Tree of Life: Family Home Evening
Lesson: The Tree of Life
Scripture:
1 Nephi 11:25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.
Song:
Hymn #274 The Iron Rod
Conference talks to reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkHFwCiT5U8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CfmWjEHdJA
Activity: The Tree of Life
1. Read the Story:
Start by reading “The Tree of Life” Talk briefly about Lehi’s dream and how the iron rod led to the tree of life that represented Jesus Christ and His love.
2. Set Up the Activity:
Use a rope or string to represent the iron rod.
Stretch it through different rooms in your house.
Place a few simple obstacles in the way—like a pillow, box, or chair.
At the end of the rope, set up a lamp or other light source.
Place a picture of Jesus Christ by the light.
3. The Experience:
Blindfold each child with a dishtowel or scarf.
Tell them they must hold onto the rope and follow it to the end.
As they move along, gently whisper directions to help them avoid obstacles—like “step over,” “turn right,” or “bend down.”
4. Discussion Afterwards:
When everyone reaches the end and sees the light and picture of Jesus, you might ask:
*How did it feel to follow the rope while you couldn’t see?
*How did it help when someone whispered directions to you?
*What does the rope (iron rod) represent?
*What does the light at the end represent?
*How do the light and the picture of Jesus make you feel?
Explain that the rope is like the word of God, and the whispered directions are like the Holy Spirit guiding us. The light and picture of Jesus remind us that He is like The Tree of Life, and when we follow the Spirit and hold to the word of God, we can come closer to Him.
Questions to ask for further family discussion:
- If the iron rod is like holding Jesus' hand, how do we hold on tight?
- If someone tells me to make a choice I know is bad, how can I choose the right?
Treat: Caramel Apples
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
You will also need
- 8-10 apples (try Granny Smith!)
- Popsicle sticks
- Waxed paper or parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
Toppings: We love the idea of melting white Ghirardelli wafers and dipping the cooled apples (Alma 32:42... by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white)
Other topping ideas might include: chopped nuts, Oreos, mini M&M's, sprinkles
Instructions:
Wash apples. Remove stems and insert popsicle sticks into the center of each apple. Dip the apples in near boiling water and wait 5-10 seconds then immediately dry them to remove wax. Lay out a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper and grease with butter. Get your toppings ready to immediately roll apples after dipping. Unless you are doing melted white chocolate. In this case let the apple cool in refrigerator for 2 hours before dipping it in melted chocolate.
In a large sauce pan, stir together butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly over medium-high heat until butter is melted. Insert candy thermometer. Turn head down to medium and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, until the caramel reaches 245F on the thermometer.
When caramel is done, remove from heat, continuing to stir. After 1-2 minutes add vanilla. Immediately dip apples and let excess caramel drip off. Roll into toppings of your choice and set on buttered wax paper. If your caramel becomes to thick to dip apples, warm slightly while stirring constantly over medium heat until you can continue dipping more apples. Let cool in refrigerator for 2 hours. ENJOY!
Have you had a long day? Just slice some apples and dip them in some caramel dip found in the produce section! This could be great as well!
