Introduce the bag to the family and ask for an “explorer” to come up to the front of the room. Invite them to close their eyes and to place their hands in the bag. They have three seconds to swish around inside the bag and then pull out an item. Whatever they pull out, they get to keep.

Then let another brave adventurer come to the front and repeat the activity. Let everyone in the room have a chance to explore the treasure bag and to find a small treat.

Application:  Once all have participated, ask if any would like to swap treasures. Take a moment to allow trading. Then read the following story shared by President Monson (you may want to shorten and paraphrase it if you have small children):

“When I was a boy I enjoyed reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. I also saw adventure movies where several individuals had separate pieces of a well-worn map which led the way to buried treasure if only the pieces could be found and put together.

“The Savior of the world spoke of treasure. In His Sermon on the Mount He declared:

‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

‘But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19–21).

“The promised reward was not a treasure of ivory, gold, or silver. The Master spoke of riches within the grasp of all—even joy unspeakable here and eternal happiness hereafter.

“[I would like to give you] three pieces of your treasure map to eternal happiness.

“First, learn from the past. Each of us has a heritage—whether from pioneer forebears, later converts, or others who helped to shape our lives. This heritage provides a foundation built of sacrifice and faith. Ours is the privilege and responsibility to build on such firm and stable footings.

“Second, prepare for the future. It is necessary to prepare and to plan so that we don’t fritter away our lives. Without a goal, there can be no real success. Our journey into the future will not be a smooth highway which stretches from here to eternity. Rather, there will be forks and turnings in the road, to say nothing of the unanticipated bumps. We must pray daily to a loving Heavenly Father, who wants each of us to succeed in life.

“Third, live in the present. Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it.

“Your treasure map is now in place: Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present.

“I conclude where I began. From our Lord and Savior: ‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’” (Matt. 6:21) (Thomas S. Monson, “Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice: A Treasure Map,” Liahona, Sep 2004, F2–F3).

Ask the family what they learned from President Monson’s words.

Read D&C 18:10.

            “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”

Let them know that each person is like the paper bag, full of treasure within. All it takes is effort to reach deep down inside to find those treasures. The gospel provides the treasure map that shows how to do this. Explain that tonight the family will begin by experiencing a simple action of love.

Pass out a piece of paper and a pencil. Record ten “treasures” about the person sitting to your left. When finished, pass the paper to that person and give them a hug. Tell them, “I love you. I will be here for you.”

Finish by sharing your testimony with the group about the worth of each soul in the eyes of God. Let them know that each one truly is “A Treasure! A Treasure!”…even if they can’t yet see it.

Closing Song: #11 I’m Thankful to Be Me

Closing Prayer:By invitation.

Refreshments:  Here is a fun recipe for tonight’s FHE. ‘Ya gotta’ try this “Superfast, Delicious, Easy, and Ooey-Gooey Caramel Corn Recipe”! Not only is it simple, but it’s an illustrative way to end this lesson. Share with your family that just as there are many different sizes and shapes of popcorn in this treat, there are that many talents waiting for each family member to discover, explore and to claim within each of them…believe it or not!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

1. Here is the complete text of President Monson’s words, entitled, “A Treasure Map.”
   
   
2. Whereas we all experience feeling “down” from time to time, remember that depression can cloud a person’s thinking. If “down” describes a loved one for more than a few days, you should seek help for them. Here is information about the church’s counseling services http://www.providentliving.org/ses/emotionalhealth/0,12283,2112-1,00.html or you may want to contact a professional of your choosing. Whatever your choice, do not delay.
   
   
3. Here is another informative resource about signs of depression and/or suicidal thoughts. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm