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!!

Week 15: Chapter 15 - Alma Teaches and Baptizes

Book of Mormon
Chapter 15: Alma Teaches and Baptizes

I'll admit it - I have back-dated this post so it looks like I was diligent and posted it two weeks ago instead of the beginning of June. But if you don't read this paragraph I am sure you will be none the wiser.

This week Alma teaches and baptizes a slew of people. I have just taught a lesson in Primary about the blessings of being baptised that included the story of Alma teaching and baptising. The blessings included: 1) We become members of Jesus Christ's church; 2) We get the gift of the Holy Ghost; and 3) Heavenly Father forgives us.

These important blessings are outlined in Alma's story and would definitely be a great guideline for teaching the story this week.

Other activities that you may want to do:

• Help your child realise the importance of writing in his/her journal. After hearing what Abinadi had to say, Alma immediately wrote down everything that had been said. Write in a journal or draw a picture about something you have done during the day.
• Build a tent and hide in it for a day. You know I love me a tent!
• LDS Family Fun (aka the Living Scriptures) has an activity book about Abinadi. The last part of the book covers part of this Alma story.
• You could also use the flash cards at the end of the LDS Family Fun activity book to make a card match up game.
• Invite the missionaries over for dinner.

Activities from the Friend:
July 2005 - Help your toddler complete the diorama used for sharing time