Sharing Time: Bible prophets teach me how to strengthen my family.

This is the sharing time that I have planned for this Sunday. It is a week off from the sharing time themes. This week should be Book of Mormon prophets teach me how to strenghten my family, but we showed a video last week on Alma the Younger which covers that topic. Then I couldn't find anything I really wanted to do for this week's theme. So, when I ran across this particular sharing time adapted to last weeks theme, I just decided to use it but did change a few things on it. So my outline looks something like this:

Have 5 brown paper bags with one object in each representing each Bible prophet we will be talking about:

Noah-animals
David-slingshot
Jonah-whale
Daniel-lion
Samuel-bed

Once they find the bag with item, have the children guess which GAK picture goes with that item.
Noah – 103
David – 112
Jonah – (found a coloring page on the internet)
Daniel –117
Samuel - 111

Then, briefly cover the story and decide the principle we learn from the story.

Noah (Obedience) - Because of the righteousness of Noah and his family, the Lord told Noah to build an ark so that his family would be safe during the flooding of the earth. The Lord also commanded Noah to gather each type of animal, male and female, so that they would not be destroyed. All kinds of animals, birds, and creeping things went into the ark. The rains and floods lasted many days. When the water had gone down and the land was dry again, Noah brought the animals out of the ark to multiply upon the earth.

David (Courage) - Goliath, a giant Philistine soldier, challenged the Israelite army to send out a man to fight him. No Israelites were brave enough to stand against Goliath except David, a young shepherd. Armed with his faith in the Lord and with his sling, David went to fight the giant. Goliath made fun of the boy when he saw him, but David was not afraid. He trusted in the Lord's help. David put a stone in his sling, swung it, and let go. The stone sank into Goliath's forehead and he fell to the ground. David ran forward, picked up Goliath's sword, and cut off his head.

Jonah (Repent) – The Lord told Jonah to tell the people of Nineveh to repent or they would be destroyed. The people were so wicked that Jonah was afraid to go and ran away on a ship, instead. Jonah was thrown overboard at sea and was swallowed by a great whale. After three days he was vomited onto dry land, and the Lord again told Jonah to go to Nineveh. This time he did as he was commanded. He preached repentance to the people, and when “God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way,” they were saved from destruction.

Daniel (CTR) - Powerful men were jealous of Daniel, who was favored by King Darius. These men tricked the king into signing a law which said that anyone who prayed, except to him, would be cast into a den of lions. Daniel knew this but still prayed to God three times a day. When Daniel was caught praying, King Darius tried to save Daniel but could not. Daniel was thrown into the den of lions. Early the next morning the king ran to the lions' den. Daniel was safe. He had been protected by an angel sent from God.

Samuel (Ready to Serve) - The child Samuel served in the temple with Eli, the high priest. One night while Samuel was sleeping, the Lord called to him by name. Samuel answered, "Here am I," and ran to Eli, believing he had called. Eli told Samuel he had not called him and to go lie down again. The Lord called Samuel two more times, and each time Samuel went to Eli. Eli now realized that the Lord must be calling Samuel and told the boy to answer. When the Lord called a fourth time, Samuel answered and then listened to His words. The Lord was with Samuel as he grew, and all the people knew he was a prophet.

After discussing each of the stories, post the appropriate saying under the matching GAK picture.
(These can be found at the link listed above!!!)
Noah – When we are OBEDIENT like NOAH my family will be strong. Genesis 7:5
David – When we have COURAGE like DAVID my family will be strong. 1 Samuel 17:45
Daniel – When we ALWAYS CHOOSE THE RIGHT like DANIEL my family will be strong. Daniel 6:4
Jonah – When we REPENT of our mistakes like JONAH my family will be strong. Jonah 2:7
Samuel – When we are ALWAYS READY TO SERVE like SAMUEL my family will be strong. 1 Samuel 3:4

If time allows: Then tell a brief modern day situation dealing with their family that pertains. They can tell how following the prophet will help strengthen their family in that situation.

NOAH - Some friends at school have been telling you about a cool new TV show that just started on your favorite channel. You can't wait to watch it. That night when you are watching the show for the first time you notice the people in the show sometimes say words you know are wrong. The kids in the show don't speak very respectfully to their parents. Your Mom sits down beside you during a commercial. You talk about the Gospel Standards you learn about at church and at home. One of them says, “I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father.” Your Mother asks you to please not watch this show. You know some of the kids at school might make fun of you if you tell them you can't watch the show.

How can you be like Noah and help your family be strong? (Even though other may make fun of you, be obedient to your parents and the Lord, and do not watch the show. Encourage your friends to do the same, like Noah tried to help the people choose the right.)

JONAH- You took your sister's toy without asking – and now it is broken. You are scared to tell anyone. She is going to be REALLY mad. You decide to hide the toy instead of telling the truth. Later, you hear your sister looking for her toy. She feels really bad she can't find it.

How can following Jonah's example help your family be strong? (You can tell your sister what happened and tell her you are sorry. And next time, you should ask before playing with her toys.)

DAVID - Your Mom and Dad just told you that they have been praying about a new job. Your Dad has been offered a job, but it is in a city across the country from where you live now. You're scared to leave all your friends and your home you have always lived in. However, Mom and Dad tell you they have prayed about it and feel like this move is what Heavenly Father would really like them do.

How can following David's example make your family strong if this happened to you? (It takes courage to do something new, but if you are cheerful about it you can give all of your family courage. Believe it or not, Mom and Dad are probably feeling scared themselves.)

DANIEL- It's the last weekend before school starts – and the last weekend the pool will be open. It's a beautiful day, and it's Sunday. You really want to go to the pool. You already went to church in the morning. And to make matters worse your friend that lives next door just came by and invited you to go with his family to the pool.

How can following Daniel's example make your family strong if this happens to you? (Remember to CTR and do what Heavenly Father has asked us to do on Sunday. Your example will help your family CTR too.)

SAMUEL - Mom and Dad just brought home buckets of berries that need to be made into jam – and guess who they asked to help. It's a beautiful day outside and you can hear your friends out there playing. You'd really rather not help, but Mom and Dad could get done so much faster with your help.

How can you be like Samuel and help your family be strong? (Be not just willing to help – but have a good attitude!)