Home Teaching Handouts
"When we inspire and teach others to fill their hearts with love, obedience flows from the inside out in voluntary acts of self sacrifice and service. Yes, those who go home teaching out of duty, for example, may fulfill their obligation. But those who home teach out of genuine love for the Lord and for their fellowman will likely approach that task with a very different attitude."
Joseph B Wirthlin
Okay you asked for it you got it! I am not really sure how well these will do, if nothing maybe it will work for those men that need something fast, I will try to make a handout that the family can out on their refrigerator and maybe something else that can be used in the lesson, we will see how this goes! You will need to open the PDF file to get the see the whole idea!
September
The Book of Mormon as a Personal Guide
Ensign, September 2010
By President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Teaching from This Message
"When we use the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets as the source of all our teaching, we invite the Spirit to bear witness. This brings to our teaching 'the power of God unto the convincing of men' (D&C 11:21)" (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 51). Consider reading highlights from President Eyring's message, including Joseph Smith's statement about the Book of Mormon. Invite family members to share how living the teachings found in the Book of Mormon helps them draw nearer to God.
"When learners discuss principles from the scriptures, they develop skills they need for their personal scripture study" (Teaching, No Greater Call, 54). Consider reading the scriptures referred to in this message and looking for and discussing the principles they teach.
Youth
My Own Book of Mormon
By Hillary Holbrook
In August 2005, when President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) issued a challenge to Church members to read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year, I promised myself I would read the entire book. I was familiar with stories in the Book of Mormon but had never read it all the way through. Now I meant to keep my promise.
I had been taught to apply the scriptures to my life and make them my very own. So as I read, I wrote in the margins of the page what I thought the main idea of the passage was. I also underlined repeated words and phrases to show emphasis.
I placed my name next to names in the scriptures to help me remember that the word of God spoken to others can also be the word spoken to me. For example, in 2 Nephi 2:28 I wrote my name: "And now, [Hillary], I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments." The more I made the Book of Mormon my own, the more excited I became about reading it every day.
As I read daily, my prayers became heartfelt and personal. I was also able to focus on my classes and follow promptings of the Spirit to befriend others. On the last night of the year, I finished the Book of Mormon.
I then understood the importance of reading the whole Book of Mormon, along with other scriptures, and want to do so many more times in my life.
Children
A Guide to Help Us Get Home
How would you feel if you were lost and didn't know the way to get home to your family? Would you be happy if you could follow someone who could show you the way? President Eyring says the Book of Mormon is like a guide that helps us get back home to Heavenly Father.
Look at the pictures of some things the Book of Mormon tells us we need to do to get back home. Read 2 Nephi 31:10, 11, 20. Below each picture, write the correct verse from the Book of Mormon. You will need to use one of the verses twice.
Click on the image below to view an enlargement. When the image appears, click your browser's print button to print the image.
Illustrations by Steve Kropp
Repent and be baptized.
Have bright hope.
Love God and all people.
Follow Jesus.
Teaching from This Message
Most people learn better and remember longer when you present ideas using visual aids rather than merely speaking (see Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 182). During the lesson, consider displaying a picture of a temple. After reading the article, discuss why the temple is important to President Uchtdorf. Invite young children in the family to draw a picture of their family at the temple.
Teaching, No Greater Call states, "Encourage those you teach to set one or more goals that can help them live the principle you have taught" (159). Consider reading President Uchtdorf's message with the family and inviting family members to write down a personal goal that will help them remain worthy to hold and use a temple recommend.
Youth
A View from Higher Ground
By Mindy Raye Holmes
As a youth I had many opportunities to perform baptisms for the dead in the San Diego California Temple. Though I always had a good experience, one trip in particular stands out in my mind.
I was 16, and my little sister had just turned 12 and was making her first trip to do baptisms for the dead. Since it was her first time, we decided to walk around the outside of the temple after we finished.
The temple grounds have a couple of lookout points on one side, so we walked over there. Because the San Diego Temple is situated next to a busy highway, when you stand at a lookout point, you actually look down at the freeway.
Standing on the temple's higher ground that day gave me a new perspective on life. I was looking down at the world with its whizzing cars, crowded shopping centers, and graffiti-covered road signs.
It was then that the thought came to my mind: "You don't want to be a part of that; it's not what life is about." I had always been taught that the purpose of life is to return to live with our Heavenly Father and become like Him. I knew I didn't need the things of the world to accomplish that purpose.
I turned around and looked at the beautiful temple, and I was grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and the perspective it gave me. I knew that in the midst of the chaotic and treacherous world, I had found higher ground to stand on.
That day at the temple I promised my Heavenly Father that I would always stand on His side and not the world's. No matter what the world throws at us, we can overcome it by keeping the covenants we have made and by standing in holy places (see D&C 87:8).
Children
Making the World More Beautiful
President Uchtdorf said that when a temple is built, it increases God's power on the earth and makes the world a more beautiful place. Color the picture below. The foundation stones under the temple describe some of the beautiful blessings the temple gives people. As you live worthy to go to the temple someday, each of these blessings can be yours!
Click on the image below to view an enlargement. When the image appears, click your browser's print button to print the image.
[illustration] Illustration by Beth M. Whittaker
A place of love and beauty
Baptism for people who weren't baptized while they were alive
A marriage that can last forever
Children sealed to parents forever
A place to learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
A worthy, obedient life
July
Faithful Friends
Ensign, July 2010
By President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Teaching from This Message
Family members are more likely to participate meaningfully when they are asked to look for something as they search the scriptures and the words of the prophets (see Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 55). As you read the article, ask family members to identify principles that will help them be worthy to be called the Lord's friend.
Teaching, No Greater Call states: "If you have Christlike love, you will be better prepared to teach the gospel. You will be inspired to help others know the Savior and follow Him" (12). Identify from the article principles that could help you be a better home teacher. Discuss these with your companion, and prayerfully consider how to be "faithful friends" to those you serve.
Youth
New Guy
By Matthew Okabe
I was having a hard time feeling like I fit in. My family had recently moved clear across the country. The ward we moved into had a large youth group, but this was the first time I would be the "new guy." The worst part was that I had to go to a new school, and the thought immediately flashed through my mind, "Who am I going to sit with at lunch?" Maybe I would see someone from church, but I didn't want to barge in on someone else's lunch table, especially since I didn't know if they would even want me there!
The first day at school seemed to drag on forever. Finally the lunch bell rang. As I slowly entered the lunchroom, I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me find someone I knew. I glanced around to see if I could recognize anyone. No one. So I made my way to a table on the far side of the lunchroom and ate my lunch.
Later that day during math class, I recognized a familiar face. I had seen David at seminary that morning. He asked to see my schedule and discovered that we both had the same lunch period. "Hey, where were you at lunch today?" he said.
"I ate on the far side of the room," I responded.
"Well, tomorrow come and sit with me at lunch," he said.
I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, who knows each of our needs and who answers each of our prayers. I'm also grateful for someone who was willing to extend a hand of friendship. Something as simple as an invitation can make all the difference.
Children
Jesus Christ, Our Perfect Friend
(Illustrations by Phyllis Luch, Robert T. Barrett, Beth M. Whittaker, and Dilleen Marsh)
President Eyring said that Jesus is our perfect friend. Here are some ways that Jesus shows His perfect friendship for us.
He wants what is best for us.
He is happy when we are happy.
He feels sorrow when we are sad or hurt.
He suffered for our sins so we can return to Heavenly Father.
Being a Friend for Jesus
President Eyring said we can become Jesus's friend by being a friend to others for Him. These pictures show some of the ways we can be a friend. Write the letter of the picture next to the sentence that describes the picture.
_____ We can invite someone to come back to church.
_____ We can be a friend to someone who is lonely.
_____ We can help someone who is sad.
_____ We can always remember Jesus.
June
Canaries with Gray on Their Wings
Ensign, June 2010
Teaching from This Message
"When you teach . . . , it is often helpful to have learners look or listen for something specific" (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 55). To help family members understand President Monson's message, consider asking them to be prepared to share what they learn after reading the message together. Invite each person to share what he or she feels is an important point in the article. Conclude by bearing testimony of President Monson's message.
Teaching the word of God, as given through His prophets, can have a powerful influence on the lives of those we teach (see Teaching, No Greater Call, 50). President Monson states there is strength and power in knowing we are children of God. After reading the article, ask the family to share what helps them remember who they are.
Youth
What Is True Beauty?
President Monson says in this message, "In our world, moral character ofttimes seems secondary to beauty or charm." Young women might struggle with their image of who they are and what they can become. Consider these thoughts about true beauty from Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy:
- A young woman whose countenance is aglow with both happiness and virtue radiates inner beauty.
- The virtuous smile is truly beautiful as it radiates in a totally natural way. This true beauty can't be painted on but is a gift of the Spirit.
- Modesty is an outward sign and requirement for inward beauty.
- If you are discouraged about your appearance, it will help to see yourself through the eyes of those who love you. Hidden beauty seen by loved ones can become a mirror for self-improvements.
- The kind of man a virtuous woman wants to marry also "seeth not" as the natural man seeth (see 1 Samuel 16:7). He will be drawn to the true beauty she radiates from a pure and cheerful heart. The same is true for a young woman looking for a virtuous young man.
- Our Father in Heaven expects all of His children to choose the right, which is the only way to lasting happiness and inner beauty.
- With the Lord, there is no competition. All have an equal privilege to have His image engraven upon their countenances (see Alma 5:19). There is no truer beauty.
To read the entire message, see Lynn G. Robbins, "True Beauty," New Era, Nov. 2008, 30. Young men can find similar advice in Errol S. Phippen, "Ugly Duckling or Majestic Swan? It's Up to You," Liahona, Oct. 2009, 36; New Era, Oct. 2009, 16.
Children
Sing Your Sweetest Song
President Monson told about Sister McKee's three canaries. Two were yellow all over. They looked perfect! The third didn't look perfect because it had gray spots on its wings. But Sister McKee loved it because it sang so sweetly.
Some people feel they are not as beautiful or as smart as others. But each person is valuable to the Lord. We can be faithful and brave and use our talents to serve others. Then we are like the yellow canary with gray on its wings. We are not perfect, but we are singing our sweetest song!
Color the picture of Sister McKee and her special canary. Then write down three ways you can sing your sweetest song for the Lord.
I can sing my sweetest song for the Lord by:
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Illustration by Maryn Roos
May
Because the May issues of the Ensign and Liahona contain a report of general conference, the magazines do not contain a specific First Presidency Message. Home teachers are encouraged to prayerfully select a conference address to share with those they teach.
Visit LDS.org's general conference archive for conference proceedings in several formats.
April
A Great Work of God
By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Teaching from This Message
“Personal example is one of the most powerful teaching tools we have” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 18). As you share the story of Solomon Chamberlain, invite the family to look for times that he followed the promptings of the Spirit. Discuss how his example may have helped others. Invite family members to share a time when someone’s good example has helped them.
Photograph by Matthew Reier taken on the set of Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration
Youth
My Faith Experiment
By Jason Young
When I was 13, I began to read the Book of Mormon every day, and I have been blessed every day since.
Jason Young, “My Faith Experiment,” Liahona, Apr. 2010, 6
Our Sunday School class of 13-year-olds was not exactly known for our reverence. However, we had a wonderful teacher who tried her best to teach each lesson by the Spirit. One such lesson was on reading the scriptures.
At the end of the lesson she gave us a challenge. It was meant for all of us, but for some reason she looked directly at me as she said, “I challenge you to read from the Book of Mormon every single day!” I thought to myself, “I will show you. I will do it!”
I began 1 Nephi chapter 1 that very night and continued reading every day. I probably did not have a proper attitude when I began, but over time I began to like the way reading the Book of Mormon made me feel. Reading each night became an enjoyable habit.
Months later I came to Alma 32 and was impressed by the idea of a faith experiment. In school we had just learned about conducting scientific experiments, so I kneeled down and told Heavenly Father that I was beginning the experiment. I asked that I would come to know whether the Book of Mormon was true.
In hindsight, I know that Heavenly Father answered my prayers many times. Reading daily from the Book of Mormon gave me increased capacity to overcome evil. I felt closer to my Father in Heaven. I felt strengthened by the power of the Holy Ghost to overcome obstacles. What Alma said about experimenting with God’s word is true: “It beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me” (Alma 32:28).
Photograph by Matthew Reier
Children
No Ordinary Blessing
“No Ordinary Blessing,” Liahona, Apr. 2010, 6
The Church was organized 180 years ago this month. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said it is “no ordinary blessing” to live today, when the Church has been restored. To find some of the great blessings Heavenly Father gives to people through the Church, look up the scriptures below. Then find the picture that matches each scripture.
Acts 22:16
2 Nephi 32:5
James 5:14–15
D&C 20:8–12
Amos 3:7
D&C 110:7–10
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President Uchtdorf said that everyone can help in the “great work of God.” How can you help?
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March
Teaching from This Message
“Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher, often asked questions to encourage people to ponder and apply the principles He taught. … His questions prompted thought, soul-searching, and commitment” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 68). Consider creating and asking several questions to help individuals understand and apply the truths taught in this message. For example, you could ask, “What help has God given you to banish fear and give you courage?” or “How has God helped you overcome your fears?” Encourage individuals to ponder their answers before responding.
Youth
Nobody’s Perfect
By Shauna Skoubye
Nephi said exactly what I was thinking: “My soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.”
Shauna Skoubye, “Nobody’s Perfect,” Liahona, Mar. 2010, 6–7
I have always longed to be like Nephi: strictly obedient, extremely faithful, and deeply spiritual. In my eyes Nephi was the supreme example of goodness. Few things appealed to me more than the thought of growing up to be just like him—or at least beginning to possess even a portion of his excellence.
One day I was having a mini crisis, caused by feelings of inadequacy. I had such ambitions and so many goals. But I just didn’t seem to be getting anywhere. Through tears of hopelessness, I expressed these feelings to my father. He promptly stood up, walked over to the bookcase, and pulled out one of his copies of the Book of Mormon. Without saying a word, he opened it to 2 Nephi 4 and began reading verse 17.
Chills spread through my body like electricity as I listened to these powerful words: “O wretched man that I am!” My thoughts raced. How could Nephi, my hero and example, say that he was “wretched”? If he was wretched, what did that make me?
Again, the electricity rushed through me as my father read verse 28: “Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin.” It felt to me as though the dark clouds in my mind had parted and cleared away to reveal the warmth and splendor of an open blue sky and bright sun. It is impossible to describe the way this verse illuminated my soul. Few verses of scripture have filled me with as much hope, inspiration, and joy as this one did.
In verse 30, Nephi said exactly what I was thinking, only in more eloquent words: “My soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.” This verse brought with it feelings of peace and gratitude for the Lord’s tender mercy and love.
My dad closed the book and explained that these verses are sometimes called Nephi’s psalm. He then gently taught me that even the greatest people on earth are imperfect, and these people must recognize their imperfections or else they would be prideful and, therefore, not great.
I understood. Just because I had weaknesses didn’t mean I was incapable of becoming like Nephi. Recognizing my weaknesses brought me closer to the caliber of Nephi. Nephi was great because, as well as being obedient and faithful, he was humble and willing to admit his faults.
Ever since that experience, I have treasured these words of Nephi. Each time I read them, I experience the same thrills and inspirations as the first time I read them. The verses sing out to me that I am a daughter of God, capable of more than I could ever imagine. I know that if I’m faithful and press forward, untold blessings are in store.
Nephi Writing on the Gold Plates, by Paul Mann
Children
Gifts That Give Us Courage
“Gifts That Give Us Courage,” Liahona, Mar. 2010, 6–7
President Eyring tells us about several gifts that give us courage. Read each scripture below, and write the name of the gift in the blank. Then match each gift with the picture to the right. Talk with your family about how that gift can give you courage.
February
January
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