Gospel

My son turns eight in December and even though he’s our second child to be baptized and confirmed, we are taking a few Family Home Evening nights to remind the kids how important this decision is.  We started covering the topic of Baptism in July (you can get all the details on my Green Jello with Carrots blog in the “FHE Idea: Why Are We Baptized?” post) and now we’re going to talk about the Holy Ghost.

FHE Theme: The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Scripture: Romans 5:5, Article of Faith 1, Article of Faith 4, 3 Nephi 26:17, Moroni 10:5

Songs: ”The Holy Ghost” and “The Still Small Voice” Children’s Songbook

Activity: You will need to gather some items for your lesson, you’ll need something that provides comfort like a blanket, something that provides knowledge like an encyclopedia or a laptop, and something that provides direction like a one-way sign or a stop sign.

Without telling your family the topic of the lesson, pull out the items and talk about how each one provides us with something valuable.  The blanket gives comfort when we are upset, frightened, or just a little sad.  The encyclopedia or laptop provide knowledge when we are searching for answers.  The one-way sign or stop sign provide direction when we need to find our way.

Now tell your family that all of the things you discussed have something in common, and that there is one way we can have all three with us at all times.  Tell them that it is through a gift from Heavenly Father and through our actions and decisions that we get to have this great blessing.  Let them guess what you’re referring to.  Hopefully someone can guess that it’s the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Pull out the items again, and have a discussion about how the Holy Ghost provides comfort when we are worried or upset.  Explain how it feels to have the Holy Ghost comfort you.  Talk about how the Holy Ghost is a valuable tool in providing knowledge.  Read the scripture Moroni 10:5, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”  Discuss how the Holy Ghost can provide us with directions any time we need them.

Here is a great quote about the Holy Ghost providing direction:

“The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. . . . It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church.”

—Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Youth“, Liahona and Ensign, November 2011
Topics: Holy Ghost

After the discussion, bear your testimony of the Holy Ghost, provide an experience where the Holy Ghost helped you, or praise your family members who have made the decision to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

If you want to include something that will relate to smaller children I suggest “The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket” Primary talk from greenjellowithcarrots.com  It has text and colored pictures that relate the comfort given by the Holy Ghost to the comfort a special blanket can provide a child.

And make sure, as always, to provide a great treat and closing prayer!