Scripture
Galatians 6:4
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Hymn
I Have Work Enough to Do, Hymn #224
1. I have work enough to do,
Ere the sun goes down,
For myself and kindred too,
Ere the sun goes down:
Ev’ry idle whisper stilling
With a purpose firm and willing,
All my daily tasks fulfilling,
Ere the sun goes down.
2. I must speak the loving word,
Ere the sun goes down.
I must let my voice be heard,
Ere the sun goes down:
Ev’ry cry of pity heeding,
For the injured interceding,
To the light the lost ones leading,
Ere the sun goes down.
3. As I journey on my way,
Ere the sun goes down,
God’s commands I must obey,
Ere the sun goes down.
There are sins that need confessing;
There are wrongs that need redressing
If I would obtain the blessing,
Ere the sun goes down.
Lesson
Read aloud: Labor Day is an American holiday that was first created to honor all of those who worked hard to keep the country prosperous. While Labor Day is a day off from work, we actually want to talk about the principle of work and why it is important.
Work is an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Adam and Eve first left the garden of Eden, they were told they would have to sweat and till the ground in order to grow food and gain the things they needed to survive. They would also have to work hard to connect with God, as they were cast out of his presence. Today, we have been asked to work just as hard in our own lives. In the scriptures, Heavenly Father and Christ ask us to “abound in good works.”
Ask: What does “good works” mean to you? Why is the principle of work important? What are some of the examples of good works in the gospel?
Read aloud: As we strive to work hard, we will make mistakes. Work in and of itself is hard. It often requires great effort, time, and sacrifice. Sometimes we will fall short. Sometimes we will lose strength. Sometimes we will get confused and not know how to continue moving forward. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have promised to help us as long as we strive to give our very best effort, no matter how small it is.
Ask: How do Heavenly Father and Christ help us to perform good works? Can you think of an example when they’ve helped you?
Finish the lesson by sharing examples of a time when you were strengthened to perform the works you needed to. If time permits, go around and choose a “good work” you want to improve in the following week. Discuss how you can work together to achieve these goals.
Related Products
Treat
Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprints or Caramel Apple Nachos
Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumprints
Ingredients
-1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
-4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
-1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
-1 large egg
-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite flavor!)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat peanut butter and butter with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add sugars, and beat until pale and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and beat until incorporated. Reduce speed to low. Add dry ingredients, and mix until combined.
2. Scoop level tablespoons of dough, and form into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake until cookies are puffy, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and make indentations in centers by pressing with the handle end of a wooden spoon. Return to oven, and bake until edges are golden, 6 to 7 minutes more. Transfer sheets to wire racks, and let cool completely.
4. Heat jam in a small saucepan, stirring, until loosened, about 30 seconds. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon into each indentation. Cookies can be stored in a single layer for up to 1 week.
(Recipe from Martha Stewart)
Caramel Apple Nachos
Ingredients:
-30 large marshmallows
-5 tablespoons butter
-35 caramels
-1 tablespoon water
-4 to 5 apples, sliced
-toppings (peanuts, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed candy bars, etc.)
Directions:
Melt the marshmallows and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir periodically until completely melted and smooth. Combine the caramels and water in a bowl and microwave until melted. It is suggested to melt them in 45 second intervals, stirring in between until the caramel is smooth. Arrange the sliced apples on a plate and pour the caramel and marshmallow mixtures over them. Add any additional toppings and serve immediately! Enjoy!
(Recipe from Butter With a Side of Bread)
Activity
PB&J Sandwich Making Activity or Object Pictionary
PB&J Sandwich Making Activity
Instructions:
(Suitable for All Ages. Please adapt for your child’s specific needs to ensure they remain safe and have a good time.)
This activity is meant to be messy, so prepare accordingly.
You will need bread, knives, peanut butter, jelly, and blindfolds.
Split up into teams of two. Each person gets two slices of bread. Choose one person in each pair to be blindfolded. Once they are, place all of the items in front of the person and tell them to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Give no other instructions and let the fun begin! Once they have done their best, the person takes off the blindfold and gives it to the other person. Now, it is their turn to try. However, have their other team member give them instructions to build their sandwich.
You can relate this activity to when we don’t follow the Holy Ghost, life can get messy.
Or
Object Pictionary
Instructions:
Gather some basic household objects ahead of time and put them in a bag. You will also need sheets of paper and pencils, markers, or pens. While everyone else closes their eyes, someone takes out an object, looks at it, then holds it behind their back. They then instruct everyone to open their eyes. The person with the object behind their back describes it and everyone else tries to draw it on their paper. The first person to guess which item it is wins that round. Go around until everyone has had at least one turn.
