Who are our Prophets and what are they known for??

The subject for the month of May in the "Come, Follow me" lessons is "Prophets!"  I decided to spotlight each of our 16 prophets and something they are known for either putting into practice or speaking about a lot.  It took me hours upon hours to put this together.  There was so much information on each and so many ways I could have highlighted their teachings.  With most I was engrossed with the learning while I was preparing and with others I had something very specific in mind and wanted to find the perfect reference for it!  So, I spent hours searching for the perfect information to share then hours organizing it!  It really was awesome and I learned a lot and was refreshed with others!  I loved it!  

I will copy and paste the information here.  I made it into a table, Prophet, known for, and reference, so it was easy to paste this information into the kids' books!  

Joseph Smith	Restoration of the Priesthood	D&C 13
Brigham Young	“Great colonizer of the West”	“God has shown me that this is the spot to locate this people, and here is where they will prosper. … As the Saints gather here and get strong enough to possess the land, God will temper the climate and we shall build a city and a temple to the Most High God in this place. We will extend our settlements to the east and west, to the north and to the south, and we will build towns and cities by the hundreds, and thousands of Saints will gather in from the nations of the earth. This will become the great highway of nations” (Teachings: Brigham Young, Chapter 15)
John Taylor	Organization of wards and stakes	“God has ordained among you presidents, apostles, prophets, high priests, seventies, bishops and other authorities; they are of his appointment, empowered and directed by him, under his influence, teaching his law, unfolding the principles of life, and are organized and ordained expressly to lead the people in the path of exaltation and eternal glory… And the very organizations that we have, of Stakes and Wards, with their Presidency and Bishops, High Councils, High Priests, Seventies, Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons, etc., are placed in the Church by the Almighty to educate and elevate us.” (Teachings: John Taylor, Chapter 14)
Wilford Woodruff	“The Manifesto”	D&C Official Declarations, 1
Lorenzo Snow	Tithes and offerings	“The time has now come for every Latter-day Saint, who calculates to be prepared for the future and to hold his feet strong upon a proper foundation, to do the will of the Lord and to pay his tithing in full….There is no man or woman that now hears what I am saying who will feel satisfied if he or she fails to pay a full tithing.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 12)
Joseph F. Smith	Vision of “Redemption of the Dead”	D&C 138 58-60
Heber J. Grant	Welfare program	“Our primary purpose was to set up, in so far as it might be possible, a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves.”  (teachings Heber J. Grant: The Life and Ministry of Heber J. Grant)
George Albert Smith	“Love thy neighbor as thyself”	“Our ministry is one of love. Our service is one which enriches our lives. … If we are living as God intends that we should live, if we are ministering as he desires that we should minister, every day of our lives is enriched by the influence of his Spirit, our love of our fellowmen increases and our souls are enlarged until we feel that we could take into our arms all of God’s children, with a desire to bless them and bring them to an understanding of the truth.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church, George Albert Smith, Chapter 2)
David O. Mckay	“Every Member a missionary”	“Every member is a missionary. He or she has the responsibility of bringing somebody: a mother, a father, a neighbor, a fellow worker, an associate, somebody in touch with the messengers of the gospel. If every member will carry that responsibility and if the arrangement to have that mother or that father or somebody meet the authorized representatives of the Church, no power on earth can stop this church from growing. And personal contact is what will influence those investigators. That personal contact, the nature of it, its effect depends upon you. And that’s one thing that I wish to emphasize. There’s one responsibility which no man can evade, that’s the responsibility of personal influence. … It’s what you are, not what you pretend to be that will bring people to investigate.” (Teachings: David O McKay, Chapter 6)
Joseph Fielding Smith	Creation of Church Magazines	“The new magazine, the Ensign, which has carried this message to you, is another effort on the part of the Church to help individuals and families stay closer to the Lord. This magazine can be a great influence for good if you will read it. Over the months it will help build your testimony and offer aid in coping with the problems of the world. In like manner, younger people of the Church will be motivated and strengthened if they have access to the children’s magazine, the Friend, or the magazine for our youth and young adults, the New Era.” (January 1971 Ensign, First Presidency Message)
Harold B. Lee	Correlation program	“ All that we do is to be done ‘with an eye single to the glory of God.’ [D&C 82:19.] And what was the glory of God? As the Lord explained it to Moses, it was to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. … In all our efforts in the … correlation program we have kept these observations always in mind. Simply stated, our two sole objectives in correlation were to keep the priesthood functioning as the Lord has clearly defined it, with the auxiliary organizations properly related thereto, and secondly that the parents and the family magnify their callings as the Lord has commanded. And so we see that everything that is done should be done with that one question in mind: does this activity further the interest of the kingdom, are we keeping our eye single to that prime purpose of the Lord’s organization—to save souls and to bring to pass the immortality and the eternal life of man?” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Harold B. Lee, Chapter 16)
Spencer W. Kimball	“Lengthen your stride”	“The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve recently gave careful consideration as to how we can lengthen our stride in this tremendously important responsibility. We announce a twofold emphasis. First, all members should write a personal history and participate in a family organization. Also, we want to emphasize again and place squarely upon the shoulders of these individuals and their families the obligation to complete the four-generation program. Families may extend their pedigree beyond the four generations if desired. Secondly, we are introducing a Church-wide program of extracting names from genealogical records. Church members may now render second-mile service through participating in this regard in extracting these names in this program supervised by the priesthood leaders at the local level, where you will receive further details.” (April 1978 General Conference, May 1978 Ensign, The True Way of Life and Salvation)
Ezra Taft Benson	“Keystone of our religion”	“My beloved brethren and sisters, today I would like to speak about one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times. The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions that have come out of the industrial and technological revolutions. This is a gift of greater value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon, given to mankind 156 years ago. This gift was prepared by the hand of the Lord over a period of more than a thousand years, then hidden up by Him so that it would be preserved in its purity for our generation. Perhaps there is nothing that testifies more clearly of the importance of this modern book of scripture than what the Lord Himself has said about it. The first is that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony.” (Ensign November 1986, The Book of Mormon: Keystone of our religion)
Howard W. Hunter	Attend the Temple	“Let us truly be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people. We should hasten to the temple as frequently, yet prudently, as our personal circumstances allow. We should go not only for our kindred dead but also for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety that are within those hallowed and consecrated walls. As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and deeply the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us make the temple, with temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal and the supreme mortal experience.” (February 1995 Ensign, First Presidency Message, A Temple motivated people)
Gordon B. Hinckley	“Stand a little taller”	“I want to urge you to stand a little taller, to rise a little higher, to be a little better. “(The Quest for Excellence, November 1998 BYU Devotional)
Thomas S. Monson	“Decisions determine destiny”	“I can’t stress too strongly that decisions determine destiny. You can’t make eternal decisions without eternal consequences.” (November 2005 CES Fireside, Decisions Determine Destiny) “Our lives will depend upon the decisions which we make—for decisions determine destiny. “ (November 1979, New Era Decisions Determine Destiny)

Then I took the information in the first and second column and color-coded them like this:  

Joseph Smith

Brigham Young

John Taylor

Wilford Woodruff

Lorenzo Snow

Joseph F. Smith

Heber J. Grant

George Albert Smith

David O. McKay

Joseph Fielding Smith

Harold B. Lee

Spencer W. Kimball

Ezra Taft Benson

    Howard W. Hunter

Gordon B. Hinckley

Thomas S. Monson

Restoration of the Priesthood

“Colonizer of the West”

Organization of wards & stakes

“The Manifesto”

Tithes & offerings

Vision of “Redemption of the Dead”

Welfare Program

“Love they neighbor as thyself”

“Every Member a missionary”

Creation of Church magazines

Correlation Program

“Lengthen your stride”

“Keystone of our Religion”

“Attend the Temple”

“Stand a little taller”

“Decisions Determine Destiny”

Then I created this poster board!  

 I started out asking the kids to name the prophets in order.  Then I asked them to share with me something they know any of the prophets is known for.  We went through the prophets starting with Joseph Smith on.  I didn't actually give them the table yet.  I had the information with the references so they weren't just reading ahead and zoning out.  They did have the poster board to look at though.  We had a good discussion throughout this lesson and all of the kids seemed really engrossed in the lesson and learning more about their prophets!  (Feel free to use any information from this lesson, but if you blog or post about this, please give credit where credit is due!  Thank you!!!)  

*I realize this is not an all-encompassing list and there are other things each prophet can be known for, for instance, David O'McKay and "Where ere thou art, act well thy part" etc.  but these are what stood out to me as what I known and remember them for! 

Have a happy day~Kasey

 

 

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How can I see Heavenly Father's hand in all things?

As the kids completed their assessments and turned them in to me last Sunday, I was excited to read over them and see what they would like to learn about.  I was surprised to see that a big one they had trouble actually seeing and understanding is how to see Him in their lives directly.  I knew I wanted to make this lesson a priority for the next Sunday!  I read so many talks and articles, lesson plans from others in preparation for this.  I did a lot of praying and knew which direction to go.  

The first thing I did was hand out a paper with the lyrics to "How Great Thou Art" on it.  

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed;

Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
and hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze;

Refrain

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die - I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:

Refrain

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home- what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

The kids went through their copy and underlined or circled ways we can see God each day.  When everyone was done we talked about it as a group.  Then I passed out this letter from our Father in Heaven to each of the kids, with their name on theirs.

Dear (I wrote in their name)

I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too, so I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you.

As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face – trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have.

The next day, I exploded a brilliant sunrise into a glorious morning for you.

I love you. I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky.

The wind whispers My love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls.

I warm you with the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent.

My love for you is deeper than the ocean. Please call Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait, because I love you.

Love,

Heavenly Father

Some of the kids really liked it and I hope it sticks with them!  After discussing these two things, we came to the conclusion that it was easy to see him in those physical type things because He created all.  So I brought in this talk by Elder Bednar titled "The Tender Mercies of the Lord.!"  I first explained what a tender mercy was.  I read the examples in the talk that he shared, the sister who spoke of the Christmas card from her deceased husband and the dream of the righteous Priesthood leader.  I read some other parts that I felt the class would benefit from.  A couple kids shared some experiences of loved ones in regards to receiving tender mercies.  I shared one of my many! :D  It turned out to be a great discussion!  

Our time was ending so I passed out this handout that I found at LDS Nest. She had so many, but I really liked this one.

The kids were asked to do this as homework, but warned that we would do it the next class if they didn't.  I really liked this handout and the meaning behind each of those scriptures!

Have a happy day~Kasey

 

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Assessment...and Godhead overview!

Our Sunday School class is using the same curriculum, with the same topics as last year.  I have nine of the same students and didn't want to bore them.  I went through all of the topics and sub topics and noticed the questions at the end.  I ended up making an assessment of the kids to fill out, completely anonymously!  Here is my questionnaire!!  

Rank each statement with a number, 1-5, with 1 being very unsure, and 5 being very sure.

I know how the Spirit speaks to me personally. 1 2 3 4 5

I know how to learn about my Father by using the scriptures. 1 2 3 4 5

I understand how to help others learn truths about Heavenly Father. 1 2 3 4 5

I recognize the Lord’s influence in my life. 1 2 3 4 5

I believe in God. 1 2 3 4 5

I am confident that I will serve a mission/marry in the temple. 1 2 3 4 5

I understand how to teach by the Spirit. 1 2 3 4 5

I understand the importance of the Plan of Salvation. 1 2 3 4 5

I see the symbolism of teaching the gospel in conjunction with the Plan of Salvation. 1 2 3 4 5

I feel I can influence others in Church settings to learn about the Gospel. 1 2 3 4 5

I believe I understand the doctrines of the Gospel enough to help others understand them  1 2 3 4 5

I can recognize the use of the Atonement in my life. 1 2 3 4 5

I know where to learn about the Atonement in the scriptures. 1 2 3 4 5

I know how to teach others about the Atonement. 1 2 3 4 5

I truly believe that I completely comprehend the Atonement. 1 2 3 4 5

I know the importance of teaching pure doctrine instead of opinions. 1 2 3 4 5

I think the Apostasy and the Restoration relates to me. 1 2 3 4 5

I understand the Apostasy and Restoration enough to teach others about it. 1 2 3 4 5

I feel I can really learn from the Latter-Day Prophet and Apostles. 1 2 3 4 5

I could use improvement in my scripture study. 1 2 3 4 5

Being reverent helps me receive revelation. 1 2 3 4 5

I understand the different, yet equal, roles between women and the Priesthood. 1 2 3 4 5

I can learn about the Priesthood from the scriptures. 1 2 3 4 5

I can effectively teach others about the Priesthood. 1 2 3 4 5

I know the difference between Ordinances and Covenants. 1 2 3 4 5

I can teach others the differences between Ordinances and Covenants. 1 2 3 4 5

I can effectively use the scriptures to learn about Ordinances and Covenants. 1 2 3 4 5

I need to prepare now to attend the Temple. 1 2 3 4 5

Partaking of the sacrament is meaningful to me. 1 2 3 4 5

I keep a journal. 1 2 3 4 5

Keeping a journal is important. 1 2 3 4 5

I know how to do family history. 1 2 3 4 5

It is important to know my family history. 1 2 3 4 5

It is important to keep the commandments. 1 2 3 4 5

I can help others understand my standards. 1 2 3 4 5

Modesty is important to me. 1 2 3 4 5

Keeping the commandments helps me learn more about the Gospel. 1 2 3 4 5

Heavenly Father blesses me when I keep the commandments. 1 2 3 4 5

I can use the scriptures to help me become more Christ-like. 1 2 3 4 5

I can inspire others to be more Christ-like. 1 2 3 4 5

I know how to be spiritually self-reliant. 1 2 3 4 5

Setting goals is important. 1 2 3 4 5

I need to prepare now to be financially self-reliant. 1 2 3 4 5

Service is important. 1 2 3 4 5

I understand the Second Coming and the signs of it. 1 2 3 4 5

I know how to learn about the Second Coming in the scriptures. 1 2 3 4 5

It is important for me to teach the Gospel to others. 1 2 3 4 5

One of the things I am really struggling to understand is…

You can best help me as a teacher by…

 This actually worked SO well!!!  A couple kids came up and talked to me about their open-ended questions, but most kept theirs anonymous and it has already been such a HUGE help for me in preparing my lessons!!!  

Feel free to use and enjoy!!!  

Since this took up the majority of the time, we had a simple handout for them. Which I found here.

Each class member was assigned a scripture.  We read them aloud.  Once each section was completed we discussed what we were those scriptures told us about the Godhead.  I was impressed with the amount of 

notes they each took in their journals!  So far~a hit!! 

Have a happy day~Kasey

 

 

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