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The Celebration of Education
By
C.S. Bezas
Life is sometimes confusing. The gospel is not. This simple FHE lesson will help your children understand the importance of education in the Lord's eyes and how it brings success in today's challenging environment. Time for some FHE Fun!
FHE Fun!
Opening Song: Children's Songbook #97 " God's Love "
Opening Prayer: By invitation.
Devotional: Time for some 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.
Activity:
Items Needed:
- Pre-read this printout of sample brain-stretcher activities
- a piece of paper for each family member
- pencil for each member
- scriptures
(Make sure to pre-read the printout at the link above to understand not only the activities, but also the answers to them. Then prepare a sheet of paper for each family member with only the puzzle items without the answers.)
- Pass out the prepared pieces of paper to family members. Explain that for the first "brain-stretcher," they are to connect the dots without lifting the pencil. They are to do this with four straight lines and cannot go back over any line (although lines may intersect/cross). Allow five minutes for effort. Then explain how to complete it correctly (click here for the link to the correct answer.
- If desired, play the other two games/brain-stretchers from the link above. Share the answers as people are ready for them.
Application:
Read the following section on "Education" from the church's pamphlet For the Strength of Youth :
Learn wisdom in thy youth (Alma 37:35).
The Lord wants you to educate your mind and improve your skills and abilities. Education will help you to be an influence for good in the world. It will help you better provide for yourself, your loved ones, and those in need.
Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices to obtain learning. Education is an investment that brings great rewards. You live in a competitive world where a good education opens the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you.
Maintain an enthusiasm for learning throughout your life. Find joy in continuing to learn about yourself, other people, and the world around you. Study the words of the Lord, and continue learning about your Heavenly Father's plan. Make seminary an important part of your total education.
Invite discussion on what the paper and pencil activity had to do with education. How much easier was it to complete the puzzles and brain-stretchers once the answer was made known? How can seeking an education, both spiritual and academic, clarify life and its purposes?
Read the following scripture. Ask family members to look for how many areas the Lord wants us to learn and understand:
D&C 88:77–80:
And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms —
That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
Close by bearing testimony that the Lord wants each family member not only to seek an education, but to also understand how to find joy in learning. Set a goal as a family to learn something new during the coming month (for example, a new language, a new meal from another country, watch a historic film, or find another project). Write the goal on the calendar and include a date one month from today to report/celebrate the family's obedience to the command to "learn wisdom in thy youth."
Closing Song: #304 " Teach Me to Walk in the Light "
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
Refreshments: SmartiesTM candy would make a fun thematic treat to top off this particular FHE and the celebration of education.
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.
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