Reinforces this week’s Primary Sharing Time Theme:
Heavenly Father planned for me to come to a family
FHE
with
The Prophet Joseph Smith's Family
Scripture:
Doctrine & Covenants 135:3
3. Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lordʼs anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!
Lesson:
Long before Joseph Smith was born his Grandfather said that one of his descendants would begin a work to change the world of religious faith.
Joseph Smith had hardworking and faithful parents. As a family they prayed, sang, went to church, and read the Bible. They always tried to obey the teachings of Jesus.
Joseph always tried to show love, tenderness and concern for his family. After Joseph was prophet he learned and taught about the importance of eternal families.
Quote:
“As a son, he was nobility itself, in love and honor of his parents; as a brother he was loving and true, even unto death; as a husband and father, his devotion … stopped only at idolatry.” ~Benjamin F. Johnson
Q&A:
How did Joseph’s parents help prepare him to ask Heavenly Father which church was true?
How did the Lord prepare Joseph’s family to accept him as God’s Prophet?
What can we do to show our family and Heavenly Father our love?
Story:
“Early in Joseph Smithʼs marriage, he learned that his success in doing the work of the Lord was directly linked to the harmony that prevailed in his home. While he was working on the translation of the Book of Mormon, Joseph and Emma had ‘some words,’ as every young married couple occasionally does. Joseph went upstairs in the Whitmer home to continue the translation of the Book of Mormon, but he discovered that he could not, for ʻall was dark.ʼ It wasnʼt until Joseph had retired to the woods to pray for forgiveness and then returned to obtain Emmaʼs forgiveness that the Spirit of the Lord returned so that the translation could continue.”
Leonard J. Arrington, Ensign, Jan. 1971, © 2006 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Activity idea:
Churning Butter
Joseph Smith’s family worked hard. One of the many chores they had to do was to make their own bread and butter. They made their butter by pouring fresh cream, they skimmed off the top of the milk after they milked the cow, into a big butter churn. Then they would sit and churn until the cream turned to butter.
Make your own mini butter churns! Print the instructions & pattern.
Treat idea:
Honey Wheat Bread
There’s nothing like fresh, warm bread just out of the oven. Making this recipe as a family gives everyone a chance to “knead” and be needed!
Download the printable recipe, or make your favorite bread recipe.
Coloring Pages:
