While we study the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in Come Follow Me, may I suggest a side-by-side study of the restoration of the gospel of liberty and freedom. The two gospels are deeply connected. You cannot have one without the other.
Agency is fundamental for the plan of salvation to operate in our lives. Religious liberty is essential for us to exercise our agency. The full restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ could only take place in a land of religious liberty.
In a similar manner, living the gospel of Jesus Christ increases the desire for liberty within our hearts. We also come to recognize with greater clarity that it is only through the help of God that our liberties will be maintained and preserved. When we as a nation become willing to humble ourselves and recommit to lives of virtue and mortality, we will qualify for the promise in 1 Chronicles 7:14
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

"A marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men." (D&C 4:1)
To appreciate how marvelous this work is, we need to understand what was lost during the Great Apostasy. The attached video clip with testimony from Elder David A. Bednar provides a history of the various apostasies and restorations throughout time and teaches what is unique about the dispensation of the fulness of times.
Why is the restored Church and priesthood power important for your progression and salvation? What qualifications are necessary to be involved in the work of the Lord? We have an opportunity to ponder these and other questions as we study Come Follow Me this week.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2016-05-3000-dispensations-the-pattern-of-apostasy-and-restoration?lang=eng

As we study Church History, we can include a deeper study of the Restoration Proclamation shared by President Russell M. Nelson in the April 2020 General Conference. This proclamation includes the testimony of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I am grateful for their leadership. I know the testimony they have shared is true.
"Two hundred years have now elapsed since this Restoration was initiated by God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Millions throughout the world have embraced a knowledge of these prophesied events.
We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation. The earth will never again be the same, as God will “gather together in one all things in Christ”
How can we strengthen our testimony of these valuable truths? How do we invite continuing revelation in our own lives?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-restoration-of-the-fulness-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ/a-bicentennial-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

As we study Church History, parents of young children may enjoy these stories about Joseph Smith written especially for young people. The Latter-day Prophet: History of Joseph Smith Written for Young People by Elder George Q. Cannon is available for free online. https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Latter_day_Prophet/v0FOAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA104&printsec=frontcover

History from the Hearth started as a family social media group so I could share stories from history with my children and grandchildren. I have been both surprised and pleased to see others join us as we explore history together. I hope you feel welcome here to share your insights and favorite historical accounts.

My personal plan for the next few years will be to coordinate the study of history with my study of the scriptures and Come Follow Me. After making it through all the standard words of scriptures, I may change the plan to a different type of study.

So far, I have really enjoyed this type of study. It has helped me look at history stories in a different context:
*It places stories from history in context of a larger picture of the plan of salvation and the purpose of the creation
*It allows me to connect principles from the scriptures to the goodness and beauty found in cultures around the world, regardless of religious belief
*By studying history and prophecy simultaneously, I can pull up historical events from different times and places and make new connections. I am not confined to one time period.
*A timeline of general anchor dates allows me to put historical events in context of the history of the world without getting bogged down with specific dates and facts.
*By setting new study goals every three months, I can choose what topics to study. These goals are influenced by religious programs and lesson plans offered by the school of our choice. We can bring them together in a coordinated and simplified approach.
*I can relax and allow myself to learn line-upon-line, knowing that these topics will be revisited year after year to provide opportunities for additional layers of learning.

The Well-Educated Heart model that incorporates music, art, poetry, and story as methods of teaching is encouraged. We also recommend that families take the time to immerse themselves in the culture of a country. Expand beyond just historical events to include fictional stories, the myths, poetry, art, and music. Get to know the people, their family life, their joys, sorrows, and imaginations. How did they live? What is unique about their traditions and culture? How did they pursue joy?

The resource guides on HistoryfromtheHearth.weebly.com are organized by general anchor dates on a time line. This is intended to be used as an index to help you identify stories that you may not have been aware of.

What a blessing it is to have these resources available to us! I am so grateful to Dr. Glenn Kimber, Jenny Phillips, Marlene Peterson, and the staff at American Heritage as well as many others who have devoted so much time to help us discover the lessons and stories from history!❤️