Tired of the hectic pace of the world? Exhausted with the bad news that persists in nearly every facet of society? Come refresh yourself in the healing hymns of truth. Time for some FHE Fun!

Opening Song: #166 Abide With Me

Opening Prayer: By Invitation.

Devotional:

Devotionals are a great time to strengthen one another with spontaneous scripture sharing. Enjoy these few sweet minutes delving into eternal principles contained in potent small scripture verses.

Activity:

After the devotional, ask the family what some of their difficult trials have been in the last week. Listen with an understanding heart and without a tendency to try to solve their challenges. Invite an open atmosphere of family members simply sharing a few difficulties experienced during the past week or so.

Then explain there is a simple tool the Lord has given us for periods of discouragement or difficulty. Ask the family to try to figure out what that tool might be while singing all the verses of the following three hymns (the links will take you to an online music player—everyone can just follow along as they sing the words to these powerful hymns).

Before beginning, invite your family to notice the spirit that comes as they sing with full hearts and with close attention to the words of each hymn.

#234 Because God Loves Me (from the Children's Songbook)

#177 Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love

#92 For the Beauty of the Earth

Ask the family if they discovered what tool the Lord has given for hard days. Enjoy the excellent thoughts they might share. When they are done, compliment them and affirm their ideas. Explain that the Lord has given many tools of strength for saints in these latter-days. But let them know that one of the most potent tools given us is to simply sing hymns, one after another, when discouraged. Hymns have great power to cast out feelings of darkness and great power to fortify our hearts when sad.

Application:

There is nothing like hymns sung sweetly and sincerely to bring peace into a home and into one's heart. Remind your children than when feeling frightened or alone or overwhelmed, they have a powerful tool at their disposal: singing pure songs of praise and goodness known as “hymns”—found in both the Children's Songbook and in the hymnbook. In fact, a hymnbook would make an excellent addition to each home in the church!

Close with the following scripture found in D&C 25:11-13:

  11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.

  12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

  13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.

Closing Song: #115 Come Ye Disconsolate

Closing Prayer: By Invitation.

Refreshments: These “musical cookies” are a fun way to end this particular family home evening. Kids love cookies and even more, they love cutting out cookies with cookie cutters. Even if you don't have musical cookie cutters, you certainly can shape cookie dough into saxophone or flute shapes, etc. Bake them, then have fun icing them with your family. Life can feel much happier when we sing music that elevates and lifts our spirits.

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.