Happy Thanksgiving! I give thanks for the joy that this
little Primary blog has brought to my life. I am grateful for the Saints all
over the world that have may been helped in teaching the gospel to the
precious little souls in their primaries through my lessons. Unfortunately, I will not be creating
weekly lessons that match the current Primary theme any longer. I may still
create a lesson here or there, but my focus has shifted to dedicating more time
to my son that has Autism. I feel impressed to spend more time in research and in
sharing those ideas with others that may share the same daily trials,
frustrations, celebrations and breakthroughs that I face. Everyone is
more than welcome to use my blog in the coming years and to change whatever you feel
impressed - to match the current theme and needs of your primary. Thanks again
for letting me fulfill a dream and I truly cherish all the kind comments that
have been shared these past few years... and the surprise comments I may still
receive in the years to come.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
I Can Prepare to Go To The Temple Sharing Time
I
Can Prepare to go to the Temple Someday Sharing time/Combined Singing time
July 2013 Week 4
July 2013 Week 4
 |
| This picture came from page 25 in an OLD Primary 5 manual picture set. It still exists, but I haven't located it yet. Sorry! The updated version is found in Primary picture packet 5-57 or here https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmeetinghouselibrarypicsgia/ |
(Have a small
suitcase packed with the following items and quickly look through the items while
saying the following)
I am getting
ready to go on a trip and I think I have all the things I need, I have got my…
Book to read-
Food- In case I
get hungry
Clothes to wear-
Tickets- so I
can get on the plane
Glasses- to see
better in the sun
Water- in case I
get thirsty
Map or
instructions- So I know where I am going and how to get there
Toothbrush
Movie to watch
on the plane in case I get bored
Calendar- to
know what day it is on my trip
Cell phone- so I can
talk to someone far away….
(Make your cell
phone ring and confusingly say…)
Hello??? I’m
trying to get ready for this trip and (whisper) the Primary is staring at me… (Act
surprised and say) Oh I am not just going on a normal trip, I am going on a special
spiritual journey to prepare myself for the temple. (Hang up the phone and
then say). I’ve packed for the wrong
kind of trip. Can you help me repack?
This suitcase
isn’t going to work. I NEED A BIGGER ONE FOR A SPECIAL JOURNEY. I need different stuff too. Oooh I need to
hurry, will you guys help me find what I need for my special spiritual journey
to help me prepare to go to the temple. Thanks!
(Have 9 items on
a table that represent 9 of the Gospel Standards on a table listed below. Have a
large suitcase that is empty with a temple picture on the front. Have a printed
page for each Gospel Standard and put them on the chalkboard.)
 |
| Example of Gospel Standards on printed paper |
(Have a child come
up to the front and select one of the Gospel Standards. Help the child to read the Gospel Standard on
the printed page to the class. Next, discuss
the Gospel Standard briefly. Then play the
Hot/Cold singing game with the Gospel Standard Object - (have one child step
out of the room and hide the Gospel Standard Object in the room. Invite the child back in and then have the rest
of the children sing loud as the child gets close to the hidden object or sing
more softly when they are far away from it).
Repeat this for each Gospel Standard)
Gospel Standards
taken from http://www.lds.org/friend/1997/02/sharing-time-my-gospel-standards?lang=eng
*Gospel
Standard: “I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly
Father.”
Have a child remove the standard off the board and
read and discuss. What kinds of things can we read and watch that are pleasing
to Heavenly Father? (watching worthy TV programs that invite the spirit and
reading scriptures, Feasting upon the word of God will help us not be spiritually
hungry on our journey, reading church books and magazines and other good
appropriate books that uplift us.)
So. Let’s find all the things to pack our suitcase
and prepare to go the temple. If we read and watch good things
in our youth, it will be easier to continue doing so when we are adults.
Play a round of Hot/Cold- (Gospel Standard Object
could be a set of scriptures, an Ensign magazine, church movie, etc. - I
would suggest bundling the scriptures, Ensign and church movie together. After
finding the items, pack the suitcase.) Song option: “Search, Ponder and Pray”, (CS,
109)
*Gospel Standard: “I will dress modestly to show
respect for Heavenly Father and myself.”
We need to ensure that the clothes we pack in
THIS suitcase are modest and keep our bodies sacred. If we wear modest clothing
in our youth, it will definitely be easier to continue as we go to the temple.
Let’s find the Modest
Clothes (Gospel Standard Object) and add them to the suitcase. Play a round
of Hot/Cold to find the clothes and then pack them in the suitcase. Song option:
“My Body is a Temple”, (CS 153)
*Gospel Standard: “I will only listen to music
that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.”
We need to pack
on our journey to the temple good and uplifting music. Would I listen to the
song if the Savior stood beside me? If we listen to music with good values and
lyrics, it will be easier when we are older and married. Let’s find some good
music in the room and pack them in the suitcase. Play a round of Hot/Cold to
find the Gospel Standard Object a Church Song or Hymn book and then pack
it in the suitcase. Song option: “If the Savior Stood Beside Me” page 28 in
outline for 2013 Sharing time booklet
*Gospel Standard: “I will use the names of
Heavenly Father and Jesus reverently. I will not swear or use crude words.”
Do you think we
should take inappropriate words on our journey? If we use good language now and
not participate in profanity, it will be easier to walk away from bad
situations and to be able to go to the temple. Let’s pack some Toothpaste
(Gospel Standard Object) to remind us to keep our mouths clean and especially
reverent when we speak of Heavenly Father and Jesus. Who can help me find the Toothpaste?
Play a round of Hot/Cold to find the toothpaste and then pack it in the
suitcase. Song Option: Dare to Do Right, (CS, 158)
*Gospel Standard: “I will remember my baptismal
covenants and listen to the Holy Ghost.”
We want to
always remember the covenants or promises we made when we entered the waters of
our baptism, even when we are grown up. The Holy Ghost is a gift we
have been given to help us stay on the right path of our journey back to our Heavenly
Father. Let’s find the Bottle of Water (Gospel Standard Object) to
represent us remembering that we were baptized by immersion, the first step to
the temple. Play a round of Hot/Cold to find the water and then pack it in the
suitcase. Song option: “When I am Baptized”, (CS, 103)
*Gospel Standard: “I am a child of God”
I was going to
pack a map before on my trip. This time we are going to pack on our journey to
the temple the Plan of Salvation, which is our spiritual map directing us
safely back to our Heavenly Father. We are unique to know that we are children
of God and that he has given us a plan of happiness to return to Him. Let’s
find the Picture of the Plan of Salvation (Gospel Standard Object) found in the Friend, January 2008, p.16 or http://res.ldschurch.ch/magazines/thefriend/en/2008/thefriend_2008-01.pdf and
add it to the suitcase. Song option: “I Will Follow God's Plan for me” (CS,164-5)
*Gospel Standard: “I will keep my mind and body
sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me.”
If we put good
food in our bodies as youth and avoid harmful substances, our bodies will be stronger
as adults. So we should pack good food on our journey to
the temple? Let’s find the Sack of Good Food (play food) (Gospel
Standard Object) and add it to our suitcase. Song option: “The Word of Wisdom”
(CS, 154)
*Gospel Standard: “I will do those things on the
Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father.”
Doing things on
Sunday that keep us focused on the Savior will help us as we prepare to go to
the temple. When we are married with our own families, it will be easier to
teach our children this commandment if we have been following it in our youth.
Let’s pack our Calendar (with Sundays circled) (Gospel Standard Object) to
help us remember to always keep the Sabbath day holy. Song option: “Remember
the Sabbath Day” (CS, 155)
*Gospel Standard: “I can pray to Heavenly Father
anytime, anywhere”
We need to talk
to our Heavenly Father through prayer. I was going to pack a cell phone in my
other suitcase, will that work in THIS suitcase to talk to Heavenly Father. No,
we have to pray to him always and often. Let’s find the picture of Prayer(Primary packet picture 1-9) to
remind us that we need to pray to prepare to go to the temple and will need to
continue to pray throughout our lives. Song option: “Child’s Prayer”, (CS, 12)
(No Gospel Standard Object)
Conclusion
In my original
suitcase, I packed a plane ticket. Will a plane ticket work to get me into the
temple, be married and have an eternal family? No, I must have a Celestial Ticket.
Do you know what that looks like? (Show or
describe a Temple Recommend) A Temple Recommend or “Celestial Ticket” signifies
that you are living worthy to enter the Lord’s holy house. I hope you will all
strive to live worthy and journey to the temple one day. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Closing song: "The Family is Of God" (2014 Sharing time Outline)
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The Priesthood Can Bless and Heal Me Sharing time
The Priesthood Can
Heal Me Sharing Time
“The Priesthood can
Bless and Strengthen my Family”
July 2013 Week 3
This is Bearry the bear. Two months ago, Bearry learned to ride a bike. He did learn how to ride, but not without
some bumps, scrapes and bruises along the way.
Fortunately, Bearry’s dad had a first aid kit and he bandaged Barry up
and gave him a priesthood blessing. Bearry
also went to the doctor and he is doing much better today. His wounds are finally healed and he is ready
to have his bandages removed. His dad
isn’t here, so would you like to help take off his bandages? Under each bandage is a number. We will find the matching number in the first
aid kit that has a picture of Jesus healing and using the priesthood to bless
lives. We will learn about the story,
discover how we can bless our families with the priesthood and then remove more
bandages. Let’s remove the first
bandage.
 |
| Numbers on the pictures correspond to the numbers on Bearry's bandages |
Stories written on the back of the bandaids- Bandaid clipart is taken from
#1- Jesus and the ten lepers – Once while Jesus was
traveling, he met ten lepers. Leprosy
was a skin disease that affected your legs, arms, and made you lose feeling in
parts of your body. People had sores on
their body and people that caught this disease had to live in their own place
together because it was highly contagious.
Many people died of this disease and people that had it were considered
outcasts. Jesus healed the sores of ten
men that had this disease but only one came back to thank Jesus for the miracle
that he performed. We should always be
thankful. We should remember to be thankful
when we are healed by Priesthood power and say thank you to our Heavenly Father. (Taken from http://www.lds.org/manual/new-testament-stories/chapter-37-the-ten-lepers?lang=eng)
#2- Jesus heals the Boy with evil spirit – “One day
when some people came to Jesus and His disciples, one of them asked the Savior
to help his son. The man had already
asked the disciples to heal his son, but they could not. The son had an evil spirit in him that made
him hurt himself. Jesus had the man get
his son. When the boy came, the evil
spirit made him fall to the ground. Jesus
said that He could heal the son if the father had faith. The father began to cry. He said that he had faith he could heal the
boy. Jesus commanded the evil spirit to
come out of the boy and to never go into him again. The evil spirit was angry. It hurt the boy again. Then it obeyed Jesus and came out of the boy. The boy was so quiet that many people said
that he was dead. But Jesus took his
hand and helped him stand up. He was
healed. The evil spirit was gone.” (Taken
from http://www.lds.org/friend/2002/02/the-boy-with-an-evil-spirit?lang=eng)
The Priesthood today can help cast out
evil spirits, mental illness or even just make bad thoughts go away in our
families. We can ask for a Priesthood
blessing to comfort us and if we have faith, the Lord will heal us.
#3- Jesus visits the Nephites – “When Jesus visited the Nephites in America he
taught them many things and told the people to go home and think about his
words. The people didn’t want Jesus to
leave them. He asked the people if they
had any sick among them, bring them to Him and he would heal them.” He healed people that couldn’t walk, those
that were blind, deaf, lepers and everyone that was brought to him. Priesthood holders today can heal the sick,
cause the lame to walk just as Jesus did when he was on the earth. Our families will be strengthened if we ask
for a priesthood blessing when ill or afflicted.
#4- Nephites receive the Holy Ghost – “The Nephites
who saw Jesus Christ told their friends that he would return the next day. A great number of people worked very hard to
be where Jesus would be the next day. The
next morning Nephi and the other disciples taught the multitude… and prayed
that they would receive the Holy Ghost. Nephi
went down into the water and was baptized.
Then he baptized the other disciples.
After they were baptized, the disciples received the Holy Ghost. Angels came down from heaven and ministered
unto them... the Savior came and stood among them. Jesus went a little way off from the people
and… prayed to Heavenly Father and thanked Him for giving the Holy Ghost to his
disciples. He asked that the Holy Ghost
also be given to those who would believe his disciples’ words.” (Taken from http://www.lds.org/friend/1996/10/jesus-christ-teaches-and-prays-with-the-nephites?lang=eng) We are blessed today with men that hold the
same sacred priesthood that can baptize and give the gift of the Holy Ghost to
bless our families. The Holy Ghost helps
warn our families of physical and spiritual dangers.
#5- Christ heals the Nephite children – “Jesus Christ
told the Nephites to bring their little children to him. The children sat on the ground around Jesus. The Savior told the people to kneel down upon
the ground. Then he knelt and prayed to
Heavenly Father. The Savior’s prayer was
so great and marvelous that it could not be written. Upon hearing it, the Nephites were filled
with joy. After his prayer, Jesus told
the Nephites, “Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full. He felt so much love and happiness that he
wept. Then he took the little children,
one by one, and blessed them. He prayed
to Heavenly Father for them and wept again.” (Taken from http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=f756c106dac20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD) Jesus Christ took the time to use the Priesthood
to bless each and every Nephite child. The
Priesthood is given today for the healing of adults and children. It is available to all families who have faith in its
sacred power.
#6- Raising Lazarus from the dead – Lazarus and his
sisters Mary and Martha were faithful followers of Jesus. Lazarus got sick and Mary and Martha got word
to Jesus that he was ill. Jesus went to
the place where Lazarus was, even though there were people that were trying to
kill Jesus in that town. He knew that Lazarus
was dead already but He was going to raise him from the dead. Lazarus had been in the grave for four days
and many people were comforting Mary and Martha.” (Taken from http://www.lds.org/friend/2002/09/jesus-brings-lazarus-back-to-life?lang=eng) Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead by
priesthood power. Jesus taught that He
would also suffer death. Just like
Lazarus was resurrected, He would be resurrected too and all of us would be as
well. Each week we have the opportunity
with our families to partake of the sacrament given by priesthood holders. This sacrament can remind our families of
Christ’s sacrifice and strengthen us as we prepare for the Savior’s coming and even
our own resurrection.
#7- Christ gives Priesthood power to apostles – When
Christ was on the earth, he chose twelve men to be his disciples or apostles. He gave these twelve men the power of the
priesthood to help heal the sick, cast out evil spirits, and perform miracles
and ordinances. He ordained them the
same way Apostles are ordained today, by the laying on of hands, and He gave
them the same authority Apostles have today.
(Taken from http://www.lds.org/manual/primary-7-new-testament/lesson-9-jesus-christ-calls-his-apostles?lang=eng,
see John 4:1-2). We have many men on
the earth today – even within our own families – that hold this same special
priesthood power and can perform miracles of God and be disciples of Christ. Through these men, our families can receive
ordinances such as baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and being sealed in the
temple forever.
CONCLUSION– The Priesthood has the power to heal us,
just as Bearry’s dad helped heal Bearry with a priesthood blessing. The Priesthood that is used today is the same
Priesthood that was used when Jesus was on the earth. The priesthood can strengthen our families
through its healing power. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Jesus Christ is the Living Water Sharing time
Jesus Christ is the Living Water
Sharing time
Family Prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening can strengthen my family
Family Prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening can strengthen my family
July
2013 Week 2 Theme
Primary
children, I’d like you to meet the Sponge Family. Mommy Sponge, Daddy Sponge, Brother and
Sister Sponge. This family has a
problem, they are dried up. (I cut a Sponge family from a package of inexpensive sponges. If doing this sharing time for Senior, you will need 2 sets of Sponge families) They aren’t
really living life close to the Spirit. “..as
water is necessary to sustain physical life, so the Savior and His doctrines,
principles, and ordinances are essential for eternal life.” (David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water, CES
Fireside, 2007 http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,538-1-4040-1,00.html) The Savior taught that “whosoever drinketh of
the water that I shall give … shall never thirst; [for it] shall be in him a
well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14). Jesus taught that He is the living water. “The living waters can bring peace and joy
even when the wellspring within us seems to have dried.” (2003 April General
Conference, Blessed by Living Water, Sat.
Morning Session - Kathleen H. Hughes
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/blessed-by-living-water?lang=eng) “You and I need His living water daily and in
ample supply to sustain our ongoing spiritual growth and development.” (David A. Bednar http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,538-1-4040-1,00.html) Now, we need to help the Sponge family be
filled with the living water of Jesus Christ.
I am going to choose a Primary child to select a
picture from around the room.
Other option:
Have the children fish out the ideas by attaching magnets to the pictures and constructing "living waters" out of a blanket and construction paper rocks!
 |
| Sorry, I used slightly different pictures this teaching time around! The rocks are from Mary Ross and Jennette Guymon-King's lesson "Firm foundation of Faith" and have words printed on them like "Heavenly Father", "Holy Ghost", Priesthood", and others that work for helping the children discover ways to help the Sponge family fill themselves with the living water of Christ! |
Each picture
represents something that the Sponge family can do to fill themselves with the
living water of Jesus. (Each picture is
removed from a blue sleeve/sheet protector made from 2 sheets of Reynolds Crystal Blue
plastic wrap wrapped around the picture to give essence that it is in water).
Listen carefully to the information of each
living water because you will may get an opportunity to give the sponge family
a drink of the living water of Christ and help nourish them, so they can find
peace and joy in their family. (Taken
from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/blessed-by-living-water?lang=eng)
FAITH
Matching picture –“Jesus the Christ” from Primary picture
packet 2-3
“Do you wish to partake of this living water and
experience that divine well springing up within you to everlasting life? Then be not afraid. Believe with all your hearts. Develop an unshakable faith in the Son of God
[Jesus Christ].” (Joseph B. Wirthlin,
The Abundant Life, ,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 100. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/the-abundant-life?lang=eng#2-) The Sponge family needs to have faith and
believe in Jesus Christ. What else can
the Sponge family believe in that is true? (Have the children give the sponge
family a drink using a dropper for each idea they list, example: Scriptures,
Priesthood power, Holy Ghost, any other gospel doctrine – I used a clean nose
suctioner for the water, so multiple children can give a drink without having
to refill the dropper)
FAMILY
PRAYER
Matching picture – “Family Prayer” from Primary
picture packet 1-10
Family prayer is another way that the Sponge family
can fill themselves with the living water of Christ daily. “We can access the living water through the
Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is our direct
connection to personal revelation, comfort, and peace. When we’re struggling with something in life,
we can pray and ask the Holy Ghost for wisdom to know what to do.” (http://jesus.christ.org/questions-answers-about-jesus-christ/what-are-the-living-waters) What can the Sponge
family pray for to help fill themselves with the living water of Jesus Christ?
(Have children give the Sponge family a drink of the living water as they list
ideas)
SCRIPTURE
STUDY
Matching picture – “Family Scripture Study” from
Primary picture packet 1-6
“And so, I counsel you…, to make reading the Book of
Mormon a few minutes each day a lifelong practice…Don’t be content with what
someone else tells you about what is in it.
Drink deeply from the divine fountain itself … I plead with you to drink
deeply and often from its pages. …[There
are] three basic ways or methods of obtaining living water from the scriptural
reservoir: (1) reading the scriptures from beginning to end, (2) studying the
scriptures by topic, and (3) searching the scriptures for connections,
patterns, and themes.” (David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water, CES
Fireside, 2007 http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,538-1-4040-1,00.html) “In order to teach your family by the Spirit,
you will want to drink deeply from them to see how they apply in your family’s
life. (June 1990 Ensign, Better Home
Evenings, Wayne B. Lynn) “Each of these approaches can help satisfy our
spiritual thirst if we invite the companionship and assistance of the Holy
Ghost as we read, study, and search. (Marion G. Romney 1980 April General
Conference, The Book of Mormon, Sun. Morning
Session http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1980/04/the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng)
So, how can the Sponge family use scripture study to
help fill them with the living water of Jesus?
(Have children give the sponge family a drink of living water as they
list ideas)
PARTAKE
OF THE SACRAMENT
Matching picture – I used “Partaking of the Sacrament” from
Primary picture packet 2-29 in the blog photo, then found better picture from GAK 604
Each week the Sponge family can attend church and
partake of the sacrament and be filled with the living water of Jesus Christ. As they take the cup of water, they can think
of the water they entered (or will enter) to make promises to our Heavenly
Father through the ordinance of baptism.
They can repent for their “dried up and hardened” moments and through
Christ’s atonement can start again. What
can the Sponge family think about during the sacrament? (Have children give the
sponge family a drink of living water as they list ideas, example, Jesus, their
baptism, stories of Jesus, their wrongdoings, etc.)
FAMILY
HOME EVENING
Matching pictures – “Spencer W. Kimball” from Primary picture packet 3-67 and
“Family Home Evening” from Ensign, August 2010 p.13 or http://www.mormonchannel.org/sites/default/files/gospel-solutions-500x281-family-home-evening-1.jpg
The Prophet Spencer W. Kimball was traveling in Mexico on a Monday
night and decided to drop in on a family during Family Home Evening. They had little time to prepare for his
arrival and were instructed to do family home evening as they usually would. The family was prepared and had each member
help conduct an opening song, opening prayer, a scripture that was read, a
lesson -- surprisingly about “The living water of Jesus Christ” and a closing
song and prayer. Then refreshments were
served, the prophet brought a package of candy for the children. (Taken from https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/10/an-ordinary-monday-night-home-evening-in-mexico-with-president-kimball?lang=eng) What would happen if President
Monson called up and dropped in your Family Home evening? What should Sponge
family’s Family Home Evening look like? How can Family Home Evening help fill
the Sponge family with the living water of Jesus Christ? (Have children give the sponge family a drink
of living water as they list ideas)
SHOWING
LOVE
Matching Picture – “Blessed are the Peacemakers”
from Friend, October 2010, p.27 or http://res.ldschurch.ch/magazines/thefriend/en/2010/thefriend_2010-10.pdf
Showing love to each other and following Christ’s
teaching of “being a peacemaker” can help fill the hearts of the Sponge family
with the living water of Jesus Christ. (Joseph B.
Wirthlin, The Abundant Life https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/the-abundant-life?lang=eng) What can the Sponge family do to show love and
be peacemakers to each other? (Have several children give a drink of water to
the Sponge Family’s hearts as they brainstorm ideas, example: sharing, being
obedient to parents, service and kind acts, seek forgiveness, etc.)
CONCLUSION
The Sponge family is now filled with the living
waters of Jesus Christ.
But will they
stay this way if they don’t keep reading the scriptures, praying, having family
home evening, etc.? No! they will become
thirsty, dried out Sponges again!
Children, I urge you to “drink deeply of the living
waters of the gospel. These latter days
are a time of great spiritual thirst. Many
in the world are searching, often intensely, for a source of refreshment that
will quench their yearning for meaning and direction in their lives.” (Sept. 2001 Ensign, “Live in Thanksgiving Daily”,
Joseph B. Wirthlin) We are so lucky to
have the truth and our families can share the living water of Christ with
others. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Prophets’ Baptism Timeline Sharing time
June 2013 Week 5
Anyone
seen a timeline before, maybe at school? A timeline is a diagram that shows
when different events in history or someone’s life have taken place. There are
dates or years on timelines, read from left to right (point to timeline) to show the amount of time passed between each
of the events. We are going to explore a special timeline today and learn about
some prophets, their baptisms long ago and how they had testimonies of the
gospel, even as children. I have a scrapbook that has pictures of some prophets
as children that need to be matched up with the correct prophet portrait on the
timeline so we can read a journal entry about their baptism experience. We will
draw a year out of the bag and identify the prophet that was baptized that
year.
 |
| I made a timeline by covering two old trifold boards in butcher paper and creating the timeline. I used velcro dots for pictures to attach to the timeline because I wanted to remove them and reattach pictures to the timeline and quickly set up Senior sharing time.This timeline could be simplified by drawing the timeline on two rolling chalkboards often found in meetinghouses. |
So,
for example if you pulled out 1884 from this bag, you would find 1884 on the timeline
and look at the picture of the adult prophet above who was baptized in
1884. Then we will work together to figure
out the name of that prophet. Then in our
teams (rows) we will look through the scrapbook of picture of the prophets as
children that I’ve provided you and try to find the picture of that prophet as
a child. (each row has a scrapbook from the dollar store with identical pictures of the prophets as children and can take turns within the row holding the scrapbook for their team.)
(Read after each child picture is matched)
CONCLUSION:
You can find a copy of the file named "Sharing time- Prophets are baptized" at my
Skydrive: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=976904c8bfc9a79e&sc=documents&id=976904C8BFC9A79E%21105
We then will compare the
pictures of the prophet (as a child and as an adult) and learn about their
baptism and testimonies as children. Finally, we will take the picture of the
child from my scrapbook and add it to the timeline.
Joseph
F. Smith-1852
- (Hint on the child picture- This
prophet was a pioneer crossing the plains) Joseph F. Smith was baptized on
21 May 1852 in City Creek... in Salt
Lake City. The ordinance was performed by President Heber C. Kimball, a member
of the First Presidency and a close friend of Joseph’s martyred father, Hyrum
Smith. Because his father had been killed when Joseph F. was 7, he was baptized
at 13 after they had crossed the plains and settled into in the Salt Lake
valley. In describing that day, Joseph
F. Smith said: “… I
remember the testimony that filled my being when I was baptized. At that time
City Creek flowed down through the heart of the city, and in that stream I was
baptized when a boy, and when I came out of the water my whole being was filled
with the testimony that my act was accepted of God.” http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=0756f48fa2d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=da135f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
George
Albert Smith-1878
- “I grew up in Salt Lake City. When
eight years of age, I was baptized in City Creek. I was confirmed a member of
the Church in fast meeting in the Seventeenth Ward, and I learned when I was a
boy that this is the work of the Lord. I learned that there were prophets
living upon the earth. I learned that the inspiration of the Almighty would
influence those who lived to enjoy it. …” http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-george-albert-smith/chapter-22?lang=eng
David
O. McKay-1881
- As 8 years old, David O Mckay’s father
was called on a church mission and the family supported the call. It was a
McKay family tradition that the children were baptized on the day of their
eighth birthday. When David reached his eighth birthday, September 8, 1881, he
was baptized in Spring Creek in Huntsville, Utah by Peter Geertsen. http://www.ldsfacts.net/prophet9.htm His father
returned from his mission in April, 1883. https://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=8313be335dc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=88021b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
David
O McKay said, “I say it has been easy for me to understand and believe the
reality of the visions of the Prophet Joseph.
It was easy for me in youth to accept his vision, the appearance of God
the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ to the boy praying.” https://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=8313be335dc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=88021b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Joseph Fielding
Smith-1884
-“Joseph Fielding Smith was baptized by his father on 19 July 1884 in Salt Lake
City, Utah, probably baptized outdoors in City Creek.” http://www.josephsmith.net/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=b7ab55c49e0eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Joseph Fielding Smith stated: “I was born with
a testimony of the gospel. . . . I do not remember a time when I did not have
full confidence in the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith and in the teachings
and guidance of my parents” I learned at a very early day that God lives; he
gave me a testimony when I was a child, and I have tried to be obedient always
with some measure of success” http://ldsces.org/inst_manuals/ChurchPresStdnt32480000/Chapters/ChurchPresStdnt32480000_12.pdf
Spencer
W. Kimball-1903
- “From childhood he has been most conscientious in his work—nothing short of
the best was good enough. For years he had a record of perfect attendance at
Sunday School and Primary.” http://ldsces.org/inst_manuals/ChurchPresStdnt32480000/Chapters/ChurchPresStdnt32480000_14.pdf President Spencer
W. Kimball was actually baptized twice.
His first baptism was on his 8th birthday, being baptized by
his father in a hog-scalding tub. "His
father knelt outside the tub as he baptized his son. His father stood outside the tub, which some people felt was not a correct way to baptize. To be sure that Spencer was properly baptized, he was baptized again, when he was twelve years old, in the Union Canal just a block away from his home." https://www.lds.org/friend/1997/08/our-prophets-places-of-baptism?lang=eng “If you
are baptized when you are eight years old, of course you are a child, and there
is much you would not be expected to know. But the Holy Ghost comes to you as
you grow and learn and make yourselves worthy. It comes a little at a time as
you merit it. And as your life is in harmony, you gradually receive the Holy
Ghost in a great measure.” http://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/06/fire-and-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng
Harold
B. Lee-1907
- Harold B. Lee's journal contains this brief recollection of his baptism:
"I was baptized a member of the Church on June 9, 1907, at Clifton, Idaho
by Lester Bybee. The place was known as 'Bybee Pond'... This was on a Sunday
morning. I was confirmed the same day by Bishop E. G. Farmer." http://www.cumorah.org/libros/english/Harold%20B.%20Lee/Harold_B_Lee_Prophet_and_Seer_-_Brent_L_Goates.html#25746 “When we went into the waters of baptism we
entered into a covenant with the Lord that we would do all within our power to
keep God’s commandments, with the understanding that the Lord’s promises would
be given to us and His glory would be added forever and ever…” http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-harold-b-lee/chapter-4?lang=eng
Gordon
B. Hinckley-1919
-“ I went to Primary when I was a small boy. In those days we met on Tuesday
afternoon after school. Here we learned about Jesus and His great love for us.
We learned about God our Eternal Father, to whom we could go in prayer. We
learned about the boy Joseph, who went into the woods to pray and whose prayer
was answered with a visit of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.” http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/you-are-a-child-of-god?lang=eng I was baptized by my father April 28, 1919,
in a ward house baptismal font in Salt Lake City, Utah. https://www.lds.org/friend/1997/08/our-prophets-places-of-baptism?lang=eng “Since then my faith has grown much further.
I have become His Apostle, appointed to do His will and teach His word. I have
become His witness to the world.” http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/04/my-testimony?lang=eng
Howard
W. Hunter-1920
- Howard W. Hunter’s mother was a member of the church, but his father was not
a member. When Howard turned eight-years-old, he wanted to be baptized, but his
father explained that he wanted him to wait until he grew up to decide the
right church for him. When Howard turned twelve, he begged his father to let
him be baptized so he could become a deacon. Finally, a few months after
Howard's twelfth birthday, his father agreed to let him be baptized. He was
baptized on April 4, 1920 in a big public swimming pool since the church had no
baptismal font in Boise at that time. (See Boys Who Became Prophets by Lynda
Cory Robinson.) taken from http://www.sugardoodle.net/Baptism/Our%20Prophets%20Place%20of%20Baptism.shtml Howard W. Hunter said, “I think of this
period of my life as the time the truths of the gospel commenced to unfold. I
always had a testimony of the gospel, but suddenly I commenced to understand.” (President Hunter and Gordon B. Hinckley are
about 3 years apart in age, Pres. Hinckley was born in 1910 and Pres. Hunter
was born in 1907, but President Hinckley was baptized first since he was
baptized when he was 8)
Thomas
S. Monson-1935
- “I recall the time I approached baptism, when I was eight years of age. My
mother talked with me about repentance and about the meaning of baptism; and
then, on a Saturday in September of 1935, she took me on a streetcar to the
Tabernacle baptistery… At the time it was not as customary as it is now for
fathers to baptize their children, since the ordinance was generally performed
on a Saturday...and many fathers were working at their
daily professions or trades. I dressed in white and was baptized. I remember
that day as though it were yesterday and the happiness I felt at having had
this ordinance performed.” http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/tabernacle-memories?lang=eng
I
hope you will record details and feelings of your own baptism in a journal so
that other generations can read how you became a member of God’s church and that
you had a testimony of the gospel at a young age. Who knows, a boy sitting here
today could someday be called as a prophet to lead this Church! I am grateful that I was baptized into this true church. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Pictures
of the prophets as children were taken from the following sources:
Spencer
W. Kimball- https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/36500/36500_all_004_02-boys.jpg
Gordon
B. Hinckley- https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/32502/48-01.gif
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