Ether 12:1-5

Activity: Draw a picture or write a paragraph describing what you think that hope is.

Ether 12:6

Memorize: Commit this verse to memory. Afterwards, you should be able to explain what faith is.

Ether 12:7-18

Activity: Have each person pick one of the miracles wrought by faith in these verses and draw a picture of it.

Ether 12:19-22

Search: Who are some other examples of those whose faith was so great they couldn't be kept behind the veil? Where can you read about them? How is it possible to develop such great faith?

Ether 12:23-27

Discussion: The Brother of Jared was a powerful writer, but it appears that he was not so confident in speaking to the people; Jared usually took care of that. Moroni, on the other hand, had great confidence in speaking, but admittedly felt inferior in writing. Do you think that Moroni was a bad writer? Remember that Moroni gives us some of the most quoted verses in The Book of Mormon: that famous missionary scripture, Moroni 10:3-5, the discourse on charity, Moroni 7:34-35, faith defined, Ether 12:6, and of course this verse about weakness. Obviously the Lord had made writing a strength for him. If he considered writing a weakness, what do you imagine his speaking was like?

Ether 12:23-27

Activity: Speaking or writing, which is your weakness? The Lord promises us that he will make our weaknesses into strengths if we will be humble. Why is it a weakness? What can you do to make it a strength? Each person who is weak in speaking should prepare a short (2 minutes) speech to present next time. Each person who is weak in writing should prepare a short composition (1 page - or less for younger children) to be read next time. Something from Ether 12 (faith, hope, becoming strong, etc) would be a great subject for the speech or composition, but pick a topic that is appropriate for your family at this time. This is a great opportunity for the kids to get some public speaking or writing experience. It's good practice for Mom and Dad too of course. Practice humility by accepting critiques and advice on your speaking or writing.

Ether 12:27

Memorize: Commit this verse to memory.
Activity: Have each person write down a weakness and then describe specific steps he can take to overcome that weakness.

Ether 12:32

Give everyone 1-2 minutes to draw a picture of something he is hopeful for. What is hope? Faith is well defined in the scriptures. Is there somewhere that defines hope?

Ether 12:36-37

Search: How does this answer compare to the answer that the Lord gave to Enos?

Ether 12:38-41

Search: How many times does Moroni bid farewell? (Hint: You'll need to look through all 3 of the last 3 books in the Book of Mormon)