Be of

Good Cheer
By Pres.. Monson
April 2009

The future is as Bright as your Faith

Opening Song & Prayer: If your Happy p. 266 csb

Lesson:

There are 4 strips of paper with words from the talk. Hand them out to different
people and have them read out-loud in order.

Discussion: (Focus on blessings as members of the church)

Have each member of the family take turns pulling out a picture from a bag. As
the picture is pulled out take a few minutes to discuss how this is a blessing to us
as members of the church. (print and cut out the pictures on the following pages)

Activity: (Perform the following experiment)

Give everyone a glass half full of vinegar. Have them then add One Tablespoon
of baking soda. Watch the mixture fizz violently (this works best around the kitchen
counter or table).

Explain that as long as we are focused on that which is wrong with the world life
is like a glass of vinegar water. Sour and not that great. We can choose to
FOCUS on our blessings which add zest and happiness to life – like the glass once
baking soda was added. Remember, we must learn to focus on the blessings of
the gospel and BE OF GOOD CHEER and life will be exciting and full of joy, not
like a nasty glass of vinegar.

Scripture: Memorizing:

“Be of Good Cheer & do not fear, for I the Lord am with you and will stand by
you!” D&C 68:6

Pass out to everyone a card to post where they will see it every day. As a family
recite this every day at dinner & family prayer

Closing Testimony & Prayer:

Prayer:
Treat:
Treat::
 “Be of Good Cheer, “Be of Good Cheer,
and do not fear, and do not fear,
for I the Lord am with you, for I the Lord am with you,
and will stand by you.” and will stand by you.”
D&C 68:6 D&C 68:6

“Be of Good Cheer, “Be of Good Cheer,

and do not fear, and do not fear,
for I the Lord am with you, for I the Lord am with you,
and will stand by you.” and will stand by you.”
D&C 68:6 D&C 68:6

“Be of Good Cheer, “Be of Good Cheer,

and do not fear, and do not fear,
for I the Lord am with you, for I the Lord am with you,
and will stand by you.” and will stand by you.”
D&C 68:6 D&C 68:6

“Be of Good Cheer, “Be of Good Cheer,

and do not fear, and do not fear,
for I the Lord am with you, for I the Lord am with you,
and will stand by you.” and will stand by you.”
D&C 68:6 D&C 68:6
(#1 of 4)

Wars, natural disasters and personal misfortunes continue to occur.

It would become easy to be discouraged and cynical about the future – or even fearful of
what might come - IF we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world
and in our lives.

Today, however, I’d like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles
around us and to FOCUS instead on our blessings as members of the church!

(#2 of 4)

The Apostle Paul declared, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of
love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges –

After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives.

(#3 of 4)

However, we are told, “Adam fell that man might be, and men are that they might have joy”
2 Nephi 2:25

How might we have joy in our lives despite of all that we may face?

From the scriptures it says, “Be of GOOD CHEER, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you,
and will stand by you”. D&C 68:6

(#4 of 4)

The history of the church is full of experiences of those who have struggled and yet who have
remained steadfast and of GOOD CHEER as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the
center of their lives.

This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way.

It will NOT remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges, to
meet them head on, and to emerge victorious.
WARD MEMBERS