“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.
“I recall listening to a 15-minute radio program each weekday afternoon—Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. As it began, a voice filled with mystery would emanate from the radio: “We now join Jack and Betty as they approach the fabulous secret entry to the elephants’ burial ground, where a treasure is concealed. But wait; danger lurks on the path ahead.” Nothing could tear me away from this program. It was as though I were leading the search for the hidden treasure of precious ivory.
“At another time and in a different setting, 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.’
“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.”
General Conference is fast-approaching. It’s an opportunity for us to gather as families and hear the word of the Lord spoken through His prophets, seers, and revelators.
A few years back, I wrote about a post-General Conference activity you can do with your family to help Conference last longer than one weekend.
This year, I wanted to take this idea and turn it into something you can use DURING conference.
One of the things I love about Conference is that the words our leaders speak and the counsel they give point us to a treasure trove of happiness and lasting joy, much like the “X marks the spot” at the end of a treasure map. And each message, each word of prophetic guidance, can be a step on our own personal treasure maps.
So I created a “Conference Treasure Map” for you to download and print for your children or grandchildren (and you may even want one for yourself). It’s an elevated way to record your notes and impressions from the Spirit. Here, you can record with words or pictures the counsel from the prophets that you feel you should follow to obtain the treasured blessings of joy in this life and eternal life in the world to come.
During Conference you can be creative in getting the little ones excited. Perhaps every time someone writes or draws something on their maps, they could pick out a treat or small candy from a bowl or “treasure chest.” Or you could celebrate with a special dessert together as a family.
After Conference is over, the children can hang their maps above their bed, over the desk, or on the fridge to remind them of the righteous journey they’re on and the promised blessings awaiting them.
Most of all, I hope your Conference is full of peace and joy and heartwarming memories. This year my husband and I have the unique opportunity to sing in the Choir at the Conference Center during the Saturday Afternoon Session (maybe you’ll see us on TV?!)
XOXO my sweet friends,
Love,
Jamie
For children & adults alike, this treasure map can be downloaded for free by clicking on the button below.
