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. The Primary theme for April is “Heavenly Father loves me, so He sent His Son, the Promised Messiah.”

Family Home Evening Ideas

Look for the FHE symbol on the [original magazine] pages mentioned below.

1. What is a miracle? What are some simple miracles you have experienced in your life? Read “Miracles” (pp. 30–31) to find examples from the scriptures. To read more about the greatest miracle ever performed, study President Gordon B. Hinckley’s message “He Lives” (pp. 2–3).

2. Have family members list their favorite things about your home. Which things matter most? Which things matter least? Read “Paolo’s Birthday” (pp. 20–23) to discover what makes a house a home. Read Elder M. Russell Ballard’s statement (p. 23) and discuss how each family member can obtain “the greatest treasure.”

3. During general conference, cooperate to complete the game cards for “Conference Matching Game” (pp. 12–13). Following general conference, play the game together.

4. In the story “Candy Apples” (pp. 38–39), Pam learns that sometimes showing love for our families can influence others. Make “Cinnamon Fruit Snack” (p. 45). For every apple or orange slice you eat, name one way you can be an example to your friends of how important families are to Heavenly Father.

5. Complete the activity “Hidden Hymn Writers” (p. 40). Which song was written by our current prophet? Learn and sing the hymn together. Using our talents, such as writing lyrics, poems, or music, is one way to share our testimonies. Give each family member the opportunity to bear his or her testimony—through speaking, writing a poem, performing his or her favorite hymn, or drawing a picture.