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Soaking Up General Conference
By C.S. Bezas

General Conference is this weekend and we get to hear from our new prophet, President Thomas S. Monson! Here is a fun and easy lesson to help prepare your children for the experience.

FHE Fun!

Opening Song: #110 Follow the Prophet

Opening Prayer: By invitation

Devotional: Perhaps for this week's FHE, invite family members to share their favorite memories of previous General Conferences. What message has impacted them most in their lives thus far, and why?

Activity:

Items Needed:

old or very dried out sponge
new moist sponge (remove from package just prior to FHE)
pot of water
two empty bowls
clock with a second hand (or timer)
measuring cups

Place the new sponge in the pot of water for no more than 5 seconds. Remove it. Completely wring it out into the first empty bowl.
Place the old sponge in the pot of water for no more than 5 seconds. Remove it. Completely wring it out into the second empty bowl.
Determine which sponge soaked up more water; measure the amount of water in both bowls.

Application:

Ask the family questions similar to:

Why is a new sponge able or more receptive to carrying larger amounts of water?
What is it about already being moistened that helps a sponge carry even more water?
How is this similar to things of the spirit?
Why does consistently "moistening" our souls with things of the spirit give us a larger capacity to absorb spiritual things more fully (i.e. during times such as General Conference)?
What can our family do to spiritually "moisten" or prepare our souls for General Conference this weekend?

Set three spiritual family goals to prepare for General Conference. Allow time for testimonies to finish off FHE.

Closing Song: #21 Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Closing Prayer: By invitation.

Refreshments: Along the "sponge" theme, angel food cake would make a yummy FHE treat. Here is a link to an online recipe that not only makes Strawberry Short Cake easy (by substituting biscuits for cake), but it even includes a gluten-free version.

Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas' book has been described as an essential aid for youth leaders and parents. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings is available in LDS bookstores and by clicking here.

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