By Alison Palmer

Scripture: 2 Nephi 4:15

Song: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Children’s Songbook p. 57

Preparation: Gather a set of scriptures and a favorite book.

Lesson: Show your favorite book and tell the family why the book is your favorite: how it makes you feel, what you learn from it, or what you enjoy most about it. Allow the rest of the family to share the name of a favorite book of their own and their reasons why it is a favorite.

Next, show the set of scriptures. Discuss that while it is good to enjoy lots of different books, there is one set of books that should have special meaning for each of us. Testify of the importance of the scriptures to teach us what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to be like so that we can return to them. The scriptures carry a special spirit that testifies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Review and discuss 2 Nephi 4:15-16 with the family.

Discuss each book of scripture separately, clarify the time period associated with the book and ask each member to share a favorite story of scripture found in that book.

Next, have the family look up different terms, such as God, Father, and Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide, Index and Bible Dictionary. Discuss the different types of information about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that can be found in each of these places. If your family is unfamiliar with how to use these resources, take some time to look up a few of the scripture references they spot. If there is a special need within your family that you have been concentrating on, go to these resources for possible information on the subject, look up and discuss the information the scriptures have to offer about your particular problems and concerns.

Help the family understand the more they read and study the scriptures the more they can know and love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Discuss your family’s scripture study habits, praise your current efforts and discuss areas that need improvement. Reconfirm your earlier testimony of the power of the scriptures in closing.

Note: Begin preparing your refreshments before your activity time as it needs to sit for 30 minutes before cooking.

Activity

Younger Children- Make paper bag puppets to represent the types of people who can be found in the scriptures. Use the puppets to act out a few of the family’s favorite scripture stories and discuss how these stories help you be more like Jesus Christ.

Older Children- Use a hymnal or Children’s Songbook and have a member of the family find a song that mentions the name of Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ. They should read the associated phrase and have the rest of the family try to guess which song the words are from. Read the scriptures noted at the bottom of the song after it has been identified and sing a verse of the song. Discuss how the combination of scripture messages and music affect the spirit we feel and help us learn to be closer to Heavenly Father.

Refreshments

Scripture Fry Bread
Read the scriptures to find the ingredients, and then follow the directions.
2 cups of 1 Kings 4:22 (flour)
1 Tablespoon Galations 5:9 (baking powder)
1 teaspoon Leviticus 2:13 (salt)
¼ cup Jeremiah 6:20 (sugar)
1 cup John 3:5 (water)
Matthew 25:3 (oil) for deep frying

Mix the first 4 ingredients then add the water and blend well.

Let the dough sit 1/2 hour.

In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking. The oil should be hot enough if a small test piece of dough dropped in the oil begins cooking almost immediately and rises to the top.

Have each family member tear off an egg size portion of dough to mash flat. The resulting piece of bread should be about ¼ inch thick.

Drop one or two at a time into the heated oil and deep fry until golden brown.
Transfer the cooked bread onto paper towels to drain.

Serve warm with Proverbs 30:33 (butter) and Proverbs 25:16 (honey)

Serves: 4-6