Family Fun Time

Heavenly Father and Jesus know you really well and are looking out for you. Sometimes They send little, extra-special blessings just for you. Some people call these blessings “tender mercies” (see 1 Nephi 1:20). These blessings can come through other people. They help remind you that Heavenly Father and Jesus love you, no matter what. Looking for these tender mercies can help you when life is hard.

Read “Dear Gracie” (page 10). Saylor’s letter to Gracie was a tender mercy for Gracie during a tough time. What tender mercies has your family seen this week?

Be sure to get an adult’s help with this activity and recipe.

Picturing Tender Mercies

On a poster board or large piece of paper, draw pictures of or write about the tender mercies your family saw today. Hang the poster on a door or wall. Each day, talk with your family about what new tender mercies they saw, and then add them to the poster. When you see the poster, remember that Heavenly Father and Jesus love you and send you lots of blessings!

Here are some examples:

• A big hug when you really need it

• A friend says something nice to you when you’re having a hard day

• Feeling Heavenly Father’s love when you say your prayers

• Learning something in church that is just what you need to help you with a problem

What can you do when things are tough?

• Serve others! When we help others smile, we feel Heavenly Father’s love, and we smile too.

• Sing your favorite Primary song! Good, uplifting music helps us feel the Holy Ghost.

• Talk with someone you love—your family, your friends, and especially Heavenly Father in prayer.

• Be creative and active! Play outside, draw a picture, build something, or write a poem.

• Count your blessings. How many can you come up with?

Spiced Nuts

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 cups almonds or pecans

1. Mix the water, sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and add the nuts. Turn the heat down.

2. Cook and stir the nuts until the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes.

3. Pour the nuts onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Let them cool 15 minutes.