stronger.  Sometimes it takes time and not everyone’s spiritual body is at the same spiritual level.  I cannot lift 400 pounds, but I can improve on the 20 pounds I can lift.

source: https://www.lds.org/new-era/2008/10/standards-of-strength

Before and after Denver lifts weights, he prepares his body.  He stretches his arms, legs, etc.  Let’s see everyone stretch their physical bodies!  How can we prepare our spiritual bodies before and after we spiritually exercise?  (Put up picture of “girl’s morning prayer”  from Primary picture packet 1-9) We can pray to prepare our spiritual bodies! “Among the most important of spiritual exercises is prayer.  It engenders harmony with God and a desire to keep His commandments.” (http://www.lds.org/new-era/2008/07/you-are-a-child-of-god)

(Show a grocery bag with play food and scriptures at the bottom of the bag). 

 

 Our physical diet, what we eat, is very important to any physical exercise program.  We need to fill our bodies with food like fruits, vegetables, grains (remove food from grocery bag) that will nourish and strengthen us.  Junk food doesn’t strengthen or give your body long lasting energy it needs.  “Nephi taught us to “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Ne.  32:3).  Just as we need temporal food to maintain our health and strength, we also need spiritual food…to keep us spiritually healthy and strong…  “Do we look to the scriptures (take scriptures out of grocery bag)  as a source of great spiritual power?  If not, we are missing a wonderful opportunity for spiritual nourishment and strength.”  (Taken from L.  Tom Perry, “Give Heed Unto the Word of the Lord” http://www.lds.org/ensign/2000/06/give-heed-unto-the-word-of-the-lord)  What are some examples of spiritual junk food?  (bad books/ magazines, bad movies, drugs, not keeping the Sabbath day holy, bad websites, bad music lyrics, etc.)

Denver needed to build his muscles through exercise to make them stronger and increase the number of pounds he was able to lift.  “Just like physical exercise, we must exercise our spiritual muscles if we want to stay strong.” (November 2010 New Era, “Finding my Second Wind” by Jeff Marler  http://www.lds.org/new-era/2010/11/finding-my-second-wind/)  So how do we exercise our spiritual muscles?  (Have a child place a light free weight on each side of a weight set for each example of spiritual muscle in the body.  Brainstorm how that muscle can be spiritually strengthened.  Source: http://www.lds.org/manual/primary-6-old-testament/lesson-25-samson)

 

1.       FEET- They can be spiritually strengthen as they come to church each Sunday.  They can reverently walk in the church. 

2.       HANDS- They can partake of the sacrament each week and be strengthened.  Hands can be reverent in primary and be obedient to commandments. 

3.       EYES- Eye muscles may be small, but they can also be strengthened by looking at appropriate pictures, content, reading the scriptures and other good books and learning new things.

4.       EARS- Listening to the Prophet, church leaders, and our parents are ways to build spiritual muscles in our ears. 

5.       MOUTH- We can share our testimony of the gospel with others and gain spiritual muscles in our mouth.  Singing uplifting songs can make our spiritual body stronger.  Do you think speaking kind words to others should be added to our spiritual exercise program? 

6.       HEART- We can work our spiritual heart by doing acts of good deeds for others.  Feel love towards others always. 

(Body parts taken from 2013 Primary Sharing time outline “I am a Child of God”) https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/08994_eng.pdf?lang=eng

(Have a child come up and lift the free weight.  Have them do a couple of reps until they are tired.) “You can’t just work out one day and expect to compete and do well,”… “Just like you can’t expect to come to church one day and then be ready to go on a mission.  It takes time.”  (http://www.lds.org/new-era/2005/02/true-strength)

I never said that the spiritual exercise program was going to be easy.  Remember, we have to continuously do these things.  Sometimes, we need a little help.  When Denver was lifting weights, he had a personal trainer to ensure he was safe while lifting them.  The trainer would warn him if something he did was dangerous.  Our spiritual body also has a personal trainer to help keep it safe and warn of dangers.  This is the Holy Ghost.  (Put up picture of “Confirmation of the Holy Ghost” from Primary picture packet 2-30 on the chalkboard) We need to listen to our trainer, the Holy Ghost.

If we develop a spiritual exercise plan and follow it, our spiritual bodies and also our physical bodies will become stronger.  As we strive to our goal of becoming like Jesus Christ, we will be happy and healthy.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The Fall Was Part of God's Plan Sharing time

The Fall of Adam and Eve was Part of God’s Plan Sharing time

February 2012 Week 2

 

Before we came to this earth, we were taught of a great plan of happiness.  Before coming to earth, we lived in heaven as spirits.  This is called our Premortal life (put up a picture of “Our Premortal Life” from Primary packet 3-3) and underneath a wordstrip of PREMORTAL LIFE  “God prepared the earth as a home for His children.  Adam and Eve were chosen to be the first people to live on the earth in the Garden of Eden (Put up a picture of “Adam of Eve in the Garden of Eden” from Gospel Art Kit 101 next to the “Premortal life” picture and underneath a wordstrip of GARDEN OF EDEN ). “Their part in our Father’s plan was to bring mortality (all of us) into the world.” http://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-6-the-fall-of-adam-and-eve?lang=eng  Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit and sinned, this is called the Fall of Adam and Eve.  Because of the fall (put up a picture of“Earth” from Primary Packet 1-1 and underneath wordstrip labeled “THE FALL OF ADAM AND EVE”), we were able to come to earth and receive bodies and continue Heavenly Father’s plan.

We are going to better discover the role Adam and Eve’s fall had in the “great plan of happiness” through a game.  We are going to remove these Jenga blocks and try to keep the structure standing.  But if it does fall remember, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:24-25.) The fall was part of the plan! (Keep a note of which color and block you are discussing so the game can continue quickly)  If it does fall, repeat, “Adam fell that men might be” and we will fix it, and continue with the number block we were previously on.  As we build, we will learn more in detail about the importance of Adam and Eve.  The blue block structure help us understand our “PREMORTAL LIFE”, Green block structure help us learn about the “GARDEN OF EDEN”, Red block structure help us understand the “FALL OF ADAM AND EVE”.  The tan blocks are JUST for support. We will start with removing the blue blocks.  Let’s find Premortal life blue block #1!

NOTE: I covered the blocks edges with colored paper, put the number on the edge and taped each statement in corresponding color to the face of the block.  I have three separate structures - blue, green and red to avoid the blocks falling too much. I have strategically placed the numbered blocks to keep the structure as stable as possible – one number block per row.

 

PREMORTAL LIFE- BLUE BLOCKS

(Have primary children remove blue blocks in order and read the corresponding statement with each removal)

1.Before we were born, we chose to follow Heavenly Father’s plan.

2.Adam and Eve were among our Father’s noblest children.

3. Adam and Eve, and we also are created in the image of God.

4. In the spirit world, Adam was called Michael the archangel or chief angel.  He was a special servant of God and Christ. (source: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/10/adam-the-archangel?lang=eng )

5. Adam was chosen by our Heavenly Father to lead the righteous in the battle against Satan.

6. Adam(Michael, the archangel) assisted Jesus Christ in the creation of the world. (source: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/10/the-women-in-our-lives?lang=eng )

(Premortal life statements were taken from:http://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-6-the-fall-of-adam-and-eve?lang=eng )

GARDEN OF EDEN- GREEN BLOCKS

 

(Have children remove green blocks in order and read the corresponding statement with each removal)

1. When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they were not yet mortal.  They wouldn’t die.

2. Adam and Eve had no blood and couldn’t bear children. (source: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/fall-of-adam?lang=eng)

3. There was no sickness, pain, or death in the Garden of Eden.

4. When Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, he was in the presence of God.  He freely talked with God. (source: http://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/01/adams-role-in-bringing-us-mortality?lang=eng)

5. God told Adam and Eve they could freely eat of every tree in the garden except one, the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

6. God gave Adam and Eve commandments to follow and agency.

7. Satan tempted Adam and Eve and tried to destroy Heavenly Father’s plan.

FALL OF ADAM AND EVE- RED BLOCKS

 

(Have children remove red blocks in order and read the corresponding statement with each removal)

1. Eve chose to partake of the forbidden fruit first, then Adam followed her.

2. Because Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden.

3. Adam and Eve were separated from the presence of the Lord and subject to physical death.

4. Adam and Eve had to “till the earth” or work provide for their own needs.

5. Adam and Eve were married and became the first parents of man.

6. Because of the Fall, Adam and Eve were able to obey the commandment to “multiply and replenish the earth”, or have children (see Gen 1:28)

7. Because Adam and Eve fell, we were able to come to earth, receive bodies and be tested.

8. A Savior, Jesus Christ was chosen before the Fall to save us from sin and return back to Heavenly Father.

Source for Fall of Adam statements: http://www.lds.org/topics/fall-of-adam?lang=eng

LESSONS FROM ADAM AND EVE- Activity (if time permits)

Adam and Eve were the first parents of man, and like our own parents, we can learn lessons from their teachings and example.  Pass around the picture of “Adam and Eve teaching their children” (from Primary picture packet 3-5) and sing the “Second Article of Faith song, (CS, 122 ) or first verse of “Follow the Prophet”, (CS, 110-111). When the music stops, have a child read one the below statements or help hold the picture as you read a lesson that can be learned from Adam and Eve.

Or could use “Like Adam and Eve” pictures from Friend, February 2009:

https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/fr09feb24_adam.jpg

https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/fr09feb25_eve.jpg

1. Adam was a son of God and Eve was a daughter of God. I am a son or daughter of God too.

2. Adam and Eve were honest in confessing their transgression or sin. I can be honest too.

3. Adam and Eve obeyed God’s commandments. I can obey the commandments too.

4. Adam honored his priesthood. I can honor the priesthood too.

5. Adam honored Eve. I can treat women with respect too.

6. Eve was a righteous mother. The girls can prepare to be righteous mothers too.

7. Adam and Eve loved their family. I can love my family too.

8. Adam and Eve taught their family the gospel. I can share the gospel too.

Lessons from Adam and Eve statements were taken from http://www.lds.org/liahona/2009/02/like-adam-and-eve?lang=eng&query="like+adam"

The Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith said, “Brethren and sisters, let’s thank the Lord, when we pray, for Adam [and Eve].  If it hadn’t been for Adam [and Eve], I wouldn’t be here; you wouldn’t be here; we would be waiting in the heavens as spirits pleading for somebody … to pass through a certain condition that brought upon us mortality.” http://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/01/adams-role-in-bringing-us-mortality?lang=eng.  I am thankful for Adam and Eve, in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

 Here are some labels for the Adam and Eve Jenga pieces(I am not computer saavy, feel free to improve upon them, haha!)

      You can find a copy of the file named "Adam and Eve Jenga pieces" at my Skydrive: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=976904c8bfc9a79e&sc=documents&id=976904C8BFC9A79E%21105)

 

The Iron Rod Sharing time

Sharing Time - “Hold to the Rod”
 

 “I have agency, and I am responsible for my choices.”

 

SETUP

·         Draw a tree on the chalkboard (or have a Picture or diagram of one) and attach the white fruit (see graphic)

·         Create an “Iron Rod” – consider tying a piece of strong string between two chairs and putting an empty wrapping paper (or paper towel) roll wrapped in tinfoil on the string

·         Draw a “Great and Spacious Building” or create one from posterboard

INTRODUCTION

In the Book of Mormon (1 Ne. 8; 1 Ne. 11) there is a wonderful dream given to the prophet Lehi. (http://www.lds.org/friend/1983/01/sharing-time-resolve-to-have-a-happy-new-year?lang=eng&query="iron+rod”).  (For preparation for this lesson you may want to watch “Lehi’s Dream” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3KbdQzxNDQ.  If time allows you could show part of this in your lesson.)

THE TREE OF LIFE

Lehi, the prophet had a vision from God in which he saw the tree of life with white fruit on it and a rod that people were holding onto leading to the tree of life.  He also saw a mist of darkness (temptation from the devil) that was causing people to become lost and he saw a great and spacious building that was filled with people that were making wrong choices.  After tasting the fruit that was the most delicious to the taste, Lehi wanted more than anything for his family to also partake of the fruit so he called them to come to him.  His wife Sariah, and sons Nephi and Sam held to the rod and made it to the tree of life.  His other two sons Laman and Lemuel let go of the rod and ended up in the great and spacious building.

Just like Lehi’s family, we need to hold to the rod leading to the tree of life. The rod is the word of God or scriptures.  We need to follow the gospel so we can taste of the delicious fruit, and gain eternal life – meaning to live with Heavenly Father again.  We all have agency, the freedom to act to make decisions for ourselves.  If we continue to sin or stay away from the rod, we could end up in the great and spacious building – apart from God.  We are responsible for our choices. We must make good choices and hold fast to the Iron Rod to earn a great eternal reward.

HOLDING TO THE ROD

 

What things do we need to “Hold to the Rod” and keep us on the path to the Tree of Life? (reading the scriptures, praying, listening to our parents, not lying, stealing, following commandments, etc.) (with each answer, move a primary child toward the tree)

What would be a mist of darkness that could lead us away from God? A temptation(forgetting to pray, activity on Sunday, a classmate trying to get you to cheat, an inappropriate party). With each bad decision we move closer to the spacious building and further away from God.

We are going to review some situations and see if we can make the right decisions and hold on to the Iron Rod and not get lost in the mist of darkness.  (Invite a child to come up and hold on the end of the Iron Rod away from the Tree of Life)

 

(Choose a number of the following 24 Situations that fit the needs of your Primary and the available time for your lesson.  Consider having a different child for each situation. Place situations in a choosing bag.  NOT MY SITUATIONS, but hidden ones! Taken from Rachel Woods, About LDS Guide, lds.about.com Thanks Rachel! http://lds.about.com/od/visualmusicalaids/a/tree_of_life_2.htm)

1.      There’s a new boy in your class, and he’s standing alone on the playground. You choose the right and soon he is playing with you and your friends. You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

2.      You know some of the other children are cheating on the test at school, but you choose the right and do your own work. You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod.  The consequence may be that you get a good grade. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

3.      You see cookies in the kitchen after school. Your mom asks, “Who’s been eating these cookies?” and you thought that they tasted great. You could keep quiet, but you choose the right and admit that you ate some. The consequence may be that your mom may not punish you because you told the truth. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

4.      At the store you find your favorite candy bar, and no one else is in the aisle to see you take it. You might be tempted for a minute, but you choose the right and leave it there. You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod.  Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

5.      You help pick up money that has spilled and are tempted to take some. You take some in your pocket. (Have child let go of Rod and head towards the spacious building) How can you find your way back to the Iron Rod? By returning the money and giving an apology. Now you are back on track to make good choices and hold onto the rod. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

6.      Your mother asks you to read a story to your little sister, and you do. You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

7.      You play with your brother’s new toy without asking permission and break it. (Have child let go of Rod and head towards the spacious building) How can you find your way back to the Iron Rod? By apologizing and earning your brother a new toy. Now you are back on track to make good choices and hold onto the rod. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of  the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

8.      Your grandmother comes to visit. You let her sleep in your bed, while you sleep on the couch. You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

9.      You ate the last two pieces of dessert after your mother said that the last piece was for your father. (Have child let go of Rod and head towards the spacious building)  How can you find your way back to the Iron Rod? By apologizing and helping make something else for Father or do a service for him. Now you are back on track to make good choices and hold onto the rod. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

10.  True or False: Making a choice is like picking up a stick. When you pick up one end of a stick, the other end always comes with it. When you make a choice, a consequence always comes with it. When you make a choice, there is a consequence that follows. Sometimes, what happens is good and sometimes not. Continue to make right choices, hold to the rod and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

11.  You took a job weeding a neighbor’s garden, but when a friend asked you to play you went with your friend. (Have child let go of Rod and head towards the spacious building) How can you find your way back to the Iron Rod? Go and weed the neighbor’s yard. Now you are back on track to make good choices and hold onto the rod. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

12.  Satan does not want you to be happy, and he tries to make you choose the wrong. Satan wants you to go towards that great and spacious building and get lost. (Have child let go of the rod and head towards the spacious building).  However, if you keep trying to hold to the rod and follow the Savior’s example you can make it to the Tree of Life. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

13.  You remembered your baptismal covenants and tried to listen to the Holy Ghost when making a choice. The Holy Ghost will always help you hold onto the rod and stay on the path. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

14.  You fought with your brother. (Have child let go of Rod and head towards the spacious building) How can you find your way back to the Iron Rod? Say you are sorry and try and be nicer to him. Now you are back on track to make good choices and hold onto the rod. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

15.  You seek good friends and treat others kindly. (from My Gospel Standards) You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

16.  You choose to dress modestly to show respect for your body and Heavenly Father. (from My Gospel Standards) You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

17.  You only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father. (from “My Gospel Standards”) You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

18.  You are at the grocery store and want some gum but have no money, so you put the gum in your pocket. (Have child let go of Rod and head towards the spacious building) How can you find your way back to the Iron Rod? Say you are sorry to the store manager, return the item. Now you are back on track to make good choices and hold onto the rod. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

19.  You only listen to good music that Heavenly Father would approve of. (taken from “My Gospel Standards”) You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

20.  You reverently use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus reverently. You don’t swear or use crude words. (from My Gospel Standards) You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. The consequence is that your mind is more pure. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

21.  You keep your mind and body pure by not partaking of harmful substances, like drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. (from My Gospel Standards) You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

22.  You are living worthy to someday go to the temple and serve a mission. (from “My Gospel Standards”) You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

23.  You pray to Heavenly Father at anytime, and anywhere. Heavenly Father is willing to help you make good choices and wants you to stay holding onto the iron rod and make it back to Him. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing part of chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

24.  You paid your tithing to the Bishop. You made a good choice and are holding fast to the iron rod.  The consequence is that you will recieve blessings. Continue to make right choices and live with Heavenly Father forever. (Have a Primary child move along the rod from one end of the room to the tree at the front while other children sing the chorus of “The Iron Rod”, Hymn no 274.)

“Resolve that you, too, will be happy by keeping the commandments—by holding on to the iron rod.” http://www.lds.org/friend/1983/01/sharing-time-resolve-to-have-a-happy-new-year?lang=eng&query="the+iron+rod" In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Fruit clipart  on the tree taken from: http://www.arthursclipart.org/fruits/fruit/pear%203.gif