January 7–13 Matthew 1; Luke 1 (Come Follow Me Lesson helps)

How is everyone's week going?  I hope you found some activities to help with your first week of "Come Follow Me."  We've been figuring things out over here and enjoying our time together learning more about the Savior.  I think the 10 Virgin's parable and game have been a favorite so far (it involves m&m's so who wouldn't like it :)

We are also loving the journals.  My little kids love gluing in their coloring pages and printables and my 10 year old loves having a special place to write and is also enjoying the fun printables as well.  I love having a place to keep notes and some of my favorite scriptures and quotes for the week.

You can find both of these activities and much more for week one  here.

As we are finishing up our lessons for the week I've found a few things that worked for us and a few that didn't.  The big one is I over planned for a regular week-I thought that would be the case.  We have been able to get to almost everything but with school starting back up again a full lesson almost every day isn't realistic.  Here's what I'm thinking we will try this upcoming week: 1 or 2 mini lessons (probably Sunday and FHE Monday) and daily family scripture study where we read and discuss the chapters for the week.  I wanted to make a detailed reading schedule with questions to ponder but as I started it just wasn't coming together.  I think my favorite thing about this curriculum is the flexibility to study what our families needs.  So I don't want to put this time into a little box I can check off but rather see where the Spirit guides our reading and discussions. 

Okay enough of my rambling :)  Here's are some fun lesson helps for the week of January 7-13, Matthew 1, Luke 1.  You can find all the printables at the end of this post.

Mini Lesson #1: Heavenly Father Answers Our Prayers (find sections in the primary manual & it relates to the section God's blessings come in His own time individual and family)

There are so many topics in this lesson but I decided I really want to focus on prayer this week.  How to pray, what we can pray for, and how answers and blessing come from Heavenly Father.

1. Prayer Sandwich demo and mini book.  

I saw this idea years ago and as I was reading through the lesson it popped into my head.  Grab some bread, peanut butter, and jelly.  Show your kids that a prayer is like a sandwich-top piece of bread (begin by saying "Dear Heavenly Father), add peanut butter-this is when we thank Heavenly Father for all of the things he has given us. Next we add the jelly or ask for things we need.  Finally we add the bottom piece of bread-finish "In the name of Jesus Christ Amen."  If would be fun to have your kids share some things they can thank and ask for while you make the sandwich.  Make a few extra for a yummy snack.

Next create a mini prayer sandwich book.  Print one for each family member (b&w option included-printing tip i always use my printer in the draft setting to save ink.  You do not loose much quality).  On the peanut butter and jelly write some things you are thankful for or can ask for.  Put it together with a brad, staple, hole punch & string...whatever you have will work.  We are going to add these to our journals along with the cute handout that says "How has Heavenly Father answered your prayers?"  There is space to draw or write in your answer.  This would also be a good time to share a story about a time one of your prayers were answered. 

UPDATE: I included another print option that will save you on ink and coloring time :)  I've divided each "piece of the sandwich" to its own page so you can print it directly on colored paper.  Ex. peanut butter on brown paper, Jelly on red or purple paper.  You will need to color the edge of the bread but that's it!

  Words on the sandwich come from the song "I Pray in Faith"

Optional activity:  Print the activity at the end of the primary lesson.  Cut the pieces apart.  Print one of the charts  (looks like the picture below) that is included in this download.  Use the chart to sort the pictures.

Mini Lesson #2: With God nothing is impossible. (idea in individual and family-ideas for family scripture study section & primary under teaching older children)

1. Review or act out stories of Elizabeth and Mary -ask what are some things that might seem impossible without God's power?

2. Wordstrips-cut apart and hide the different pieces around the room before you start your lesson.  Go on a hunt to find out what the Angel Gabrielle said on this topic.  Gather the wordstrips and work together to put the pieces in the correct order.

3. Next we are going to talk about a few other stories where Heavenly Father did something that seemed impossible.  2 ideas: Charades or pictionary-use the cards included to act our to draw some of the stories from the scripture.  There are a few blank ones to add your own. Another ideas is to split up into teams, set a timer and as a team write down as many stories or incidents as you can come up with in the set amount of time.  Once time is up share the stories you came up with.

4. Read the 1st paragraph under the chapter heading- "From a mortal perspective, it was impossible..." Print and cut out the journal card and answer the question.  There is space to draw or write your answer.  

Printable quotes from the lesson for you or those in your family that would like them :)

As I was reading through the lesson these two quotes stood out to me.  

If you want just the printables right click and save to your computer.  You can upload and print from your favorite print shop or paste in a word document, size, and print.  I like to do this if I need multiple copies of a print.  One of these would be great to share with your ministering sisters :)

Scripture Cards:  This week for FHE we are going to assign different tasks to family members (I'm sure many of you already do this).  We have our FHE board ready to go.  The person that has the scripture will be assigned to pick a scripture that will be displayed for the week.  One of the large (5x7) scripture cards would be a great place to write and hang on the fridge or where ever you want to place it.  The scripture can be from the assigned chapters, from their personal reading (where ever they may be), or a favorite scripture.  During FHE they will share the scripture and why they picked it.  This is just another way we are trying to place more of an emphasis on scripture study.

You can also use the blank cards to write your favorite scriptures or quotes and place in your journal or display.  There are 2 styles and 2 sizes.

Primary Lesson idea: I might update this after Sunday and figure how much time we will have for the lesson but right now this is my plan :)

Review story of Mary-use pictures from the Gospel art book-stop right after Mary asks how can this be?

Search for the wordstrips (idea from above) and find out what the Angel Gabriel said.  Work together to put the scripture together.  

Emphasis that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  I like the explanation in the section teaching  younger kids (1st activity under Jesus Christ is the son of God)

Next review or show video clip from lds.org about Elisabeth and Zacharias.  Emphasis that Heavenly Father answers our prayers.  Share a time he answered one of your prayers.  Print the chart from the download (black and white) and the pieces from the coloring activity at the of the primary lesson for each child.  Help them cut ,sort, and glue.  If time color.  If you teach young children have the pieces cut ahead of time.

Download the Lesson Helps Here

Adorable graphics from Melonheadz,  Jen Hart Design,  Graphics From the Pond,  Instruct and Inspire  and Fonts by Hello Literacy

The Prophet of God FHE

For Family Home Evening we used the General Conference talk "The Prophet of God" By Elder Neil L. Anderson.  

 Here's a quick over view of our lesson but what I love about using these talks is the conversation that develops during the lesson.  I don't plan word for word, a big part is asking and answering questions as they come.  

I began by sharing this picture and paraphrasing the quote below.  (This page is included in the download but you can save some ink and share it on your phone, computer, or ensign...its located towards the middle of the talk) Explain how our prophet is like a watchman on the tower.  He warns us of danger that we may not see.  Ask what dangers they have warned us of and discuss.

Watchman on the Tower Game:  You'll need a chair, the board game and circles (cut out) found in the download. Hide the circles preferably somewhere they can be spotted from far away.

Take turns being a watchman by standing on the chair and searching for one of the circles.  Once found read the quote (found in the talk) about following the prophet and place it on one of the numbers.  The game is over once all the circles are found

Read, Highlight, and Share.  I loved the council towards the end of his talk but was worried if I just read it to them it might not sink in.  So I created this handout (there is an ink friendly option).  I made a copy for each family member and we read, highlighted and shared our favorite parts and thoughts.  

I always like to create a printable that we leave up all week as a reminder of our lesson.   It's included in the download.

 If you just want the printable 

Click on the picture above.  Right click to save to your computer.

Print at home or send it to your favorite place to print pictures.

If printing at home I like to insert the picture in a word document.  Size and print on cardstock.

It's formatted as a 5x7 but can easily be resized to fit your needs.

Download your FHE pack here

You can find our other General Conference Family Home Evening here.

Graphics from Krista Wallden - Creative Clips, Yarko Design, & Susan Fitch Design.  Fonts from Hello Literacy 

Baptismal Covenants FHE (includes Free match game)

For Family Home Evening we used the General Conference talk "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" By Elder Gerrit W. Gong.  I loved hearing from the new apostles. This talk was actually a little harder for me to come up with a lesson plan but in the end it turned into a great discussion for our family.  The talk is not very long so you could read it together as a family or use it as a jumping off point for a few different topics.  I decided to focus on what he said about covenants and then specifically on reviewing the covenants we made when we were baptized.  Here's a quick over view of our lesson but what I love about using these talks is the conversation that develops during the lesson.  I don't plan word for word, a big part is asking and answering questions as they come.  

Play the first little story he shared about putting his kids to bed.  I played the actual clip so the could see who the new apostle was and its pretty cute to hear him sing :)

Next play the song found here

Read quote: "The song of our risen Savior’s redeeming love celebrates the harmony of covenants (that connect us to God and to each other) and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (that helps us put off the natural man and woman and yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit)."

Show "covenants" word strip and ask: What is a Covenant?  When do we make covenants?"  Discuss as prompted.  

For this activity I decided to focus on baptismal covenants and renewing them during the sacrament each week..  I asked "Can you think of a time we think of the Saviors Atonement and the covenants we made/make when we are baptized?"  You may need to add some hints until the say "during the sacrament"  Explain that when we take the sacrament we are renewing our baptismal covenants and if we listen closely to the prayer we will hear some of them.

Pull out the "I promise"  and "God Promises" cards and set to the side.  Use the rest of the cards for a match game.  As you find a match decide if it is a promise you make or God makes and put them under the correct card.

To make the game print on cardstock and cut.  I have my kids cut them for me :)

Sample of cards (Covenants found here and here)

I always like to create a printable that we leave up all week as a reminder of our lesson.   This week I made two different styles. Voth are included in the download along with the quote from the beginning,  Print your favorite.

 If you just want the printable 

Click on the picture above.  Right click to save to your computer.

Print at home or send it to your favorite place to print pictures.

If printing at home I like to insert the picture in a word document.  Size and print on cardstock.

It's formatted as a 5x7 but can easily be resized to fit your needs.

Download your FHE pack here

You can find our other General Conference Family Home Evening here.

Fonts from Hello Literacy 

After FHE the printables makes a great handout for the sisters you minister to and the match game is great for your church bag.

Free General Conference Printables (quotes from President M. Russell Ballard)

These quotes come from President M. Russell Ballard's Talk "Precious Gifts from God."  (Find the talk here.)  Frame them, share them with a friend, stick them in your scriptures or on your mirror, there are so many possibilities. 

To Print:

Click on the picture.  Right click to save to your computer.

Print at home or send it to your favorite place to print pictures.

If printing at home I like to insert the picture in a word document.  Size and print on cardstock.

These are formatted as 5x7 but can easily be resized to fit your needs.

FHE Lesson for this talk will be posted later this week.

"Put God First" Free Printable

 Happy Sunday!  Today I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes with you.  I still remember the first time I heard it and it has stuck with me for years.  I have this quote displayed in my kitchen where I can see it daily but the style of print was looking a little out of place.  I knew I wanted to keep this quote in the same place but update it to fit more in with my style.  I love the simplicity of the black and white and it has just a touch of rustic/farmhouse with the wood background and hand drawn elements (from here).  You can find your free printable below.  I'd love to know if you use it :)

To Print:

Click on the picture.  Right click to save to your computer.

Print at home or send it to your favorite place to print pictures.

If printing at home I like to insert the picture in a word document.  Size and print on cardstock.

These are formatted as 5x7 but can easily be resized to fit your needs.

"May we Choose a Positive Attitude" -President Monson (free printable)

With the passing of President Monson this week my thoughts have been turned to the messages he has shared with us over the many years.    He was such a wonderful example of faith, service, gratitude, and happiness not only in words but the way he lived his entire life.  

This is one of my favorite quotes.

To Print:

Click on the picture.  Right click to save to your computer.

Print at home or send it to your favorite place to print pictures.

If printing at home I like to insert the picture in a word document.  Size and print on cardstock.

These are formatted as 5x7 but can easily be resized to fit your needs.

The Purpose of Relief Society Bookmark

I was recently asked if I could make some bookmarks with this quote and of course I couldn't make just one.  I ended up with 4 different colors for you to choose from. I put them in an easy to download link at the end of this post.  Print the set you want, cut, and you are ready to go.  I printed mine on cardstock and laminated.  You are welcome to use these for yourself or give as gifts, visiting teaching handouts, or church purposes.

Download here

December Visiting Teaching Handouts (free printables)

Can you believe its already December?!?  Time sure flies.  I love this time of year and that it brings out the best in people.  Even in the excitement and busy time I hope it also reminds us to take a step back and serve others.  I hope we remember the real meaning behind Christmas and all that our Savior has done for us.  This months message is beautiful and so fitting for this time of year.  You can find the full message here.

To Print:

Click on the picture.  Right click to save to your computer.

Print at home or send it to your favorite place to print pictures.

If printing at home I like to insert the picture in a word document.  Size and print 3 or 4 to a page depending on how many you need.  

These are formatted as 5x7 but can easily be resized to fit your needs.

November Visiting Teaching & General Conference Printables

November is a little tricky to create Visiting Teaching printables because you are picking a talk and quotes from General Conference.  There are so many amazing ones to choose from.  I decided I'm going to add a few of my favorites and maybe one will be your favorite too.  But if you have a quote or talk you just love and would like a printable for it please let me know!  I'd love to create and share some prints based on the quotes you would like to share with your sisters.  Just leave a comment or email me and I'll get to work...it may take me a day or two so please keep that in mind.  I'm excited to see how this goes and if its something I can continue to offer in the future.

This first set is from President Uchtdorf's talk in the General Women's Session.  It is such a great one on how our attitude effects our life.

This next one is from President Nelson's talk on The Book of Mormon.  There were so many quotes I loved that I just added them all.  

This last one has a few quotes from President Eyring's talk. I love that he talked about going forward without fear and also the best way to do this is by serving others.

As  continue to read and study the the talks for General Conference I hope to add more prints and please send me your favorite quotes.  I love giving handouts to the sisters I visit but especially with Conference talks I love to print them out to display in my house (framed, on the fridge, taped on my mirror, etc.)

To Print:

Click on the picture.  Right click to save to your computer.

Print at home or send it to your favorite place to print pictures.

If printing at home I like to insert the picture in a word document.  Size and print 3 or 4 to a page depending on how many you need.  

These are formatted as 5x7 but can easily be resized to fit your needs.