A Prophet Talks to Children

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them (1 Ne. 3:7).

A prophet in these latter days, President Ezra Taft Benson, has spoken directly to children. He said, “I pray that you will know that this is a personal message just for you.

“How I love you! How our Heavenly Father loves you! …

“I desire to teach you what our Heavenly Father wants you to know so that you can learn to do His will and enjoy true happiness. It will help you now and throughout your life. …

“How pleased I am to hear of your love for the Book of Mormon. I love it too, and Heavenly Father wants you to continue to learn from the Book of Mormon every day. …

“I also hope your parents and leaders will give you opportunities to learn from the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Bible as well.

“Now, there are other important things Heavenly Father wants you to do.

“He wants … to help you because He loves you, and He will help you if you … ask Him for His help. In your prayers, also thank Him for your blessings. Thank Him for sending our oldest brother, Jesus Christ, into the world. He made it possible for us to return to our heavenly home. … When you make mistakes, your Heavenly Father still loves you. So pray to Him, and He will help you try again to do right. …

“The Holy Ghost is also a gift from Heavenly Father. The Holy Ghost helps you to choose the right. The Holy Ghost will protect you from evil. … When you do good, you feel good, and that is the Holy Ghost speaking to you. …

“Honor your fathers and mothers. They will help you make good decisions. …

“Attend sacrament meeting. Listen carefully to what your bishop says. …

“Enjoy Primary, and attend every week. …

“Be honest. Do not lie nor steal. Do not cheat. Do not use profanity. …

“Be a true Latter-day Saint. Stand up for your beliefs.

“Avoid books, magazines, videos, movies, and television shows that are not good. …

“Choose clothing that covers your body properly. Behave in a courteous and polite way. Live the Word of Wisdom. Keep the Sabbath day holy. … Do your best to be good. …

“Heavenly Father sent you to earth at this time because you are some of His most valiant children. He knew there would be much wickedness in the world today, and He knew you could be faithful and obedient.”

(See Ensign, May 1989, pages 81–83.)

Family Home Evening Bingo

After discussing President Ezra Taft Benson’s talk in family home evening, play this game with your family. It will remind everyone of some of the things President Benson told the children of the Church.

Instructions: Remove this page from the magazine and mount on lightweight cardboard. Cut out the game board and use it as a pattern to make as many as needed. Cut out the phrase squares and display them so that everyone can see them. Have each player choose the word(s) in bold letters on each phrase square and write a different one in each blank square on their game board. Make sure that no one makes the same placement of words. Put the phrases into a paper sack, then draw a phrase from the sack and read it. The players who have the bold word(s) from the phrase on their game board, should place a bean or button on it. The first player to get five squares in a row covered—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—wins the game.

The prophet teaches you.	Read the Book of Mormon.	Study the scriptures.	Enjoy true happiness.
Pray to Heavenly Father.	Heavenly Father loves you.	The Holy Ghost helps you choose the right.	The Holy Ghost protects you from evil.
Be honest.	Use no profanity.	Honor your parents.	Attend sacrament meeting.
Avoid TV and videos that aren’t good.	Choose modest clothes.	Be polite.	Live the Word of Wisdom.
Keep the Sabbath day holy.	Be good.	You are one of the most valiant children.	Be faithful.
Be obedient.	Stand up for your beliefs.	Avoid wickedness in the world.	Listen to your bishop.
Be thankful for Jesus Christ.	Attend and enjoy Primary.	Be thankful for blessings.	Heavenly Father will help you.

Photos by Welden C. Andersen