Lesson #12: The Eternal Family

Opening Prayer

Opening Song:  Families Can be Together Forever #300

Lesson: The Eternal Family:  A Plain and Precious Part of the Plan of Salvation.

From the creation and beginning of times, God organized the human family and revealed that families are sacred and are to be eternal.  Read the following passage given by President Gordon B. Hinckley:

"The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."

Watch the following video:


Eternal life is more than just living forever.  President Henry B. Eyring stated, "Eternal life means to become like the Father and to live in families in happiness and joy forever" (1998).

God and His plan are eternal.  He instituted marriage and family from the beginning and created the earth and our first parents in order for all of His children to be born into the experience of mortal life.  The great plan of happiness is God's plan for happiness now and in our eternal life.  God has commanded us to marry and to multiply and replenish the earth.  Marriage and families are eternal and the priesthood keys have been given to the prophets on this earth to seal and in heaven.

Ask the following question:

What are some of the blessings that you have received from having an eternal marriage?

"The eternal nature of the marriage covenant and the promise of everlasting family association are among the most beautiful and essential doctrines of the restored gospel.  From the time of Adam and Eve and on to the present day, God's covenant people rejoice in the plain and most precious doctrine of eternal families" (Hawkins, Dollahite, Draper).

Closing Prayer

Activity:  Doorbell Surprise!

For this activity, make some treats (see below) and go to a neighbor that may have just moved in or a couple that you may not know very well.  Ring the doorbell and introduce yourselves and give them the plate of goodies. If the couple is not there, write a little note and leave it with the goodies. You will be amazed at how fast friendships can bloom!

Treat:  Nutter-Butter Banana Cookie Balls

You can find the direct link to the recipe here.

Ingredients:
  • 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
  • 25 Nutter Butter Cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups)
  • 1/3 cup mashed ripe bananas
  • 2 pkg. (8 squares each) Baker's semi-sweet chocolate, melted
  • 1/2 cup cocktail peanuts, finely chopped.
Directions:
  1. Mix cream cheese, cookie crumbs and bananas until well blended.
  2. Shape into 48 (1-inch) balls.  Dip in chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan.  Sprinkle with nuts.
  3. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
Resources:
Text: Hawkins, Alan J., David C. Dollahite, and Thomas W. Draper. Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j-_f4oRuWI
Treat: http:/www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/nutter-butter-banana-cookie-balls-121574.aspx

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