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Come Back, I Love You!

Hosea and Joel teach one of the happiest truths a child can learn: Heavenly Father and Jesus love us freely, and when we slide away, They’re always waiting to welcome us back. This week your family will hear Joel’s locust story on the couch, slide and zoom back with Hosea 14:4, take a seek-the-Lord walk, and feel the Holy Ghost come quietly like dew. In Primary on Sunday, your kids will hear the same story and verse.

  • Week 47
  • 📅 Nov 16–22, 2026
  • 📖 Hosea 1–6; 10–14; Joel
Start with Monday
Read it togetherHosea 1–6; 10–14; Joel in Gospel LibraryCome, Follow Me manualOld Testament 2026, week 47

What your kids learn in class

Stories, verses and games for the week come from each child’s own Primary or youth lesson, so home matches Sunday.

Daily sparks

Five to ten minutes a day, Monday to Sunday, with everyday things you already have. Grown-ups lead; kids act, play and answer. Where a step says to tap something, that’s in the Gospel Sparks app; on the web, use the “Play along” links.

Monday · 8 min · Cozy story time

Couch Story: The Locust Swarm

🦗 Story time: bzzz! Can the wheat grow back?Snuggle up.Buzz for the locusts.Drum for the rain!

✋ Grab: a blanket

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 When we turn back to the Lord, He forgives us and helps us grow again.

  1. Read Joel 2:12–13 together.
  2. Ask: “What does the Lord ask the people to do?”
  3. SAY“When we turn back to Him, He’s kind and ready to forgive.”

😄 Everyone buzzes like a locust swarm for ten seconds. Then freeze and whisper, “Turn back!”

📖 Read together: Joel 1:4; 2:12–13, 23–26 ↗

  1. Grab a blanket and snuggle up on the couch.
  2. Tap Story. Read each scene out loud and look at the pictures.
  3. When the locusts come, everyone buzzes softly. When the rain comes, drum your fingers on your knees.
  4. On the third scene, stop and ask: “What does the Lord want the people to do?”
  5. SAY“When we turn back to the Lord, He helps us grow again. Even better than before!”

🎭 Play along: the story scenes (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • How did the people feel when the locusts ate everything?
  • What did the Lord ask them to do?
  • What happened after they turned back to Him?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one tap to the next scene and be in charge of the rain drumming.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Have your older kid read Joel 2:25 out loud. What could “restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten” mean for someone who repents?
🧑 Teens (14–18)Put your teen in charge of reading the scenes. Afterward, have them read Joel 2:12–13. What’s the difference between tearing your clothes and tearing your heart? What does real change look like at their age?
☕️ For grown-upsJoel 2:25 doesn’t promise the lost years never happened. It promises the Lord can restore what they cost. Think of a season you wish you could redo. Notice what the Lord has already given back.

Sticker for today: 🌾

Tuesday · 7 min · Verse

Slide Away, Come Back

🧦 Slide away… then zoom back for a hug!Slide away in your socks.Zoom back for a hug.He loves you for free!

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord loves us freely and heals us when we slide away.

  1. Read Hosea 14:4 together.
  2. Ask: “What does it mean to love someone freely?”
  3. Share a time you felt loved even after a mistake.

😄 Everyone scoots across the floor. When a grown-up calls “Come back!” race back for a group hug.

📖 Read together: Hosea 14:4 ↗

  1. Tap Key Verse and read Hosea 14:4 together.
  2. SAY“Backsliding means slowly sliding away from Heavenly Father. He promises to heal it and love us freely.”
  3. Stand at one end of the hall with open arms. The kids stand next to you in socks.
  4. Each kid slides or scoots away down the hall.
  5. Call out: “Come back!” The kids race back for a big hug.
  6. Say the verse together in one big group hug.

📖 Play along: the key verse (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • What are some ways a kid might “slide away” from Heavenly Father?
  • How does it feel to be welcomed back after a mistake?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Hold your little one’s hands. Let them slide just two steps away before you scoop them up.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Ask your older kid to find a word in Hosea 14:5–7 that shows how the Lord helps people grow after they come back. Try dew, lily or olive tree.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Invite your teen to read Hosea 14:1–4. In verse 2, the Lord even gives Israel the words to say when they come back. Why might that help when you’re embarrassed? Have them write the “come back” text they’d want from a friend.
☕️ For grown-ups“I will love them freely” means His love isn’t a paycheck. Many adults quietly believe God’s love rises and falls with how they’re doing. This week, notice which idea your tone teaches after your kids make mistakes.

Sticker for today: 🤗

Wednesday · 10 min · Walk

Seek-the-Lord Walk

🌱 Go for a walk and spot things that grow!Spot something growing.Name a time to pray.Anytime is a good time!

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 Now is always a good time to seek the Lord.

  1. Read Hosea 10:12 together.
  2. Ask: “What are some ways a kid can seek the Lord?”
  3. Each person picks one time tomorrow to pray.

😄 Play one fast round of I Spy. The last thing to spy must remind you of Jesus.

📖 Read together: Hosea 10:12 ↗

  1. Read Hosea 10:12 together before you head out.
  2. SAY“Hosea said it’s time to seek the Lord. When’s a good time? Anytime!”
  3. Take a short walk around the block or the yard.
  4. Look for dirt, plants and anything growing. Point them out as you go.
  5. Each time someone spots one, they name a time of day to talk to Heavenly Father.
  6. On the way home, ask: “When will you seek the Lord tomorrow?”
Talk about it
  • When’s one time tomorrow you can talk to Heavenly Father?
  • How is seeking Jesus like looking for things on a walk?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one carry home a leaf or a rock. Say together: “We can pray anytime!”
📚 Big kids (10–13)Have your older kid set one phone or watch reminder for a time they’ll seek the Lord. Ask how it went on Sunday.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Walk next to your teen and ask about their screen time. Could they give the Lord one real ten-minute slot each day this week? Hosea 10:12 pairs sowing with reaping. What are they sowing with those minutes now?
☕️ For grown-upsHosea 10:12 talks about breaking up fallow ground. That’s soil that was once farmed and then left alone. Is there a spiritual habit you used to have that’s gone fallow? This week, plow one row of it again.

Sticker for today: 🌱

Thursday · 10 min · Game

Locusts and Love Game Night

🤔 Guess the word on your forehead!Listen to the clues.Buzz if it’s a locust!Tilt down if you got it.

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord is gracious, merciful and kind, so we can always come back to Him.

  1. Read Joel 2:13 together.
  2. Ask: “Which words in the verse tell how kind the Lord is?”
  3. Share one way the Lord has been kind to your family.

😄 Kind-word relay! Take turns saying one kind word, like gentle or merciful. Whoever gets stuck starts the next round.

  1. Gather on the couch and tap Forehead Guess.
  2. The guesser holds your phone or tablet on their forehead. Everyone else gives clues without saying the word.
  3. Tilt down when you get it. Tilt up to pass.
  4. Give everyone a turn, grown-ups too.
  5. After each word, ask: “How does that word fit Hosea or Joel?”

🤔 Play along: Forehead Guess (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • Which word was the hardest to guess?
  • Which word reminds you most that Heavenly Father loves you?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Pair your little one with a big kid as a team. Let them do the buzzing for locust.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Let your older kid be the host. They keep score and explain how each word fits the week.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Give your teen a harder version. On their turn, they can only give clues with phrases from Hosea or Joel.
☕️ For grown-upsPlay hard and laugh. Hosea’s message is that the Lord wants a relationship, not just rule-keeping. Kids remember the nights you were fun longer than the lectures.

Sticker for today: 🎯

Friday · 10 min · Service

Welcome-Back Mission

💌 Make someone feel welcome back!Wave at the camera!Say, “We miss you!”

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord pulls us back with love, and we can love others that way too.

  1. Read Hosea 11:4 together.
  2. Ask: “How can we welcome someone back after they say sorry?”
  3. Each person names someone to be extra kind to tomorrow.

😄 Make a high-five chain around the room. With each high five, say, “Welcome back!”

📖 Read together: Hosea 11:4 ↗

  1. Read Hosea 11:4 together.
  2. SAY“The Lord pulls us back with bands of love, not by being mean. We can do that too.”
  3. Ask: “Who do we miss, or haven’t seen in a while?”
  4. Record a quick “We miss you!” video on your phone or tablet. Or call them on speaker.
  5. Send it right away.
  6. SAY“When someone at home makes a mistake, let’s welcome them back fast. That’s what Jesus does.”
Talk about it
  • How do you think the person will feel when they get our message?
  • What can you say when a brother or sister says sorry to you?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Your little one can blow a kiss or give a big wave at the end of the video.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Have your older kid plan what to say, then hold your phone or tablet and record.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Ask your teen to think of a friend who has drifted away. Invite them to reach out their own way this week. A text, an invite or sitting by them at lunch all count. No agenda, just bands of love.
☕️ For grown-upsRead Hosea 11:1–4 on your own. The Lord describes Himself as a parent teaching a little child to walk, holding him by the arms. It may change how you picture His feelings toward you when you stumble.

Sticker for today: 💌

Saturday · 8 min · Dinner table

Dew Drops at Dinner

💧 Shh… can you feel the dew?Quiz time first!Close your eyes.Feel the dew drops.

✋ Grab: a cup of water

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord pours out His Spirit on sons and daughters, and that includes kids.

  1. Read Joel 2:28 together.
  2. SAY“That means you! The Holy Ghost can help you too.”
  3. Ask: “How can you tell when the Holy Ghost is helping you?”

😄 Read Joel 2:28 again in silly voices. Try it once like a robot, then once in a tiny whisper.

📖 Read together: Hosea 14:5; Joel 2:28 ↗

  1. At dinner, tap Quiz and play it together to review the week.
  2. Read Joel 2:28 together.
  3. SAY“The Lord promised to pour out His Spirit on sons and daughters. That means you!”
  4. Everyone closes their eyes and holds out a hand. Sprinkle a few drops of water on each one.
  5. SAY“The Holy Ghost usually comes quietly, like dew. Tomorrow at the sacrament, let’s listen for Him.”
  6. After dinner, lay out Sunday clothes.

🏆 Play along: Scripture Showdown (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • How can you tell when the Holy Ghost is helping you?
  • What can you do tomorrow to listen for Him?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one sprinkle the dew on everyone’s hands with one careful finger.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Ask your older kid to read Joel 2:28–29 and name every group the Spirit is promised to.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Have your teen read Joel 2:28–29, then Joseph Smith—History 1:41. Moroni told Joseph this prophecy was about to be fulfilled. What would the Spirit poured out look like in a teenager’s life? What crowds it out?
☕️ For grown-upsJoel promises dreams to the old, visions to the young, and the Spirit even on servants (Joel 2:28–29). Revelation isn’t only for the especially spiritual. Where have you been waiting for something dramatic while the Spirit has been quiet and steady?

Sticker for today: 💧

Sunday · 8 min · Sabbath

Olive-Tree Thank-Yous

🌿 Draw a leaf for every blessing!Tell what you learned in Primary.Name a blessing.Watch the tree grow!

✋ Grab: paper and a pen

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 When we come back to the Lord, we grow strong like an olive tree.

  1. Ask: “What did you learn in Primary today?”
  2. Read Hosea 14:6–7 together.
  3. Share one blessing from Jesus that helped you grow this week.

😄 Everyone curls up like a tiny seed on the floor. Grow slowly into a tall tree while a grown-up counts to ten.

📖 Read together: Hosea 14:6–7 ↗

  1. Ask: “What did you learn in Primary today?”
  2. Read Hosea 14:6–7 together.
  3. SAY“When we come back to the Lord, He helps us grow strong like an olive tree.”
  4. Draw a big tree trunk with bare branches.
  5. Take turns naming a blessing from Jesus. Draw a leaf for each one.
  6. Share how you know Heavenly Father and Jesus love your kids no matter what. Anyone can share too.
Talk about it
  • What did you learn in Primary today?
  • What’s one blessing from Jesus you’re thankful for this week?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one scribble a leaf for every blessing. Count the leaves together at the end.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Invite your older kid to share a time they felt the Lord help them start fresh, if they’re comfortable.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Invite your teen to read Hosea 14:5–8 and pick the picture that fits their year best. Dew, lily, deep roots, olive tree, grain or vine? They can share why, or keep it private.
☕️ For grown-upsShare honestly and briefly about a time you came back to the Lord, or felt Him welcome you back. Kids learn more from a parent’s real return than from a parent who seems never to have left.

Sticker for today: 🌳

Family challenge

Fast Turn-Around

This week, when anyone in the family makes a mistake, practice a fast turn-around: stop, say sorry, fix what you can, and then everyone else says, “Welcome back!” with a hug or high five. Nobody gets a lecture.

Parent Corner

Hosea is one of the boldest books in the Bible: the Lord compares His covenant with Israel to a marriage and Israel’s idolatry to unfaithfulness. The shock of the metaphor is the point. A covenant isn’t a contract that ends when one side breaks it; it’s a relationship, and the Lord keeps pursuing His people, speaking “comfortably” to them and promising to turn the valley of trouble into “a door of hope” (Hosea 2:14–15). Joel adds that real return happens in the heart, not in outward show (Joel 2:12–13), and he foresees a day when the Spirit is poured out on sons and daughters, old and young alike. Together they answer a question many adults carry quietly: after all my drifting, does He still want me? Hosea’s answer is yes, and freely.

  • Ponder: When you picture the Lord’s face as you come back after a hard stretch, is He disappointed or glad? Where did that picture come from?
  • Try this: Read Hosea 14 slowly on your own this week and mark every promise the Lord makes to those who return. Then, in your own prayers, name one specific way you want to return to Him.

From general conference

“It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”

— Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” April 2012

For parents: read after Tuesday’s slide-and-come-back verse, or keep it for yourself on a hard day.

Read the talk ↗

Dinner-table questions

  • If you could send a locust swarm to eat one food you don’t like, which one would it be?
  • What’s something that grows back after it’s gone, like the wheat in Joel?
  • How do you know someone loves you even when you mess up?
  • When is your favorite time of day to talk to Heavenly Father?
  • What would you say to a friend who thinks Heavenly Father is mad at them?

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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