M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Memories in the Making
By C.S. Bezas

The year 2007 just passed. 2008 now is upon us. Here is a Family Home Evening that makes the best of both years!

FHE Fun!

Opening Song: #226 “Improve the Shining Moments”. When we sing praises to God, He receives it as if a prayer has been offered (see D&C 25:12). The more verses we sing, the stronger His Spirit is in our homes.

Opening Prayer: By invitation.

Devotional: What a wonderful opportunity to spontaneously share scriptures that have touched us during the previous seven days! This weekly time during FHE need not last more than five minutes or so, but it sure can be the high point of the week.

Scripture Theme:

"Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors." Alma 36:25

"If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things - that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal." D&C 42:61

Activity:

Items needed:

• 2 sheets of paper for each family member
• crayons or pencils

Directions:

1. Theme "Memories 2007"
1. For the first part of the activity, pass out one sheet of paper to each person. Ask them to draw a picture representation of five happy memories they have from the year 2007 (could be anything). Invite the family to title the page, "Memories 2007."
2. When finished, ask them to turn over the page and write on the back:
• a spiritual area they grew or developed in during 2007.
• a scripture they discovered during 2007 that helped them.
3. Invite each person to share their "Memories", both from the front of the sheet and the back. When all are through sharing, read Alma 36:25. Ask why the Lord gives us joy when we've done well. "Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors." (Alma 36:25)
2. Theme "Memories 2008"
1. Pass out the 2nd sheet of paper. Ask each person to think of five things they would like as a memory for 2008. Invite them to draw a picture of those five desires (could be anything) and title the page "Memories 2008."
2. Again, ask them to turn over the page and write on the back:
• a spiritual area they intend to grow in during 2008.
• a scripture that can help them in 2008.
3. Allow those who would like to share to do so. Each person can post their "Memories 2008" in their bedroom to work toward throughout the coming year.

Application:

To close, read D&C 42:61:

"If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things — that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal." D&C 42:61 (emphasis added)

Remind the family that the Lord blesses us in our efforts of goodness. He desires great things for our benefit. As we determine worthy goals and seek God's help with them, He will guide, strengthen, and make fruitful our efforts.

Closing Song: #225 “We Are Marching On to Glory”

Closing Prayer: By invitation.

Refreshments: Baked Apples would make a great accompaniment to this lesson. There are five main elements within the apples: pecans, cinnamon, raisins, butter, and brown sugar. You could chat while eating them how the apple represents the year 2008, and the ingredients represent the wonderful memories and activities the family just selected to accomplish during 2008!

Summary

The Lord loves us. He really does. And He desires that we grow, progress, and have joy — not just in the next life, but in this one. Thus as we determine to fill this year with worthwhile activities and seek His help in them, the coming months will be far better than if we'd not tried to accomplish anything. So, 2008, here we come. We've got joyous memories to make!

C.S. Bezas' book has been described as perfect for youth leaders and parents of teens. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings is available in LDS bookstores and by clicking here.

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