By Alison Palmer

Scripture: Amos 3:7

Song: “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” Hymns #19.

Preparation: Gather the items listed in the lesson, or another similar item that can be used to represent the needed information.

Lesson: Show your family the gathered items. Ask them what these things have in common. Explain that they all share something interesting about President Monson to help your family get to know him better.

Take turns choosing which item to talk about. With each item, share the brief information provided with your family. Then, talk about the ways that men are prepared by Heavenly Father to carry the responsibilities of serving us. Review how priesthood authority is passed from one prophet to the next. Share your testimony about the importance of a living prophet and of President Monson.

Next, share the included quote, emphasizing President Monson’s love for the youth. He wants them be strong in the gospel. End by discussing ways your family can show their support and obedience for the Lord’s chosen prophet.

Items and Information about President Monson

✖ Toy Boat: President Monson served in the United States Naval Reserve. He later graduated from the University of Utah in business.

✖ Toy fish: He loves fishing.

✖ Picture of elderly woman: President Monson loves the elderly and widows. He always tries to make sure their needs are met.

✖ Toy bird: He once received a pet canary named Billie as a gift.

✖ Toy train: President Monson received a toy train set as a boy and wanted more. He took an extra car from an additional train set meant for an underprivileged neighbor, until he saw the other boy’s joy. He gave the car back, along with one from his own set.

✖ 2 Paper clips: He loaned cuff links to President Hinckley when he wore paper clips in place his own forgotten cuff links.

✖ Boy Scout manual: President Monson served for almost 30 years on the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He has been awarded the Silver Beaver, Silver Buffalo, and the Bronze Wolf.

✖ Deseret News: President Monson was a printer by trade and worked at the Deseret News Press.

✖ Blank cd-rom: President Monson is known for his incredible memory for the names and faces of those he meets.

✖ Picture of Christ: President Monson keeps a picture of Christ behind his desk and always asks what Christ would do when faced with a tough choice.

✖ Checkers: He played checkers with his son before bedtime.

✖ Wiseman figure from a nativity scene: President Monson fondly remembers playing the part of a Wiseman and the confirming testimony about the divinity of Christ he received.

(All information about President Monson was taken from articles on www.lds.org)

President Monson, February 4, 2008 Press Conference

“We’re proud of our young people, who for the most part have never been more devoted to living lives of righteousness in compliance with the teachings of the Lord. They stand as beacons of goodness in a world of shifting values and standards. We know the future of this work will be in good hands…”

“I think our young people live in a world of many challenges and they should be prepared to meet them and not be overcome by them.

I think it’s essential that the home provide training for the youth that come to that home so that they can feel free to call upon their Heavenly Father in prayer.

Sometimes the best answers that young people can give to the questions of life are found when they’re upon their knees calling upon our Heavenly Father.

And I testify that if they will remember that the Lord is mindful of them and will answer their prayers they’ll be able to meet every challenge that comes to them.”

Activity: Younger children— Play “The Prophet Says” (Simon Says)
Older children— Create a “memory time capsule” of things your family remembers and have learned from President Hinckley and how he strengthen each person’s testimony. Write these out or find small things that represent your memories, and place them in a container to be put away until the passing of the next prophet. At that time it will be re-opened, reflected upon, and added to for President Monson.

Refreshment: Hold a “Prophet Potluck Picnic.” As a family, name the Latter-day prophets in order, then go on a scavenger hunt to find foods within your home that begin with the first letter of each last name. Spread out a blanket in the middle of the floor and have a picnic with the items you gathered.