Opening Song: #294 Love at Home

Opening Prayer: By Invitation.

Devotional: It can be a wonderful thing to share a scripture verse that holds significance for you. Why not take the time at the beginning of this FHE to share your favorite scripture and why it has helped you in life.

Activity:

Items Needed:

• A simple puzzle you've completed halfway prior to tonight's FHE. Yet unknown to the family, hide the final piece. (Inexpensive puzzles can be found at many dollar stores)
• So that FHE doesn't take too long, you may want to have previously constructed more than half of the puzzle.

Show the small puzzle nearly completed. Invite the family to help finish it together. Do not say anything when the family discovers the puzzle is missing a piece; simply watch the reactions. Then read the following statement: by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin:

Ask the family what Elder Wirthlin meant when he said that "we will have genuine joy and happiness only as we learn patience." Isn't it hard to have patience? Doesn't it feel better to yell at someone when angry? So why would Elder Wirthlin teach that patience is actually the pathway to happiness?

Then read this quote from the same talk by Elder Wirthlin:

Ask the family who Elder Wirthlin is speaking to. The answer should come that he was speaking to every family member. Just as parents should strive to be patient with children while they are learning not to squirm during family home evenings or prayers, children should be patient with their parents as parents learn to lead the family effectively.

Application:

Ask: what does the missing puzzle piece have to do with a family still striving to improve itself? Enjoy the creative responses. Then testify that the Lord is working with the entire family, hoping that each member will listen to the kind ways of God and show mercy to one another.

To finish off FHE, invite the family to open a dictionary and find the definition of the word, "Mercy." http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mercy Read the definition out loud and determine a family goal to help each other remember mercy in daily actions. Bring out the missing puzzle piece and put it in place. Testify that by pressing forward, firmly relying on the word of God, the family will move into the eternities together being completed by the Lord's ways and teachings.

And when sincere mistakes are made, the new family saying can be, "Please be patient. God isn't finished with me yet."

Closing Song: #78 I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus

Closing Prayer: By Invitation.

Refreshments: Time for a family outing for ice cream! Whether you go to the local fast food restaurant or choose to make your own, talk about how long it really takes to make ice cream. The longer the stirring, the better the end result. Waiting is required for the final delicious product. And if we wait in patience for others in the family, joy will be had . . . whether long or short in coming!

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.