Jan 5–11: "This Is My Work and My Glory" (Moses 1; Abraham 3)
This week, we explore the joy of choosing Heavenly Father’s plan through music, movement, and simple family conversations that help gospel truths stick.
The Great Plan of Happiness
"And then we shouted for joy!"
The Big Idea: You Chose This!
Way before the world began, we were all together in the heavens listening to Heavenly Father's plan. It wasn't a plan of force; it was a plan of agency. We learned that we would need to leave home and learn through our own experience. When we heard that we’d have a Savior to help us, we didn't just clap—the scriptures say we shouted for joy.
Scripture Bridge
Lyric Highlight
But you gotta leave your home and you really gotta go
Down to the earth, get a body, get a life
Learn a little joy and learn a little strife.'"
— From the song Shout for Joy
Family Activity
Try This: Turn on Shout for Joy and have a family dance party to celebrate having the power to choose.
Reflect: "What makes you most excited about Heavenly Father’s plan?"
Listen & Watch
The Power to Choose
We like to think so! This week, we’re bringing the doctrine of agency to life with The Power to Choose, a sassy Motown anthem that helps kids realize they aren't puppets on a string—they are agents born to choose the light.
Shout for Joy
Apparently not! Shout for Joy celebrates the moment when the “morning stars sang together” and we realized this life would be the greatest adventure ever. With bouncy piano, big energy, and a chorus that’s impossible to sit still for, this song helps kids feel the excitement of choosing the light—and starting a journey worth celebrating.
Don't Stop the Music.
Access Joy TierThis first week is a gift.
We’ve opened the full Joy Tier below so your family can experience the music, discussions, and activities together. In future weeks, this section will be reserved for Joy members — but we wanted you to feel what joyful study can look like first.
Vibe Check
This week’s music captures the two distinct "vibes" of our pre-mortal experience: our fierce determination to protect our freedom to choose and the pure celebration of the Plan. As you listen to these two songs, notice how they move from the firm resolve of a soul who refuses to be a puppet to the ecstatic energy of a shout for joy.
The Power to Choose
"A puppet on a string isn't ever gonna grow"
Scripture Bridge
Lyric Highlight
You gotta be the one who decides to make the mark!"
— From the song The Power to Choose
Behind the Music
This Motown-inspired track dives into the conflict of the "War in Heaven". It reminds us that we rejected the "easy" way (being forced to be good) because we knew that without agency—the power to choose, we could never truly become like God.
Growth requires the freedom to make mistakes and the contrast between light and dark. This song represents our fierce determination in the Council in Heaven to protect the agency that makes our progression possible. We are here because we fought for the right to choose for ourselves rather than being forced to follow.
Thoughtful Question
"God's 'work and glory' is helping us grow. What is one good choice you made today that made you feel a little bit stronger?"
Family Activity: Choose Your Adventure
Try This: For 60 seconds, kids "control" parents like puppets on a string.
Pivot: Parents then ask kids to choose to help with a real task like empty the dishwasher, clean your room, or read a story to a sibling.
Reflect: "Why does it feel better to do something because you chose it rather than because you were forced?"
Try This: Do a physical challenge together like pushups or a race.
Reflect: "Just as muscles need work to grow, what spiritual 'muscles' can we exercise this week?"
The Power to Choose
Reinforce the Week
Try This: Give each family member one small choice each day this week—what game to play, what song to listen to, or how to help at home.
Why: Agency grows when we practice choosing good things, even in small moments.
Reflect: Why do you think Heavenly Father trusts us with choices instead of forcing us to do what’s right?
Ad-Free Lyric Video
Safe, distraction-free viewing for families.
Coloring Page
A Puppet on a String Isn't Ever Gonna Grow
Shout for Joy
"Then the Firstborn stood up, faithful and true
He said 'Send me, Father, I'll do it for You!'"
Scripture Bridge
Abraham 3:22-23 "Now the Lord had shown unto me... the souls that were created before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones."
Lyric Highlight to Discuss
— From the song Shout for Joy
Behind the Music
This track captures the energy of the "Morning Stars singing together". It teaches our children that this life isn't just a difficult test—it’s the "greatest adventure that has ever been". We celebrate because we trusted the Father's plan and "kept our first estate".
Our pre-mortal choice to follow the Light was not a small thing—it was a triumph of faith. This song is meant to spark that same courage in our kids today, reminding them that they can face the world without fear because of what they already know to be true.
Thoughtful Question
"We 'shouted for joy' because we knew this life would be 'the greatest adventure that has ever been'. What is one thing you are looking forward to doing or learning in the coming week?"
Family Activity: Choose Your Adventure
Try This: The song Shout for Joy mentions how we were "in the heavens...walking in the glow of the Father's light." Ponder attributes of Heavenly Father and Jesus you admire like love, wisdom, or power.
Reflect: "What are attributes you admire in each other? How can we help each other walk in the Father's light?"
Try This: Focus on the lyric: "I’m not afraid to go, because I know what I know."
Reflect: "What do you know about the Plan of Happiness that gives you comfort when things feel uncertain or scary?"
Shout for Joy
Reinforce the Week
Try This: Choose one moment this week to intentionally celebrate together as a family—after a good choice, a completed chore, a kind moment, or simply being together. Turn on Shout for Joy, clap, dance, or cheer for 30–60 seconds.
Why: Joy reminds us why we chose this plan in the first place. Celebrating goodness helps children associate righteousness with happiness—not pressure.
Reflect: Why do you think we “shouted for joy” before coming to earth instead of feeling afraid?
Ad-Free Lyric Video
Coloring Pages
"Send me, Father, I'll do it for You!"
Celebrating That We Had a Choice
