President Hinckley has counseled parents: “Read to your children. Read the story of the Son of God. Read to them from the New Testament. Read to them from the Book of Mormon. It will take time, and you are very busy, but it will prove to be a great blessing in your lives as well as in their lives. And there will grow in their hearts a great love for the Savior of the world, the only perfect man who walked the earth. He will become to them a very real living being, and His great atoning sacrifice as they grow to manhood and womanhood, will take on a new and more glorious meaning in their lives” (quoted in Church News, 6 Dec. 1997, 2)

Monday, June 8, 2009

Week 17: Chapter 17 - Alma and His People Escape

Book of Mormon Stories
Chapter 17: Alma and His People Escape

Another great escape. As mentioned in my previous post, this story is similar to King Limhi and his people escaping. The big difference being that Alma's people were already doing the right thing to begin with. They also didn't have to get the Lamanites drunk - they just fell asleep!

I love the scriptures in this story that tell how the people prayed in their hearts and Heavenly Father made their burdens light. I gotta tell you, I know that feeling of having my burdens made light - it's a nice feeling. Because I particularly like those verses, I will read with LQ Mosiah 24:10-15.

Another verse in Mosiah 24 mentions that after the Lord delivered Alma and His People from bondage everyone who could, lifted up their voice in praise and thanksgiving. Giving thanks could definitely be a good theme for the week. So I have thought of and found activities that will go along with the theme of giving thanks.

  • Sing "Children All Over The World" (Children's Songbook pg #16)
  • Sing "Thanks to Our Father" (Children's Songbook pg #20)
  • Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual has a lesson on Thankfulness - there is a great colouring activity that we will definitely be using this week.
  • Go on a picnic and pack a backpack for your toddler. Make it heavy enough for them to realise when you lift it a little bit. Explain to them as you are lifting it that you are easing their burden just like Heavenly Father eased the burdens of the People of Alma.
  • During dinner each day this week have each family member tell what they are grateful for.
  • You can use last week's suggestions for the prayer part of the story
  • Go for a walk and point out all the things you are thankful for.

The Friend Activities:
  • November 2008 - Has a WONDERFUL matching game for things we are thankful for. The Sharing Time suggestions recommend that you discuss why you are thankful for the particular blessing when it is matched (you know I LOVE, love, LOVE matching games).

I just wanted to point out that whatever activity you choose to do, make sure that while you are doing it point out the similarities between what you are doing and the story that you read each day. It is through these small "chats" that your toddler will learn that he/she can learn important lessons from reading scriptures and that it is not just a boring thing to do.



On a different note, I have had some wonderful emails and comments recently and I just wanted to thank you for them. I have recently been in a blogging slump (if you haven't noticed) and it is the comments and emails that have kept me going. THANK YOU!!

2 comments:

  1. Yay...I am back on track. We watched the video for this yesterday, and we've been talking about what we're thankful for. I love the idea of the backpack. My 2 1/2 year old understands the concept of heavy, and so I think he might get that.
    Your blog really inspires me to be a better mom. You know there are a ton of crafting, quilting, cooking, etc blogs out there, but I feel really blessed to have found your because this actually makes me a better mom. My boys might not get homemade socks fancy decor for their bedroom, but they will know the scriptures. I was overwhelmed by teaching him, but with your help, I see that it is in simple daily interactions that we can teach the principles.
    I can't thank you enough.

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  2. Dear Helen,
    I have just come across this beautiful blog tonight and it has made my day. You are so incredibly talented. What an awesome idea. I am currently in a blogging slump, 'blogger depressed' I tend to call it, but
    reading this has bightened my day and inspired me to help my children gain a love and appreciation for the scriptures at an early age. What a wonderful resource. I will be checking for new posts VERY often. Thankyou so much for sharing and creating a blog which is uplifting and inspiring. I love it!
    BTW this is Nikki (Bek's sister from Tassie). Cluffy is my bestie! hehe

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