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The Mercy Board
By
C.S. Bezas
The definition of mercy is to be kind—even when it is not deserved. This FHE lesson will help your children not only recognize mercy from each other, but also to recognize God’s mercy towards them. Time for some FHE Fun!
Opening Song: #115 Come, Ye Disconsolate
Opening Prayer: By Invitation.
Emergency Preparedness Tip: Last week we added emergency phone numbers to our 72-hour kits. This week let’s add “Fidgits”! Sometimes during evacuations, there really is no time to grab anything other than the 72-hour kits. That’s why this week, make sure that you add a “Fidgit” to each person’s kit. A “Fidgit” is an activity device that helps with boredom, fear, or fatigue. For one person, it might be a book. For another person, it might be a sketch pad, a pencil sharpener, and a pencil. For another person, it might be a small card game. The dollar store often has items that work well as “Fidgits”. (Note: “Fidgits” do not require batteries.) Whatever you choose, make sure to add a “Fidgit” to each person’s 72-hour kit! Then return the kit to whichever exit you would flee through—if an emergency were to occur.
Devotional: How ‘bout some cool spontaneous scripture sharing! What scripture moved you this week? Did a scripture help any of your children? Let them share and say why. Talking with each other during FHE Devotionals makes strengthening each other easier as a family. Devotionals needn't be more than a few minutes, but wow, are these scriptural minutes potent when done kindly and tenderly!
Activity: Items Needed:
- A small dry erase board to put/keep on the fridge (dollar stores often will have these)
- A dry erase marker
- Scriptures for everyone in the family
- (Optional) A peaceful song and music player to play during the activity portion of the lesson
Invite everyone who can read to read out loud as a group from Alma 34:38:
“That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.”
Ask the family to find the three counsels given in this scripture (hint: each counsel is separated by a semi-colon “;”). Invite the family to read the verse out loud again as a group and to raise their elbow (let’s make this fun) when they come across each of the three counsels.
- “That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ;
- that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth;
- and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.”
Ask how living these three counsels brings happiness? Discuss each sentence within that context.
Next, read the first paragraph on page six of the pamphlet “For the Strength of Youth.”
“The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you.”
Ask: Why would the Lord want us to recognize these things and to recognize His tender mercies?
Explain that as a family, you’re now going to practice this, but in a fun way. Invite quiet for 30 seconds. Ask for no sound, no music, no talking. Invite each person to ponder on a tender mercy of God to them. What has the Lord done for them that has been kind—perhaps when they even didn’t deserve it?
After the 30 seconds are up, explain that you’re going to turn on some music and will be passing around a small dry erase/white board with a dry erase marker. Invite each person to write or draw something on the board that shows how Heavenly Father has been kind to them individually. While people are waiting their turn, invite them to listen to the music and to think about God’s tender mercies.
When everyone has had a turn writing their idea, turn the music off and show all that has been written or drawn. Affix it to the fridge or some other visual location. Let the family know that “The Mercy Board” will be staying in your home as a permanent guest. Any time a member of the family notices or thinks of a tender mercy, he or she can write it on “The Mercy Board” for all to see.
Ask: what will happen the more we notice God’s mercies?
Application: Read the following quote:
“In your prayers, before you ask for blessings, pour out your heart to God in thanks for the blessings you have already received. Thank Him for your family, for friends and loved ones, for leaders and teachers, for the gospel, and for His Son, Jesus Christ.
“You can also express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live. When you keep His commandments and serve others, you show that you love Him and are grateful to Him. Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in any way (“For the Strength of Youth,” 6).
Express your gratitude for the group’s efforts during FHE, for their past kindnesses towards each other, and for God’s tender mercies overall. If possible, share a mercy that has come to your mind. Bear testimony as to the import of expressing thanks for the kindness of the Lord—even if we can’t see it, it is there.
Closing Song: #285 God Moves In a Mysterious Way
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
Refreshments: These Haystack Cookies would make a delicious treat (make sure to avoid any food allergy items). As your family “chats-n-chows” on these yummy cookies, why not discuss how haystack cookies are kind of like us? We’re poky and bumpy and sometimes not too pretty spiritually, but inside we are very sweet. The Lord still loves us and waits with open arms to receive us. He truly is a merciful God!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Download the “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet (or pick one up from your Bishop). Perhaps explore one chapter each Sabbath day as a family. These teachings are powerful and apply not just to teens, but to everyone as true principles of happiness.
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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