Week 35: Keeping the Commandments

Song: Keep the Commandments (CS. 146)

Thought: “Our lives should be examples of goodness and virtue as we try to emulate His example to the world. Good works by each of us can do credit both to the Savior and His Church. As you are engaged in doing good, being honorable and upright men and women, the Light of Christ will be reflected by your lives.” Elder L. Tom Perry

Object Lesson: It Protects Us or you could adapt this object lesson for your family:
I used a wide shallow bowl full of water. I brought bright blue pebbles and let each girl name a way to break a commandment and drop a pebble and watch the ripple. Then they named a way to resist the temptation of breaking a commandment and dropped a pebble. We talked about how the ripple effect can be both good and bad. It's their decision.  It was an enlightening discussion for them. One of them brought up a particularly bad activity night where one girl acted out and the rest of them followed her. It turned into a way for them to brainstorm ideas of how to turn nights like that into good nights. I was impressed.  (Idea by Stephanie Thomas)

Video: Let Your Light So Shine (This video is available for download, but not to upload directly. Link is listed under "Prepare Yourself Spiritually.")
As you watch this video with your family look for ways that one families example of living the commandments affected the life of someone else.

Lesson Activity: Divide your family into small groups, and give each group a copy of Sister Ann M. Dibb’s talk “Arise and Shine Forth.” Assign each group to read one of the stories told in the talk (the stories of Samson, Daniel, Joanna, and Karen). Ask them to discuss what they learn about the power of example to influence others to obey or disobey the commandments. Invite each group to think of a creative way to share their story and what they learned with the rest of the family. (Come, Follow Me)
To involve young children in this have them be with groups learning about Samson and Daniel. Their job could be to color pictures (such as these below) that they can use to teach about the story.

This Week's Challenge: Invite your family to ponder the influence their example may be having on others, and encourage them to set personal goals to inspire others to keep the commandments by setting a good example.