Each choice can be a critical one that our children make, leading to long and perhaps unforeseen consequences. How important it is that our kids maintain a sensitivity to the Spirit. This Family Home Evening lesson is simple, straightforward and readily teaches a need for spiritual guidance. Time for some easy FHE Fun!
FHE Fun!
Opening Song: #20 God of Power, God of Right
Opening Prayer: By Invitation.
Devotional: Devotionals are quick and sweet opportunities to share a few verses that held meaning during private scripture study from the previous week. Anyone who cares to share may do so during this spontaneous portion of FHE.
Readiness Activity:
Items Needed:
Once the family has shared their illustration of the strongest visual image they retained from the story, now ask what spiritual image they retained from the story. Allow time for them to think before sharing, as this form of analysis requires a deeper mental process.
After some sharing and brainstorming by the family, ask what would have been the consequence if the girls had not listened to the promptings of the spirit. And then ask this very pointed question: What if the girls had been engaged in activities that deadened their feelings to the Spirit's urgent prompting? Why does the Lord give us commandments to help us?
Application:
Privately study in advance the two articles contained below (at the end of the article). After praying about the articles' meanings and possible impact for your individual family, feel free to testify of the principles of agency, choice, and the bounteous blessings living the gospel brings—including receiving warnings of danger.
Closing Song: #143 Let the Holy Spirit Guide
Closing Prayer: By Invitation.
Refreshments: Colorful M&M™s or Skittle™s in a large bowl would make a fun treat to end this particular FHE. While eating the tasty treats, chat about how each choice leads to individually “colored” consequences. Why not assign one family member to eat only green M&Ms, one family member to eat only blue, and another to eat only red M&Ms. At the end, review their tongues to see the color difference. Have fun talking about the “color” of different choices and where they lead!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
“Loving Them Back in Lovell,” by Don L. Searle ( Ensign , Jun 1989, 9), is an excellent article for parents who may be struggling with their youth. The author teaches us that love paves all roads back to Christ.
Brad Wilcox teaches an urgent message for parents and leaders of youth in his article, “Helping Youth Follow the Spirit” ( Ensign , Apr 1992, 17). We cannot force their feeling of the Spirit; but how crucial for us to provide the fertile ground for its manifestation.
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.
