Sacred Grove Gumdrop Trees

I received a free book from a friend with lots of Book of Mormon Treat lessons, and so I thought it would be fun to pass one on each week.

This treat represents that sacred place where Joseph Smith knelt and asked which church was the correct one. In the grove, Joseph Smith saw and talked with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Story: Joseph Smith History 1:5-20. When Joseph Smith was 14 years old, he did not know which church to join. One day as he was reading in the Bible, he read James 1:5, which said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that give to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

This scripture touched him deeply, for he needed help from God to make the right choice. The next day he went into the woods near his home to pray, and he knelt down in a grove of trees to ask God what he should do. Suddenly, he saw a bright light, and in the light were Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father pointed to Jesus and said, "This is My Beloved Son," Joseph asked which church he should join. Jesus Christ told him not to join any of them. for none of the churches on the earth were correct.

The place where Joseph witnessed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is known as the Sacred Grove.

Discussion Questions:
1. Why did Joseph Smith go into the woods to pray?
2. What happened?
3. What should you do if you need help making an important decision?
4. Have you ever prayed to know if the Church was true? (If you wish, share your experience of how you gained your testimony.)

Recipe:
4c original Cheerios
3 c. mini marshmallows
3 T butter
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 t green food coloring
Small Candies

On low heat, stir marshmallows and butter in medium saucepan until marshmallows melt. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and food coloring, stirring until smooth. Add Cheerios and stir until all the cereal is coated with marshmallow mixture.

Coat hands with butter or nonstick cooking spray, or simply wet hands. Use about 2/3 cup for each tree. ON greased cookie sheet or waxed paper, shape each portion into a pine tree (triangle) shape. To decorate, stick red hots, chocolate chips, gumdrops or any other candies you desire onto the trees. Makes about 16 trees.

Gather everyone's tree around in a circle and read Joseph Smith's first vision as the treats cool.