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Teaching the Gospel to our Children with Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces
By Daryl Hoole

As General Conference of April 2009 came to a conclusion a few days ago, I rejoiced in the light and truth we are blessed with as members of the Church. I pondered, as I often do, the sacred duty that is ours to teach others-especially our children-these glorious gospel principles. Fortunately, many resources have been provided for doing so. I would like to add to this treasure trove by suggesting an approach that I have found to be very effective with children. I’ll explain it as follows:

Teaching children the gospel of Jesus Christ can be compared, to some extent, to teaching them how to put a jigsaw puzzle together. It is best to first select the straight-edge pieces and with them form a four-sided border or frame. Once this framework is established, it is relatively easy to fit the rest of the pieces together so as to ultimately complete the picture. Within the framework, each piece has a place where it fits. So it is with understanding the gospel. I suggest that the “straight edge” principles that form the four-sided framework are: One, The Godhead; Two, The Plan of Salvation; Three, The Restoration; and Four, Continuous Revelation.

The Godhead

  • I have a Father in Heaven.
  • He loves me, watches over me, and answers my prayers.
  • I am a child of God.
  • Jesus Christ is my elder brother who loves me so much that He died for me so that I will be resurrected.
  • The Holy Ghost can be my constant companion after I am baptized and confirmed a member of the Church.
  • The Holy Ghost will teach me and comfort me and help me to know the truth.
  • We have the word of God in the scriptures.

The Plan of Salvation

  • God has designed a plan to take me back home to Him.
  • The plan explains where I came from; why I am here (the purpose of life which is to gain a body, to prove myself through obedience, and to have earthly experiences); and where I am going after I die.
  • God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to overcome death for everyone and to make it possible, through obedience, for me to return home to His presence some day and have eternal life in the celestial kingdom.
  • Families can be together forever through faithfulness to temple covenants.

The Restoration

  • God the Father and His son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.
  • Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from the golden plates through the power of God.
  • God restored the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith because it had been lost from the earth.
  • Heavenly messengers restored the keys of the priesthood to Joseph Smith so men on earth can act in the name of God.

Continuous Revelation

  • God speaks to men on earth through prophets.
  • We have a prophet today.
  • I must follow the prophet because he knows the way and speaks the mind and will of God.
  • The Spirit can speak to me through the still, small voice and give me personal guidance and direction in my life.

All truth will fit within this framework no matter where your children learn those truths, whether it be at home, church, or seminary, or in life in general. As your children learn truth, they will not lose it. They will have a framework to hold it together, a place to put it, and somewhere to keep it. Piece by piece the picture will grow, adding to your children’s knowledge and testimony.

The more children learn in the home, the larger and stronger their framework will become and the more places they will have to “fit” additional knowledge as it comes to them and the more complete and wonderful the picture will become. Thus, in an age-appropriate manner parents can give children gospel instruction in the home that will make learning experiences relevant for the rest of their lives.

General conference messages from our inspired leaders have once again sharpened our focus on the sacred duty that is ours as parents to teach our children to pray and walk uprightly before the Lord and to nurture them toward eternal life.

Daryl will be participating at BYU Education Week, August 18-21. Details will follow as to her room and time.

Do You Need H.E.L.P.?
Home Executive Lessons and Principles
by Daryl Hoole

Daryl is answering questions from readers who contact her at [email protected]. Her response will be sent directly to the reader. Some responses may also be incorporated into her At Home column that appears the second Monday of each month on Meridian . This information will also be available on personal website at www.theartofhomemaking.com.

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