For Parents

God’s Plan Is for You

a family playing on the beach

Dear Parents,

As we study the images, symbols, and teachings of the Old Testament, we can better understand our Heavenly Father’s plan for us and Jesus Christ’s role in that plan.

The articles in this month’s issue can give you ideas for teaching children from the Old Testament and about God’s plan for us.

Gospel Discussions

Heavenly Father Has a Divine Plan for His Children

Why is it important to understand God’s plan of salvation? Use “Gospel Basics” on page 10 to teach your children the importance of the Fall of Adam and Eve. Together, you could create a list of the blessings and opportunities we have in this life because we came to earth.

After reading Elder Quentin L. Cook’s article on page 6, discuss as a family the blessings that have come into your life from knowing that God has a plan to save His children.

Teaching Children from the Scriptures

See page 38 for ideas on helping kids get involved in the scriptures. Enhance your study of the Old Testament by reading the articles on pages 12 and 42. What do you learn that helps you understand the Old Testament? Prayerfully discuss with your family what goals you have for your Come, Follow Me study this year.

Come, Follow Me Insights

See page 46 for an illustrated explanation of the Creation and other material to support your weekly Come, Follow Me study.

Come, Follow Me Family Fun

Stewards over the Earth

Moses 2:28 explains that humankind was given dominion over all living things. President Russell M. Nelson said, “We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).

1. Go on a short walk around the area you live in or look at pictures and videos of beautiful landscapes.

2. Point out different parts of the environment that you notice. This could be plants, animals, or landforms.

3. Notice each living thing and discuss specific ways we can take care of them and the environment around them.

Discussion: In what ways do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ take care of us? How can we follow Their examples as we take care of the living things around us? In what ways can our actions show our gratitude for God’s creations?

Submitted by Mitzi Schoneman

Creation Charades

Doctrine and Covenants 122:5–9

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Grand as it is, planet Earth is part of something even grander—that great plan of God. Simply summarized, the earth was created that families might be” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).

1. Study the days of Creation with your family (found in Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; or Abraham 4–5). See “The Creation” from this issue for a summary.

2. Each person can take a turn acting out a day or part of the Creation.

3. The rest of the family members guess the day or the part of Creation that was chosen.

Discussion: Follow up by reading Abraham 3:22–27 together. How can knowing God’s purpose for creating the earth affect our daily lives? How can we better show appreciation for God’s creations?

Submitted by Brenda Slade

From For the Strength of Youth Magazine

“Finding Jesus Christ in the Old Testament”

Take a moment to learn where you can find Jesus Christ as you read the Old Testament this year.

Keeping Connected

Use this article to brainstorm some ways you can use technology to have fun with friends and family who live far away.

“Trust In the Lord”

With a new year comes a new youth theme. Read how members of the Young Women and Young Men General Presidencies came to “trust in the Lord.”

Come, Follow Me Study Help

Have you ever wondered if God knows you? Read Moses’s story to better understand God’s love for you individually.

From the Friend Magazine

Jesus with children

Come, Follow Me for Children

Find more study helps for your family all in one place in our new Come, Follow Me section! Use weekly home evening ideas, an illustrated scripture story, and more to help your child learn about the Old Testament.

Ideas for Children and Youth

Help your child set a new goal using the “What’s on Your Mind?” activity in the For Older Kids section.

Helping Hands in Japan

Meet a new friend who helps others like Jesus does. Also travel with Margo and Paolo to learn more about life in Japan!

Young Pioneers

Read a story each month about a child around the world who is a pioneer! This month, find out how Dinis from Portugal found an answer when he wondered whether the Church was really true.

Jesus Said

Teach your child the words of Jesus Christ with our newest page in the For Little Friends section.