Just Do It!

Family scripture study is an important part of building a Christ-centered home, yet sometimes it just doesn't happen. Are your excuses on my list? Maybe a solution is too!

1) We don't have time.
"Most of us have more things expected of us than we can possibly do. We face many choices on what we will do with our time. . . . Parents should act to preserve time for family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and the other precious togetherness . . . that binds a family together and fixes children’s values on things of eternal worth." Good, Better, Best by Elder Dallin H Oaks (Oct 2007 Conference)

Be creative. There isn't a "right" way. Many families get up early to make time for scripture study which also give you the bonus of leaving the home having already invited the spirit into your life. However, early morning does not work for me. I admit it, I'm not a morning person and I'm not going to make my kids get up earlier than they have to. So, we have found other ways to make our scripture study work. We have studied around the dinner table (before or after dinner), we have read right before bed, we have even read in shifts when needed. Find what works for your family.

2) The kids don't understand the scriptures.
"The years from birth to age 10 are the peak years for acquiring the language that will become the foundation for understanding future knowledge and truth. A very young child’s potential for learning and understanding is far greater than we tend to believe. The exciting possibility is that while children are learning new words daily, they can learn the language of the scriptures. In time, through the guidance of parents and teachers, they will grow in their understanding that Heavenly Father is speaking to them through the scriptures, that the scriptures can help them find answers to their problems." Teaching Our Children to Love the Scriptures by Anne G Wirthlin (April 1998 Conference)

You will be surprised how much young children understand. Consider that you are teaching your children another language. You are teaching them the language of the spirit. In future posts, I will address simple ideas to study the scriptures with young children.

3) “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!”
"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the . . . strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work. . . as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes." More Diligent and Concerned at Home by Elder David A. Bednar (Oct 2009 Conference)

Many LDS women suffer from an affliction called perfection. Somehow we have this beautiful image of a family calmly gathered around a table ready to share their spiritual experiences of the day. This vision only exists in other people's homes, so we get frustrated at the failure and give up. Get real! And get moving! Do what you can and celebrate small realistic successes.

4) It's too hard. I don't know what to do.
. . .Our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off, and move forward. We acknowledge that your path will at times be difficult. But I give you this promise in the name of the Lord: rise up and follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Savior, and one day you will look back and be filled with eternal gratitude that you chose to trust the Atonement and its power to lift you up and give you strength. And sometimes we just need someone to look us in the eyes, take our hand, and say, “You can do it now!” You Can Do It Now by Pres Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Oct 2013 Conference)

Sometimes we don't know where to start or how to do it. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Have the faith to begin today. Open the scriptures and start to read. Know that "You can do it now!"

Leave a comment: What are your reasons for not having family scripture study? What creative ways have you solved problems blocking a successful scripture study?

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