Guide to the Friend

The Guide to the Friend can help you find stories or articles for preparing lessons or talks for church or for family home evening. Look for the FHE symbol on the [original magazine] pages mentioned in the Family Home Evening Ideas. The Primary theme for February is “The family is central to Heavenly Father’s plan.”

Family Home Evening Ideas

1. Read “Happiness” by President James E. Faust (pages 2–3). If Ali had stayed at home, he would have found the treasure he was seeking. What are some of the great “treasures” you can find in your home? (love, friendship, loyalty, good examples, faith). How can each of you add to your family treasure chest? Invite a family member to recite “Family Chorus” (page 43).

2. Tell Elder H. Bruce Stucki’s experiences in getting “A Clear Answer” to his prayers (pages 8–9). Share some of your experiences. Does Heavenly Father always listen to our prayers? Does He always answer the way we want Him to?

3. Follow the instructions and play the “Happy Family Game” (page 30). Tell the story “A Great Sister” (pages 40–42). Discuss some of the ways you can be great sisters, brothers, or parents. Remove pages 24–25 from your magazine, read it together, and then hang it where everyone can see it during the week.

4. Do the Funstuf activity “Love Is Spoken Here” (page 23). As you fill in the blanks on each item, sing the song the line comes from before going to the next item. End by telling the story “Make a Joyful Noise” (pages 12–14). Hum or sing as you work all week long.

5. Using the figures, teach the lesson outlined in “My Eternal Family” (pages 38–39). After you have discussed ways you can show love and give service, tell the story “The Valentine” (pages 46–47) as an example.