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A home becomes a place of devotion when family members take time to focus on things of the Spirit. The author of My Heart Cries Out to Thee has written this book to help provide families with ideas, lessons, and activities that serve to invite God into their lives. The author has divided his collection of family night and family devotional themes into categories so that they may be selected for special events: Holidays such as Christmas, Easter or Mother’s Day; birthdays or anniversaries; days commemorating the Restoration and westward migration of the Saints, like Pioneer Day; holidays promoting citizenship and stewardship; special occasions such as baptism, becoming a beehive or deacon, receiving a patriarchal blessing, going to the temple, going on a mission, facing disappointment and death, and many other topics—a total of 61 well-organized, thought-provoking lessons and activities. Any one of them would also serve well as a talk outline: for Sacrament Meetings, special lessons, and fireside presentations, too. This is a great family night and family devotional idea and activity book for all occasions.
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Introduction, 7
Remembering the Savior
Sundays, 15
Christmas, 17
Easter, 21
Commemorating the Restoration
Joseph Smith’s Birthday, 27
Founding of the Relief Society, 29
Restoration of the Church, 33
Restoration of the Priesthood, 35
Pioneer Day, 38
Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, 41
Revelation on the Priesthood, 44
Honoring Family Members
Mothers, Day, 47
Fathers’ Day, 50
Birthdays, 53
Wedding Anniversaries, 55
Reflecting on Citizenship and Stewardship
Martin Luther King’s Birthday, 58
President’s Day, 60
Arbor Day or Earth Day, 63
Memorial Day, 65
Independence Day, 68
Labor Day, 72
Columbus Day, 74
Election Day, 77
Veterans’ Day, 79
Other Holidays
New Year, 82
Valentine’s Day, 84
Halloween, 87
Thanksgiving, 90
Ethnic or Cultural Celebrations, 93
Times of Our Lives
Naming and Blessing of Children, 96
Baptism and Confirmation, 98
Becoming a Beehive, 102
Becoming a MIA Maid, 106
Becoming a Laurel, 110
Becoming a Deacon, 114
Becoming a Teacher, 119
Becoming a Priest, 124
Patriarchal Blessing, 129
Entering the Relief Society, 132
Receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood, 136
Receiving the Endowment, 140
Missionary Farewell, 145
Missionary Homecoming, 148
Marriage, 151
Creating a Family, 155
Midlife, 159
Retirement or Old Age, 163
Preparing for Death, 167
Times of Adversity
Loss of a Dream, 172
Miscarriage or Stillbirth, 176
Death of a Family Member, 181
Death of a Pet, 188
Illness or Disability, 190
Depression, 197
Addiction, 202
Victimization, 206
Disaster, 210
Moving, 213
Financial Difficulties, 217
Spiritual Difficulties, 221
Marital Difficulties or Behavior Problems, 226
Divorce, 230
Bibliography, 235
Index, 237
About the Author, 239
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