In the United States, this is the week we celebrate our independence. Freedom is not to be taken lightly, though. Here is a simple and straightforward Family Home Evening to explore what patriotism really means. Time for some FHE Fun!

FHE Fun!

Opening Song: #60 Battle Hymn of the Republic

Opening Prayer: By invitation.

Activity:

Items Needed:

one piece of yarn
a skein of yarn

1. Ask for a volunteer to come stand in the middle of the room. Wrap the piece of yarn one time around the volunteer. Ask him to break out of the yarn. It should be fairly easy to do.
2. The second time, take a skein of yarn and wrap it around the volunteer 30-40 times, encasing his arms at his side with the yarn. Now invite him to break out of the yarn. It will be much more difficult.

Thought:

Read from the following three quotes. Ask the family to think what the quotes have to do with the yarn activity:

• QUOTE 1: “ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

• QUOTE 2: “ It is not the function of our Government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.” (A Supreme Court Justice in America Communicators Association vs Douds, 339 U. S. 382, 442.)

• QUOTE 3. “Until the American Revolution, a millennium of political tradition vested powers only in monarchs and dictators. The formers of our republic simply declared the truth — that God gave all men the right to life, liberty, and property. Man, therefore, was master over government rather than the other way around.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, "Righteousness Exalteth a Nation," address given 29 June 1986.)

Discussion:

Explain that maintaining a good government is much easier than trying to get out of a bad government. What are the responsibilities of a good citizen? Here is one final quote to share:

• QUOTE 4: “Before people lend their support to any government program or project, they should examine it carefully. Those who give their support to questionable Government programs are acting very shortsightedly. They ignore history and fail to recognize that government is no plaything. As George Washington warned, 'Government is not reason, it is not eloquence — it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master!' Copies of the Constitution are widely available. This is a standard that each of us can refer to and use in determining whether a law is good or bad.” (Ezra Taft Benson, "Man, Freedom and Government!")

Decide as a family three things you can do over the next 12 months — till the next 4th of July — to show the Lord you appreciate the efforts of the founding fathers of the United States (or your own country). How can you become a citizen that makes a difference for righteousness and goodness?

Closing Song: #339 My Country, 'Tis of Thee

Closing Prayer: By invitation.

Refreshments: Chilled watermelon makes a great, fresh traditional 4th of July treat!

**

Helpful Resources:

• The Charters of Freedom is an engaging and amazing website that makes understanding the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights easy to understand. You can even "Join the Signers of the Declaration" by "signing" the Declaration ... right next to John Hancock! Great fun for kids and very informative.

• Our church presidents have declared the Constitution to be a divinely inspired document. Here is a link to the Constitution, with easy-to-access definitions and explanations.

• Here is a link to President Ezra Taft Benson's address, entitled "Our Divine Constitution" ( Ensign , Nov 1987, 4).

• Here is a link to a fun website for kids and adults to learn more about the Constitution — with games, IQ challenges, and a free pocket guide.

• And if your family lives in a country other than the United States, here is a link to Wikipedia to explore the historical evolution of governmental constitutions.

Whichever resource(s) you use, enjoy them knowing that information makes for great inspiration as we discharge our citizenry duties!

Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas' book has been called an essential aid for parents and youth leaders. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings can be found at many LDS bookstores and here.  Order today and watch changes begin.