Teaching about Life and Death

Death is a part of every life. Find scriptures, stories, and discussion ideas for talking with your family about death, life, and how to live courageously.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “The Race of Life,” by President Thomas

S. Monson, Ensign, May 2012, 90.

Thought:

Death comes to all mankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey. At times it hushes the laughter of little children. . . . My brothers and sisters, we know that death is not the end. This truth has been taught by living prophets throughout the ages. It is also found in our holy scriptures.

(Thomas S. Monson, “The Race of Life,” Ensign, May 2012, 90.) 

Song:

“The Lord is My Shepherd,” Hymns, no. 108.

Scripture:

Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of cpeace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Lesson:

Ask your family to consider this question: “If you were to die today, would you have any regrets?” Read together Alma 46:39–41 and look for the way many of the Nephites handled death. Ask:

• What qualities did the people possess who “went out of the world rejoicing”?

• Why do you think living a faithful life, could cause rejoicing when we die?

• Why would it be important to you to have this same experience when you die? Share your testimony that living the commandments brings joy in life and death.

Invite your family to live in such a way that they will have no regrets when they leave this earth.

Story:

“Death in a Foxhole” by Paul H. Dunn

My mind immediately was called back to a day about twenty years ago when, as a young soldier participating in the activity of this country during World War II, I found

myself on the island of Okinawa, somewhere in my nineteenth year. In that serious mortal conflict, while trying to do what we could to preserve these very freedoms that have been discussed today, by chance I fell into the good graces of another young man who had fine ideals and high standards. Almost automatically we got together and shared the experiences of the war together. Frequently we shared the same foxhole. One night during the month of May, our forces had sustained such heavy casualties that it became necessary for my friend and me to be separated. We were in different holes about fifty yards apart. It had commenced to rain about seven that evening, and it was a cold night. Along about eleven the enemy let go with a barrage that was almost unbelievable, and for almost two hours they harassed our lines with heavy artillery and mortar fire. Shortly after midnight one of these shells landed in the hole of my good friend. I could tell from the sound of the blast that it was serious. I called to him but couldn’t get an answer, and the type of fighting we did in the Pacific prevented me from crawling over to offer aid. About an hour later I got a faint response indicating life still existed. All that night long, under heavy fire, I tried to call words of comfort to him, and finally as it commenced to get light I crawled to the hole of my friend and found that he had almost become submerged in the water from the heavy rain of the night before.

As I lifted him out on that cold, muddy bank and laid his head in my lap, I tried to offer what physical comfort I could under those conditions, wiping his brow and face with a handkerchief. He was almost limp with death now. I said, “Harold, you hold on, and I’ll get you to the aid station just as soon as I can. It’s only a few hundred yards away. “No,” he said, “I know this is the end, and I’ve held on as long as possible because I want you to do two things for me, Paul, if you would.” I said, “You just name it, Harold.” He said, “If you are permitted to live through this terrible ordeal, will you somehow get word to my parents and tell them how grateful I am for their teaching and influence which has enabled me to meet death with security and calmness, and this in turn will sustain them.” And I’m happy to report to you I was able to fulfill that commitment.

“Second, Paul,” he said, “if you ever have the opportunity to talk to the youth of the world, will you tell them for me that it is a sacred privilege to lay down my life for the principles that we have been defending here today.” And with that testimony on his lips he like so many others before, gave his life for the principles of freedom and righteousness.

Well, as we buried Harold along with his comrades, close friends, and associates, we placed over a cemetery on Okinawa this inscription, and I think it still stands for all to observe who would: “We gave our todays in order that you might have your tomorrows.”

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 1, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1970].)

Activity:

Play Wastebasket Toss.

Use a wastebasket as the goal. Mark the tossing line with a piece of string or tape. You may wish to make the tossing line closer for young children. Use a ball or beanbag for tossing. If the ball or beanbag touches the basket it counts 1 point; if it goes inside and it stays there it counts 5 points. If the ball goes in but bounces out it counts 2 points.

Remind the family to make their life count and not toss it away. 

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968] p. 171.)



Refreshment

Almost Oreo Cookies

Makes 11⁄2 dozen cookies

1 (18-ounce) package devil’s food cake mix 2 eggs

3 tablespoons water

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Filling

1 cup shortening

1 pound plus 1 cup powdered sugar, divided 

1 teaspoon vanilla

1⁄4 cup water

1⁄2 cup cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

Combine cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and cocoa powder until well mixed. Form into balls and place on cookie sheets. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass and bake 6 to 8 minutes. Remove cookies from cookie sheet and place on paper towels. Let cool for 20 to 25 minutes.

For filling: Beat shortening until fluffy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, and water and beat until fluffy. Add half the remaining powdered sugar and beat well. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat well.

Place desired filling amount on one cookie. Place second cookie on top of filling. Gently squeeze together. Repeat until all cookies have been made into sandwiches. These store well in an airtight container.



This lesson will help you discuss disabilities with your family and how to respectfully and lovingly interact with those who have disabilities.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “Special Lessons,” by Elder Ronald A. Rasband,

Ensign, May 2012, 80.

Thought:

A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames.

Though we will face trials, adversities, disabilities, heartaches, and all manner of

afflictions, our caring, loving Savior will always be there for us. 

Scripture:

Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame,

or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

(3 Nephi 17:7)

Song:

“I’ll Walk With You,” Children’s Songbook, p. 140.

Lesson:

How to teach young people sensitivity toward people with disabilities

As parents of two non-verbal autistic children, we understand that all people, disabled or not, are created in the image of God and have the potential to become like God. Some disabled people, because the severity of their disabilities makes them unable to choose between right and wrong, are like little children incapable of sinning. Young people who truly understand this will have a much easier time being sensitive toward people with disabilities.

Additionally, we suggest:

Parents should lead their children by example in showing compassion to the disabled. If a child’s parents are uncomfortable around people with disabilities, the child will learn to be uncomfortable around the disabled, too.

Parents should go out of their way to include the disabled in their activities. Children who associate with the disabled are much more likely to learn that the disabled are more like “normal” people than they are different.

Parents should encourage their children to follow the Savior’s example and serve the disabled. We can learn from the Savior’s compassion by helping the disabled to carry the crosses they have to bear.

Parents should teach their children not to pretend that the disability isn’t there. Sometimes people have trouble dealing with others’ disabilities, so they try to ignore the disabilities altogether. This can lead them to ignore the disabled and their needs. Even worse, it can keep them from enjoying what those with disabilities have to offer.

Parents should believe and live the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach their children to do the same. No one who truly believes in the mission of the Savior and the plan of salvation could have anything but compassion for the disabled.

—Bryan and Martha Chambers, Globe, Ariz.

Stories:

Injured at birth

I was injured at birth and left cerebral palsied to a minor degree. This has left me with some coordination difficulties and an obvious limp.

My school friends had explained to them that my “telephone wires” were damaged and could not be fixed. My wife and I have used this approach, learned from my mother, to help nieces and nephews and other young people with whom we associate to feel comfortable and able to ask concerned questions.—Colin Maxwell, Northamptonshire, England

Personally acquainted

A new family moved into the ward. A member of the family was severely disabled. The child was put in the Primary strapped into a wheelchair. That first day the Primary children were frightened at what they saw. The caring mother came to the bishop and presented a plan to visit each home with her disabled child and have each family in the ward become personally acquainted with the child and his problems. A mighty change took place in the ward and especially in Primary. The child later died at an early age. At the funeral, the chapel was filled to capacity.—Tom Arnett, Mesa, Ariz.

Passing the sacrament

One boy in the Aaronic Priesthood had dealt with many physical disabilities in his lifetime, including difficulty with vision and mobility. Many times on Sunday you would see the other boys assist this young man so that he was able to pass the sacrament to the ward members. One boy would walk along supporting him as he carried the tray. Many young men had the opportunity to learn a true lesson in service, to a friend, to the ward and, most important, to the Lord.—Tina Conde, Olympia, Wash.

Activity:

Play Blind Man’s Bluff.

Form a circle with one blindfolded person in the center. He is the “blind man.”

The blind man calls out, “Scatter, one, two, three, freeze!”

On the word “scatter” everyone runs to hide but must freeze in his tracks when the word “freeze” is said.

The blind man searches the room until he touches someone and then asks this person a question.

The person may answer with anything he wants in an attempt to bluff the blind man. He may even disguise his voice to further fool the blind man.

The blind man may guess once who the person is. If he guesses incorrectly, he again calls, “Scatter, one, two, three, freeze!” and the game continues. When he guesses correctly, he and the person trade places.

Refreshment

Peanut Butter Buttons

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 (12-ounce) bag miniature peanut

butter cups (about 36 candies) 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and peanut butter. Add sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat until combined, making sure all ingredients are incorporated. Beat in vanilla and egg until light and fluffy. Beat in flour just until well combined.

Unwrap miniature peanut butter cups. Shape each dough ball around a peanut butter cup until it is completely covered and no chocolate is visible. Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8 minutes. Cookies may look underdone, but do not overbake! Remove from oven and let cookies sit on hot cookie sheets for several more minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling. After cookies are completely cooled, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies with a fork or toothpick. Allow chocolate to set up. To help the chocolate set up faster, put the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes before drizzling with chocolate. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

For more great information on this topic, visit these other LDS Living links:

“Dealing with Difference,” by Leisha Maw

“Autism in Our Primary,” by Wendy Green

“Meeting the Need: Helping Children with Developmental Disabilities in Primary,” by Julie Christensen

FHE on Conversion

In our world today, each [person] needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own “steadfast and immovable” faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” by Neil L. Andersen, Ensign, May 2010, 108–12.

Thought:
In our world today, each [person] needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own “steadfast and immovable” faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Neil L. Andersen, “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Ensign, May 2010, 108–12.)

Song:
“I Will Follow God’s Plan,” Children’s Songbook, p. 164.

Scripture:
And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
(Alma 5:14)

Lesson:
Show a birth certificate of a family member and ask if they know what it is. Can anyone have two of these? Then show a baptismal certificate and ask how it might be considered a second birth certificate. Invite a member of your family to read John 3:3–7 and ask your family to look for what might have been on Nicodemus’s mind. Ask:


What does it mean to be “born again”? (See Alma 5:14; Mosiah 27:24–29.)
How can a person be born of the water (baptized) but not born of the Sprit?

Share the following by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Church members are not born again by the mere fact of baptism alone; rather, after baptism, they must so live as to experience a ‘mighty change’ in their hearts.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:142.)

Share an experience in your life when you felt a change of heart or spiritual rebirth. Explain that the process of spiritual rebirth happens over time. Testify that the sacrament allows a wonderful time to recommit one’s self to following God. Encourage family members to always seek for a change of heart by becoming a little better each day.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 116.)

Story:
The “mighty change” of heart (Alma 5:14) is a process that takes varying amounts of time for different people. Let me tell you about a man I will call Sasha to protect his personal privacy. He is a man in his early forties who describes himself as having previously been a very hard, cynical man.

Sasha’s cynicism came from his background, which he describes in detail:

“I was born in the north of Russia, in a worker’s family in a small town. I spent my childhood and youth in a place where many criminals had been deported, as well as soldiers who had been captured and accused of treason. Cruel and wild morals reigned there.

I learned that a strong man always rules and a weak man always submits. My years of studying in an institute confirmed this statement. Three years of working in a colony of a special regime for dangerous criminals amazed me. I saw and heard unbelievable things. Now it is hard for me to understand how a man could do such things.

I did not wait for help from anybody, and I also did not help anybody, either. I often thought about the question of the meaning of life. What do we live for? I asked everybody about that, but nobody could answer me. People were busy with their own problems.”

One evening two young missionaries met Sasha on the street of a city where he still resides. They asked whether he believed in God. He continues:

“I was confused. I knew from my experience that when someone comes to you in the darkness and asks for ten kopecks, your answer does not matter much, because there is going to be a fight within a
minute or two. Earlier, I had considered religious believers to be mentally sick people, and yet these young men seemed like quite normal people.

I agreed to make an appointment with the missionaries. Oh, I tortured them so much! I asked them many silly, cynical questions, and I even supposed that they were agents of the CIA.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately!), I had lost my job then and had time to read the Book of Mormon and the Bible all day long. The experience of reading these two books of scripture hour after hour, day after day, completely transformed my life. I found the truth. As I met with these wonderful young men, my cynicism gradually but fully dissolved. In our meetings and through my personal reading of the scriptures day after day, I became a new person, with a new outlook on the world.

Since my baptism and the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost, I have committed to our Heavenly Father that I will always try to help lift others throughout the rest of my life. As Alma explained [see Mosiah 18:8-10], when I accepted baptism I promised to be a comfort and a strength to others. And I will.”

Sasha is a dedicated servant of the Lord who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. He is a man who shows great love to others. He now manages a new private company in his city.

(Howard L. Biddulph, The Morning Breaks: Stories of Conversion and Faith in the Former Soviet Union, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1996].)

Activity:
Give each family member an old magazine or newspaper, a blank piece of paper, and some glue (younger children can be paired with an older family member). Ask each person to think of a word or phrase that describes the changes that can happen after a person has been converted. Have them find and cut out the letters to spell this word in the magazine. Then paste them onto the blank paper. After everyone is done, have them share their words.

Refreshment:

Kleiner

6 eggs
1⁄2 c. butter
1 1⁄2 c. sugar
1⁄2 c. canned milk
1⁄2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
5 c. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
Powdered sugar

Combine eggs, butter, sugar, milk, salt, and vanilla. Then add dry ingredients. Roll dough into a triangle, and cut through dough to make long strips. Cut across strips diagonally to form smaller diamond shapes. Cut a slit in the center of each diamond shape. Pull the bottom corner through the cut in the center to make a twist. Deep fry the twists until light golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, or eat plain.

FHE on Service

may we follow the counsel and example of the prophet and each day seek out those in need.

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “Helping Hands, Saving Hands,” by Koichi Aoyagi, Ensign, May 2010, 36–37.

Thought:

May we follow the counsel and example of the prophet and each day seek out those in need. (Koichi Aoyagi, “Helping Hands, Saving Hands,” Ensign, May 2010, 36–37.)

Song:

“Called to Serve,” Children’s Songbook, p. 174.

Scripture:

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40)

Lesson:

Gather items such as bathrobes, towels, and scarves to make simple costumes for the role-play activity of the good Samaritan. Act out the story of the good Samaritan. You can review the story first in Luke 10:30–37. You will need the following characters: the traveler, a thief (or thieves), a priest, a Levite, a Samaritan, and the innkeeper. (If your family is large, someone could even play the part of the donkey that the traveler rides on.)

When you have finished the role play, tell the family that the Savior told this story in answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” What does this story teach us about who our neighbors are? Whom should we serve? Emphasize that our neighbors can be anyone in need, people that we don’t know as well as those on our street and even those in our own home.

Story:

Steven was worried about his mother. She had been sick for several months. His father had put a bed in the living room so that she could watch Father and Steven decorate the Christmas tree and participate in all the Christmas activities. Christmas had been fun even though Mother was sick. She had been so excited about the tree. It had always been her favorite part of Christmas. Sometimes when Steven sat beside her on her bed, she would say, “Steven, just look at that star. Doesn’t it make you happy just to see it? When I wake up in the morning and
open my eyes, there it is. It is like having heaven in our very own house. It reminds me of Jesus, and when I think of him I don’t feel sick anymore.”

Now the holidays were over and Father said they needed to take down the tree on Monday night. Steven worried about what Mother would do without the star to look at every morning. He worried about it all through sacrament meeting. It felt lonesome not to have Mother sitting
next to him on the bench. He worried about it all during Primary. Then during singing time, Sister Pope had the children sing Steven’s favorite song, “I Am like a Star.” That was it! That was Steven’s answer. He could be Mother’s star. He would do and say happy things all day. He would help in every way he could. Mother didn’t need to be sad because the star on the Christmas tree was gone; Steven would be her star instead.

Steven didn’t tell anyone about his plan. On Monday night he was quick to help Father get out the box for the ornaments and was careful taking the ornaments off the tree. He even got out the vacuum and cleaned up the pine needles that dropped off the tree when Father carried it out to the trash.

The next morning the house seemed empty without all the beautiful Christmas decorations. But Steven remembered his plan. He looked for ways to help and serve all day long. He brought Mother her favorite magazine to read. He got her a drink of water when it was time to take her medicine. He read her his favorite picture book. He made his bed and cleaned his room even though Mother couldn’t come upstairs to see it. He sang Primary songs to Mother to help her fall asleep and he played quietly while she was resting.

All week Steven tried hard to be helpful and happy just like a star would be. Sometimes he would hum his favorite song just so he could remember. On Saturday morning, Father sat in the living room with Mother while she ate her breakfast.

Father said, “Do you miss the tree, dear? I know how much you liked looking at the star.”

Mother looked at Steven and smiled. “I don’t miss the star on the Christmas tree. I have my very own star that is shining brightly. My special star makes me smile and reminds me of Jesus. With all this help, I know I will be better soon.”

Steven felt such a warm, good feeling inside he thought he must be glowing just like a real star. Then the Steven Star gave Mother a great big hug.

(Deborah Pace Rowley, Before They Turn Twelve: Helping Children Gain a Testimony of the Lord’s Standards, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007], p. 90.)

Activity:

Make some star-shaped sugar cookies and deliver them to someone in your ward or neighborhood. You may want to pray as a family to decide who needs to receive a special treat to lift their spirits. Include a note that says, “You are stars to us!” with the cookies. Deliver the plate, ring the doorbell, and run!


Refreshment:

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

1 1⁄2 cups sugar
2⁄3 cup butter or shortening (butter makes a better-tasting cookie)
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1⁄4 cups flour
2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Decorative toppings

Cream sugar and butter or shortening; add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and beat into creamed mixture, combining thoroughly. With hands, shape dough into a ball. Wrap and
refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight until dough is easy to handle.

Grease cookie sheets lightly. On lightly floured board, roll one-half or one-third of dough at a time, keeping remaining dough refrigerated. For crisp cookies, roll dough paper-thin. For softer cookies, roll 1⁄8-inch to 1⁄4-inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with floured cookie cutter. Reroll trimmings and cut.

Place cookies half an inch apart on cookie sheets. Sprinkle with decorative toppings, if desired. Bake at 375 degrees about 8 minutes or until a very light brown. Remove cookies to racks to cool. Makes about 6 dozen cookies.

(Lion House Classics, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2004], p. 106.)

LOVE

Love For more information on this topic read “Mother Told Me,” by Bradley D.
Conference Talk:
Foster, Ensign, May 2010, 98–100.
Thought:
In a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them—we must never stop trying.
(Bradley D. Foster, “Mother Told Me,” Ensign, May 2010, 98–100.) Song:
“Love One Another,” Children’s Songbook, p. 136. Scripture:
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another (1 John 4:11)
Lesson:
Read the words of the hymn, “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd” (Hymns, no. 221). Ask:
• According to the hymn, what are a shepherd’s responsibilities? • How would you describe a shepherd that fails to care for the flock? Read together Zechariah 11:15–17 and notice how the shepherds of
Zechariah’s day fulfilled their duties. Ask: • Who is the flock these shepherds are supposed to take care of? (The
Lord’s people.) • How do you think the Lord feels about these types of shepherds? • Who are our shepherds today? (Priesthood leaders, parents, etc.) • What could happen if our parents and leaders do not care about us? • What blessings come from parents and leaders who do their best to help
us? • When have you been blessed by the love and caring of your “shepherds”? • How do you think it feels to have the responsibility of a shepherd? Bear your testimony of the joy that comes from serving and caring for those
you love.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Old Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2009], p. 245.)
Story:
Years from now when I think about the movie Cast Away I will remember a compelling storyline, some extraordinary special effects, and a remarkable acting performance by Tom Hanks.
But mostly I’ll remember holding hands with Elizabeth.
We went to see the film as a family, which is why I wasn’t sitting by my wife, Anita. We have found that keeping 11-year-old Elizabeth and her 9-year-old brother, Jon, away from each other is the best way to keep them from fighting in the dark. So we sit between them.
Just a few minutes into the movie—and I hope I’m not spoiling this for anyone—there’s a frighteningly realistic plane crash. In fact, it was a little too frightening and a little too realistic for Elizabeth’s taste. She leaned up against me, her head pressed against my shoulder, and reached over and took my hand, squeezing it tightly.
“It’s okay, Sweetie,” I said. “Remember, it’s only a movie. Just close your eyes, and pretty soon it’ll all be over.”
And pretty soon it was. Within a few minutes the scary part was over for Elizabeth, and she was sitting up in her seat, happily independent, her hands busy with popcorn and soda.
It wasn’t long, however, before another scary part came along. Only this wasn’t a scary part for Elizabeth—this was a scary part for me. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been claustrophobic. You want to scare me to death? Put me in a crowded elevator—and then make it stop. So when Tom Hanks started exploring that cave, I started cowering in my seat. Heart pounding. Palms sweating. Afraid to look—afraid not to. And I’m thinking, If there are any spiders or snakes in this cave, I’m outta here. Suddenly I felt a hand reaching out in the darkness—a calm, steady, 11-year-old hand, slightly seasoned with salt and butter-flavored topping. It grabbed onto my hand firmly, squeezing reassuringly, as Elizabeth again leaned up against me, her head again pressed against my shoulder.
“It’s okay, Daddy,” she said. “Remember, it’s only a movie. Just close your eyes, and pretty soon it’ll all be over.”
And pretty soon it was. Only this time, I didn’t let go of Elizabeth’s hand after the scary part was over, and she didn’t let go of mine. We just sat there through the rest of the movie, holding onto each other and helping each other through the film’s subsequent ups and downs.
That’s how Elizabeth and I made it through Cast Away. And it occurs to me that that’s how we all make it through life, too. Although we like to think of ourselves as happily independent and self- reliant, when the scary parts of life come—as they always do, eventually—it’s comforting to be able to lean against family and friends, to hear their reassurance that it’s okay, and to reach out in the darkness to find a calm, reassuring hand.
With or without the butter-flavored topping.

Activity:
Play a favorite board game together.

Refreshment
German Pancake
4 tablespoons butter 4 eggs 2/3 cup flour 1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk favorite jam
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Melt butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Pour melted butter into a separate container for use later, leaving a coating of butter on the inside of the skillet. Beat eggs with flour until smooth. Add salt and milk, mixing again until smooth. Pour batter into skillet and drizzle melted butter on batter, covering center area but not the edge. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. (Be sure oven is to temperature. The heat makes the pancake rise.) Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Slice into wedges, serve with warm jam.

COMMANDMENTS

Thought:
It is my prayer that each day will find us striving to be more obedient to the laws, ordinances, and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ in order that He may more fully bless our lives.
(Bruce A. Carlson, “When the Lord Commands,” Ensign, May 2010, 38–40.) Song:
“Keep the Commandments,” Children’s Songbook, p. 146.
Scripture:
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

Lesson:
Have everyone read the scripture (above) aloud together. Ask: What does this scripture tell us?
Tell the family that Heavenly Father has made promises through the scriptures and his prophets that if we are obedient and obey his commandments he will bless us.
Point to the lists below. Tell them that you will read a blessing and they must choose the commandment that best goes with it. Draw a line between the commandment and the blessing.
Commandment
Blessing
1. Tithing 2. Sabbath Day 3. Word of Wisdom 4. Fasting 5. Book of Mormon 6. Baptism 7. The Sacrament
A. Helps us remember our baptismal covenants. When we do this, we should think about how much Jesus loves us. B. Helps us become more humble and receptive to the Spirit.
C. Windows of heaven are opened and blessings are poured out.
D. Takes away our sins. This is necessary for all people to have dome before they can become members in Christ’s church. E. President Benson said that reading this brings peace to our lives.
F. Can help us have a healthier body.
G. Helps us feel spiritually new as we remember the Savior and his sacrifice for us.

I am often reminded of an experience that I had while on a mission in Germany. Once a month we went to the little town of Uelzen, which was a self-sustaining branch. We went there to get their reports and to help them as we could. My companion was assigned to the branch the same time I
was, so this first visit to Uelzen was a new experience for both of us. We took our seats in the first meeting we attended in the front of the hall. The branch president
announced that the meeting would be started by the choir singing such and such a song. I looked about and found no choir up in front, but before I could ask any questions or discover an answer to the problem in my mind as to where the choir was coming from, my companion and I found ourselves the only ones sitting in the audience. The entire congregation, except for my companion and I, had gone up to the front and sang as a choir. It is no wonder we have Saints who can come here and produce a chorus such as we had yesterday.
I found from the reports that they not only all sang together, but they worked together. I found that there was 100 percent membership of the branch paying 100 percent tithing—and that was not just the month that I went there on that one visit, but that was the report I got all the time I was there. Attendance in their meetings was the same. They worked together in everything they did. I discovered also that there were two women in the branch at that time whose husbands had gone to America, and that the branch had agreed together, before these two men left, that they would all work together. They would keep the commandments of the Lord to the best of their ability; they would do all that was required of them without excuse; nothing would stop them from fulfilling the responsibilities given to them. Those who remained in the branch would see to it that the wives of these two men were taken care of, that they would not be in need.
The two men who left for America agreed that they would do likewise in living the commandments of the Lord, and that they would find jobs and work hard and save their money and send for their wives as soon as possible. It was not long until I was transferred from that section of Germany, and then soon after, I was released to come home.
Some twenty years later, after I became the Patriarch to the Church, I had an appointment to give a blessing to a young girl. When she arrived, her mother was with her. I found that the mother was one of those two sisters whose husbands had left Uelzen when I was over there. I had a long talk with this sister and her daughter. The daughter, of course, had grown up from a small child, and her mother told me this story: that one by one, or two at a time, as occasion came, different members of the branch would have the opportunity of leaving and coming to America, until finally, before World War II broke out, there was not one member of the Church left in that branch in Uelzen. They had all come to America safely before the war broke out.
Then she told me also that in the end of the war, when the American soldiers invaded that section of Germany, for some reason unknown to her, the German soldiers set up a resistance in Uelzen which resulted in a four-day battle. The bombings and general destruction were such that there was not a house left in the section where most of the Saints had lived, yet there was not a member of the Church left in Uelzen—a result and reward of unity, working together to keep the commandments of the Lord.
This is a challenge to us, brothers and sisters, that we might do as they did in Uelzen—that we might live the commandments of the Lord as they did.

Activity:
Divide the family into two teams and give each team a piece of paper. Tell them to number from one to ten on their paper. Ask each group to work together and list, in order, as many of the ten commandments as they can. Turn to Exodus 20:1-17 and correct each group’s answers.

Refreshment
Fresh Fruit Platter with Fruit Dip
Celebrate the tastes of summer.

head romaine lettuce small cantaloupe small honeydew melon fresh pineapple
pint basket strawberries
red grape clusters Wash and separate romaine lettuce leaves and place on eight serving plates or 1 large platter. Cut cantaloupe and honeydew melons in half. Remove seeds and cut each melon into eight wedges. Remove peel. Cut pineapple into eight wedges. Remove skin. Arrange all fruit on top of lettuce leaves. Serve with Fresh Fruit Dip. Makes 8 servings.

Fresh Fruit Dip
1 cup sour cream 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Stir together and serve with fresh fruit..

Theme: Family History

Family History For more information on this topic read “Generations Linked in Love,” by Russell
Conference Talk:
M. Nelson, Ensign, May 2010, 91–94.

Thought:
Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple.

Song:
“Family History,” Children’s Songbook, p. 94.

Scripture:
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. (Malachi 4:6)

Lesson:
Display some of your family’s journals and ask: • Why are journals important? • Do you think your journal will be more or less valuable ten years from
now? Why? • How valuable do you think your journal will be to your children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? Ask family members to read JS—H 1:1–2. Ask: • What reasons did Joseph Smith give for writing the history of the Church? • When did the writing of the history begin? • Why are you grateful that Joseph recorded his history?

Story:
My father had sent a telegram saying he would meet me in New Zealand at the conclusion of my mission.
I arrived in New Zealand and took a taxi to the mission home. It was winter in the southern hemisphere, and I was very cold. However, meeting my father was such a warm experience that the cold didn't seem to bother. Dad's grandparents were converted and baptized in Christchurch, New Zealand, and immigrated to the United States in the 1870s. They were the only members of their family to join the Church, so we still had lots of relatives in New Zealand.
It was fun looking up and visiting family members, none of whom were yet members of the Church. We had some great discussions and gathered a lot of genealogical and family history information. We visited some cemeteries and made arrangements for more appropriate headstones and had many wonderful and heartwarming experiences. There is a special feeling about visiting graves of ancestors in distant lands. You feel a kinship or linkage that is hard to express.
(John H. Groberg, In the Eye of the Storm,

Activity:
Give your family a writing assignment to record in their journals the events leading to their conversion, or a spiritual experience from their life.

Refreshment
Mini-Cheesecakes
Top these little treats with cherries.
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 2 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 3⁄4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) 18 vanilla wafers 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
In a large bowl beat together cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and lemon juice. Put 18 paper baking cups into muffin tins. Place 1 vanilla wafer in bottom of each cup. Pour batter into muffin tins. Bake at 350° F. for 12 to 15 minutes. When cool, top with cherry pie filling. Makes 18 mini-cheesecakes.