Growing up can be tough…for some kids more than others. During this confusing time, if your children are embarrassed to be seen with you, why not try this Family Home Evening lesson? It's crazy, fun and just might help bring a better spirit of “togetherness” to your family. Time for some FHE Fun!

FHE Fun!

Opening Song: #234 Because God Loves Me

Opening Prayer: By invitation.

Devotional: Start with some simple spontaneous scripture sharing amongst family members. This not only builds the spiritual sensitivities of the individual who reads a verse and then explains its power in his (or her) life, but it also aids others who may be quietly struggling (and needing to hear the inspired messages). It is not required that each member share; only those who may have found a meaningful scripture during the previous week.

FHE Activity: (Tonight's activity is meant to be zany and light-hearted—for a very important purpose. And to be successful, it is imperative to be able to divide into teams. Thus, why not invite several families over for some FHE Fun and to share in the important message.)

Items Needed:

• One set of makeup (eye shadow and blush) with clean makeup applicators per family team (check the dollar store for inexpensive sets…the more colorful the better)
• One blindfold per family team
• One chair per team, lined up and placed in the center of the room
• One stool or tray per team, placed to the side of each chair to hold the makeup sets
• Camera

1. Divide the group into teams (make sure each team has at least two females).
2. Select one female from each team to sit in one of the chairs.
3. Select a second volunteer for each team. Have him or her stand blindfolded behind their teammate's chair. Open up the makeup set and hand each blinded team-member a makeup applicator and makeup kit (stationed either on a nearby stool or a tray).
4. Upon hearing “Ready, Set, Go” each blindfolded team member will seek to be the first to successfully apply makeup to the female in the chair. But they must do this blindfolded and while standing BEHIND their teammate. The first person to finish causes their team to win that round, but both eye and cheek makeup should be applied as carefully as possible (all participants will vote on most effectively applied makeup at the end of the races).
5. Once all teams have finished, take a picture of each “beautiful lady” and switch places for the next set of team members (digital photos can be viewed immediately for voting, but remember, the photos aren't only for voting but also for memory keeping!).
6. Repeat the steps until all the females in the group have had their makeup applied.

At the end of the activity, view the pictures and have fun voting to see which makeup teams won, both for speed and for quality.

Application:

To finish up FHE, read the following quote from “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities ” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”, emphasis added ).

Invite the participants to share what they noticed in the quote. What makes happy families? Allow comments. Then summarize that successful families enjoy life together and have fun because their lives are based on Christ's teachings. And just like the mightiest of bridges are made powerful because of their trusses, each family is made powerful because of their individual family members…each one is a symbolic familial truss.

Additionally, a bridge's strength is determined by the tight connectedness of its “trusses”. Same with the family. Each family member is incredibly important to the family's ability to endure life. Playing together will strengthen the bonds and “truss” connectedness of the family. As Victor Borge said, “Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” Ever heard the quote, “The family that plays together, stays together?”

Let the family know you are on a hunt for wholesome recreational activities that can be enjoyed together. Ask for your kids' help over the next few weeks in brainstorming ideas for enjoyable family activities that do not cost money (make sure to follow through with the wholesome activities they find). Utilize the newspaper in finding free community events. Especially encourage any teens you may have to help you in this hunt. Promise the family that by the end of the year your goal is to have built zany, fun family memories enough to span a lifetime.

To finish, read the following goal the First Presidency has given us as found in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet:

“Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father's plan.

“Do your part to build a happy home. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. Seek to be a peacemaker rather than to tease, fight, and quarrel. Remember that the family is the most sacred unit of the Church.

“Honor your parents by showing love and respect for them and by being obedient. Be willing to help in the home with chores that need to be done. Participate in family activities and traditions, including family prayer, family home evenings, and family scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families. Set a good example for other family members.

“Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends. Support them in their interests and help them with problems they may be facing” (“Family,” For the Strength of Youth , 10).

Testify that it is a privilege to be your children's parent and that you love them, no matter what. Many years of tight “truss building” will bring great joy to all.

Closing Song: #194 The Family

Closing Prayer: By invitation

Refreshments: These “Funny Face Cookies” make a humorous addition to an all around fun and crazy Family Home Evening. Let everyone get in on the fun decorating their “funny face” cookies as the family chats about other happy family memories. Life is too short not to laugh and play together as a family. (And in the process, playing together helps children realize that life together as a family really can be a cool and desirable experience).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Gary K. Palmer's article, “The Power of Laughter,” is an excellent introduction to the power and necessity of childlike humor in family life. And rather than family members becoming the brunt of our own jokes, Brother Palmer teachers how innocent, lighthearted moments together can bind a family forever (“The Power of Laughter,” Ensign , Sep 2007, 32-35).
• Barbara Workman teaches us in “Love, Laughter, and Spirituality in Marriage,” that laughter strengthens eternal relationships—an urgent quality that deeply blesses married and, therefore, family life (“Love, Laughter, and Spirituality in Marriage,” Ensign , Jul 1992, 7).

Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas' book is an essential help for parents and youth leaders. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers teaches you how to create powerful change. Visit your local LDS bookstore or get your copy online here.