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We Have Great Confidence in You
By
C.S. Bezas
The youth of the Church are facing stiffer battles and greater odds against them than perhaps any prior generation. The next few weeks and months of Meridian FHEs will specifically help you help your youth in ways that are powerful and fun! For our youth must know that we have great confidence in them and stand steadfast beside them during their growing years.
FHE Fun!
Opening Song: #254 True to the Faith
Opening Prayer: By invitation
Devotional: Invite any family member who cares to share a favorite scripture and briefly explain why it matters to them. This brings a sweet spirit to the home and is a great way to start off a Family Home Evening!
Activity:
Items Needed:
- paper cup with small holes poked in the bottom
- paper cup (intact)
- pitcher of water
- large bowl
- For the Strength of Youth pamphlet (obtainable from your bishop)
- Place a large bowl on top of a table. Without exposing the holes in the bottom of the first paper cup, pour water in the cup (allowing the water to drip from the holes into the bowl beneath).
- Ask the family what went wrong. Why didn't the cup hold water?
- Pour water into the second cup that is intact and water tight. Ask the family why this cup held water.
Application:
Explain that there are things in life that can "puncture" us — not just physically, but spiritually. Ask the family members for some examples and list their ideas. Then hold up the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Explain that this pamphlet teaches how to avoid physical and spiritual "punctures." It also explains what to do if those punctures have already occurred. Let them take a few minutes to match up their listed examples with the actual sections contained in the pamphlet.
Read to them the following quotation from the First Presidency contained in For the Strength of Youth . Ask them to look for any phrase that jumps out at them:
Our beloved young men and women, we have great confidence in you. You are choice spirits who have come forth in this day when the responsibilities and opportunities, as well as the temptations, are the greatest. You are at the beginning of your journey through this mortal life. Your Heavenly Father wants your life to be joyful and to lead you back into His presence. The decisions you make now will determine much of what will follow during your life and throughout eternity (The First Presidency, For the Strength of Youth , 2).
Ask your kids to share what phrase(s) caught their attention in the previous paragraph. Then ask them to look for what catches their attention in the next three:
Because the Lord loves you, He has given you commandments and the words of prophets to guide you on your journey. Some of the most important guidelines for your life are found in this pamphlet. We testify that these principles are true.
We promise that as you keep these standards and live by the truths in the scriptures, you will be able to do your life's work with greater wisdom and skill and bear trials with greater courage. You will have the help of the Holy Ghost. You will feel good about yourself and will be a positive influence in the lives of others. You will be worthy to go to the temple to receive holy ordinances. These blessings and many more can be yours.
We pray for each of you. May you keep your minds and bodies clean from the sins of the world so you can do the great work that lies before you. We pray that you will be worthy to carry on the responsibilities of building the kingdom of God and preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Savior (The First Presidency, For the Strength of Youth , 2).
After all family members have a chance to share the phrase they liked best, explain that the family will explore the For the Strength of Youth (FSOY) booklet in fun ways through a series of upcoming FHEs. This will help protect and strengthen each family member from "punctures" as they hearken to these teachings.
Express to your family your love for them and your confidence in them as they hearken to God's teachings contained in the FSOY pamphlet. Let them know the gospel really does work — when we apply it in our lives. The principles in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet are not just for kids; they are for adults too. The principles are for anyone who desires to access the blessings promised in the booklet!
Closing Song: #162 I Will Be Valiant
Closing Prayer: By invitation
Refreshments: Popsicles made in paper cups carry out the theme nicely for this particular Family Home Evening. Here is a quick link to an easy recipe for making Homemade Popsicles. Make these the evening before and they become the perfect treat!
Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas' book has been called an essential help for parents and youth leaders. POWERFUL TIPS FOR POWERFUL TEACHERS: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings teaches you how to create powerful change. Visit your local LDS bookstore or get your copy online here.
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