FHE In a Teepee

In the recent General Conference, Elder Bednar stated that, "the best family home evenings are not necessarily the product of prepared, purchased, or downloaded packets of outlines and visual aids." Yes! I think it is so true. Although, I do love getting cool ideas from others, I love it best of all when I feel the spirit guiding me as I tailor my lessons to fit the needs of the members of my family, and when a Family discussion is taken to a whole new level of teaching, because of the Spirit, and because of listening and sharing between parent and child. Again, I see nothing wrong with getting a little help in the creativity department, just don't skimp on receiving heavenly inspiration on how to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to your own children...in your own way.

Tonight's Family Home Evening lesson is sort of an example of this. We had planned to do a lesson on tithing, but I feel that our children need a lesson on prayer. Specifically, we will discuss the fact that we pray to talk to Heavenly Father, not to be heard by others. I have noticed lately that our kids seem to be praying, especially at the dinner table, to be heard by those present (a habit that we no-doubt cultivated by saying "Great prayer!" after every prayer they say!), but I want to make sure they understand that they are not praying for our approval, but for personal communication with God. And instead of doing a lot of instructing, I'm hoping to just pray together, so that by example, they can gain a better understanding of how this communication should go.

I know, you're wondering about THE TEEPEE. Well, we made this teepee with the kids today, just for fun. I have friends who like to have FHE in their tree house during the summer months, so I thought, why not have it in a teepee! Having a secret place to hide-out when you just want to be alone with your thoughts is a good thing. Part of our family home evening lesson will include an opportunity for the children to find a quiet spot to pray alone. I call the teepee!

You can make one too. It's very easy. I followed these instructions.