Lesson Helps

FHE: Courage

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Courageous Parenting,” by Elder Larry R. Lawrence, Ensign, Nov 2010, 98.

Thought:
It takes courage to gather children from whatever they’re doing and kneel together as a family. It takes courage to turn off the television and the computer and to guide your family through the pages of the scriptures every day. It takes courage to turn down other invitations on Monday night so that you can reserve that evening for your family. It takes courage and willpower to avoid overscheduling so that your family can be home for dinner. (Elder Larry R. Lawrence, “Courageous Parenting,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 98.)

Song:
“Nephi’s Courage,” Children’s Songbook, p. 120.

Scripture:
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9)

Lesson:
Show your family the picture of Abinadi before King Noah (such as Gospel Art Picture Kit, no. 308—available at lds.org). Allow each family member to look carefully at the picture and then read together Mosiah 13:1–9. Ask the following questions:

• Why was Abinadi sure he would not be “destroyed at this time”? (See verse 3.)
• How was Abinadi protected from King Noah’s men? (See verse 5.)
• Why were King Noah and his priests angry with Abinadi? (See verses 6–8.)
• How might this story give you courage when you face difficult tasks?

Have someone read the following statement: “When we know who we are and what God expects of us—when his ‘law [is] written in [our] hearts’—we are spiritually protected.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995, p. 34.)

Ask, “How does the story of Abinadi help you to have courage in the callings you receive from the Lord?”

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 129.)

Story:
by Elder Mark E. Peterson

[One] June I had the privilege of standing here and talking with the young people who came to the MIA conference. I told them about a little family up in Canada which had joined the Church, and as a result had suffered great persecution. To bolster their courage, this little family rewrote the words to a hymn they used to sing and made one of the verses go like this:

Dare to be a Mormon;
Dare to stand alone;
Dare to have a purpose firm;
Dare to make it known!

I invited the young people who were here last June to develop the same kind of courage held by this wonderful Canadian family, and in the face of all forms of opposition to stand firm and true to the faith.

That opposition might come in various forms. It might be persecution, as in the case of that Canadian family. It might be temptations, or it might come in the form of teachings from people who would like to destroy your faith.

When those temptations or those persecutions or those false teachings come, will you have the courage to be real Latter-day Saints, to have a purpose firm, and to stand by it?

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971].)

Activity:
Explain that the purpose of this activity will be to see if each one can listen to and follow the instructions of the leader and not be prevented from reaching his goal by all the persuasion and heckling of others. Point out that this is exactly what each of us must do to be a faithful steward.

For this game you will need dry beans and a knife. Place the beans on a plate. Very young children should probably use a spoon instead of the knife. The leader of the game instructs the player to scoop up three beans with the knife (fewer if preferable), doing it without using his other hand. Then he is to carry the beans without spilling them to a table or chair about 10 feet away. Warn him that others will try to get him to drop his beans or to stop or to disobey the instructions, and part of the test is to see if he can disregard them and reach his goal.

As the player walks toward his goal, family members may heckle him and persuade him to disobey instructions. However, they may not touch him. In the case of the young child this should be done with care and in a spirit of fun. so he will not become frustrated and not try.

Many things in life will try to lead us astray. It takes courage to keep going on to your goal.

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p.48.)

Refreshment:
Rocky Mountain Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups Rice Krispies® cereal
1 (12-ounce) bag chocolate chips

In a large bowl cream together sugars and butter. Add eggs and vanilla and beat well. Sift dry ingredients into a separate bowl. Add to mixture. Fold in oats, cereal, and chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350° F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until very lightly browned. Makes 6 dozen.

(Julie Badger Jensen, The Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 32.)

*Click here for a printable PDF.

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