Watch the video of the children’s storybook Fortunately read aloud. Learn how when we do our best bad things still happen. Fortunately, the Lord is there to bless us with immediate blessings.  

Carolyn Burnett reads Fortunately, a story of fortunate and unfortunate events.

Just like the boy in this book, as we travel life’s road, unfortunately, it will not always be smooth and there will be trials that we are called to bear that seem to last forever. But fortunately “while we are patiently waiting upon the Lord, there are certain blessings that come to us immediately.” (Elder Kyle S. McKay) 

No one knows this better than the Apostle Paul. His errand from the Savior was to “to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). In Acts chapters 22-28 we see Paul fulfilling this errand and facing great opposition – chains, imprisonment, physical abuse, a shipwreck, and even a snake attack. But we also see that Jesus “stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul” (Acts 23:11). (See Come, Follow Me – for Individuals and Families pg 118)

When we are faced with unfortunate events in our lives, may we always look for and focus on those immediate blessings that are fortunately ours. 🙂

ACTIVITY

A great activity to go along with this message is to give everyone a small index card and on the top of one side have them write the word Unfortunately and on the other side write the word Fortunately. Then give everyone a couple of minutes to write down a trial that they are experiencing under the word Unfortunately, then turn the card over and write down all the tender mercies and immediate blessings that they have received under the word Fortunately. You could also do this with any story that you read in the scriptures about someone who faces hardship, like Paul for example. List what hardship they are enduring and the blessings they receive during and/or because of it.

For a perfect example of someone never giving up and maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of adversity, read the story of Jim Thorpe by clicking HERE

You can purchase the book Fortunately on Amazon (simply click the image below). And for more great books, check out my Amazon Favorites Page by clicking HERE.

Yours Truly,

P.S. This was used in a Teach Me FHE outline. Sign up today to receive weekly FREE FHE outlines that coincide with the Come, Follow Me reading assignments. Making FHE preparation as simple as possible for you!