Exercising Your Faith Muscles

When we exercise, we expect our muscles to grow stronger. Of course, before they become stronger they will be sore and tired. At some point we must decide if the work and pain are worth the outcome of the stronger muscles.


Elder Richard G Scott talked of exercising faith in the October 2014 General Conference. He tells us that to find peace in this life filled with negative challenges and heartaches, we must exercise our faith. He talked of four tools we can use to find peace in the struggles of mortality. 

1) Prayer: "Family prayer should be a nonnegotiable priority in your daily life."


2) Scripture Study: He reminds us that studying the scriptures is more important than so many other things that we choose to spend our time on. Elder Scott describes many blessings promised to us and our children if we study the scriptures. He tells us that through the scriptures we can begin to understand and recognize the voice of God. Elder Scott promises us that peace will prevail in our homes. "That peace won't come from the outside world. It will come from within your home, from within your family, from within your own heart." 

3) Family Home Evening: "The structure of the evening is not as important as the time invested."

Elder Scott quoted Sister Reeves from April's conference. "I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening. These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives and add protection to our homes."

4) Temple Attendance: "We all know there is no more peaceful place on this earth than in the temples of God."


So, we must decide, if these four simple actions are worth the time and effort they take. Are the spiritual muscles we will develop worth the pain and work? 

Let's look at the blessings Elder Scott promises. 
1) Satan's ability to harm us will diminish. "The more we develop these habits, the more anxious is Satan to harm us, but the less is his ability to do so." 

2) We accept the full gifts of His atoning sacrifice, which will help us to endure the challenges of this life. 

After hearing Elder Scott's talk I realized how little our Heavenly Father is really asking of us. If I am willing to do four simple things, I am promised strength and wisdom through the power of the Atonement. 

I'm ready to grow my faith muscles. How about you? See you in the Book of Mormon Gym tomorrow morning!

Hastening the Work Means . . .

Our stake was blessed to hear from Elder Daniel L Johnson of the First Quorum of the Seventy this weekend. He told us that we have to remember that we are ALWAYS teaching something. We need to think about: What am I teaching?

He said that the very act of not teaching something will teach our children the value we place on that thing. He went on to tell us how important it is to study the Book of Mormon with our children. It was all I could do not to stand up and shout, "AMEN!"

He promised us that by reading the Book of Mormon miracles can happen. He promised us: there will be peace in our homes, love and kindness will grow, children will listen to their parents, and parents will counsel with their children in patience. Who wouldn't want these blessings in their home? 

He went on to tell us that it is too easy to find excuses to crowd scripture study out of our lives. But he told us: It is NOT tough. We just have to decide to make it a priority and do it. It's not hard to get up a little earlier or go to bed a little later. It is not tough.

He also warned us of the challenges of the rising generation. He told us how these children will face challenges and be tempted and bombarded by the adversary like never before. He said: Children need every ounce of strength and testimony they can get. We cannot leave them to flounder alone. We must give them the tools they need.

Elder Johnson ended his talk by telling us that "Hastening the Work" means doing things in a different way. 

Do you need to find a different way to study the Book of Mormon with your family? Check out my book. It will allow you to actually study the Book of Mormon with your family in a way that will draw the children in. And the best part of my book is that it is ready to use with no preparation (no excuse for not doing it). 

Click here to buy the book on Amazon

**Be aware, the above advice from Elder Johnson is paraphrased, not quoted.

Tell a Story

First the fun news: My poem has been published in this month's Friend magazine.

The poem was inspired by a truth I have learned about helping children grow to love the Book of Mormon: Stories. We all love a good story. Most people will read stacks of novels before a book of instruction or history. Stories grip us and pull us in. We all know that children especially love stories.

The authors of the Book of Mormon could have just told us the commandments and lessons we need to make it back to our Heavenly Father, but they didn't. Each book includes stories and experiences that actual people went through. These are the parts of the scriptures that can pull our kids into scriptures, they can spark the love that turns a chore into a joy.

Here are thoughts from "The Psychological Power of Storytelling"

• Stories are how we explain how things work, how we make decisions, how we justify our decisions, how we persuade others, how we understand our place in the world, create our identities, and define and teach social values.

You can use the story of Captain Moroni to teach when and how war is sanctioned. He shows us the blessings of honoring your country and your family.

• Stories are the common ground that allows people to communicate, overcoming our defenses and our differences. Stories allow us to understand ourselves better and to find our commonality with others.

The story of Nephi and his brothers can help your children understand how siblings can either love and support each other (Sam, Jacob and Joseph) or turn on each other with jealousy and hate (Laman and Lemuel). 

• Within the context of the story arc we can withstand intense emotions because we know that resolution follows the conflict. We can experience with a safety net.

The ultimate "happy ending" is the scriptures. The blessings and promises that the Lord gives as all are echoed throughout the Book of Mormon. Children can see how we loved by our Heavenly Father and begin to see how we can ultimately live with him again.

• To the human brain, imagined experiences are processed the same as real experiences. Stories create genuine emotions, presence (the sense of being somewhere), and behavioral responses.

Can you imagine the bond your child will feel with the Book of Mormon as they begin to experience the joys of Alma as he baptizes and leads a new fold into the church? Or the sorrow of Jacob who begins to see his people turn to loving riches more than Christ?

• Through imagination, we tap into creativity that is the foundation of innovation, self-discovery and change.

The biggest blessing of the Book of Mormon is to discover ourselves. Through the stories, we can help our children see that we are all different and that each person's journey through life will be different. They can begin to imagine a life that will bring them happiness and joy.

Help your children understand and discuss the stories in the Book of Mormon with my book, Small and Simple Keys of Protection. Check it out on Amazon today. What a great gift you can give your family this Christmas.

Also, check out the page on this blog for FHE ideas. Do a book report on the Book of Mormon with your family.

Don't Be too Busy to Teach a Lesson

Elder L Tom Perry taught us that the most important influence on our lives is our family. Of course it is up to the parents to lead the family in the direction they want their children to grow. They must lead by example.

We must admit that one problem we have now, in our crazy busy lives, is no longer laziness. No, the problem is too much. Too much stuff, too many choices, too many places to be, too many things to do, too many things begging for our time. 

Our example must be to choose to put the important things first. We should stop to look at the picture drawn, watch the video painstakingly filmed, answer the question timidly asked, say heartfelt prayers, study the word of God.

Elder Perry says, "Sometimes we find ourselves in situations when we have the opportunity to teach children a lesson which will have a lasting effect on their young lives. A successful parent should never be too busy to capture a moment in a child's life when an important lesson can be taught." 

Are you teaching the important things, or are you allowing the busyness of good things to crowd them out? 

We Can Know Truth For Ourselves

After having two amazing experiences this weekend: a successful book signing at the local bookstore, and an inspiring General Conference, my mind is filled to overflowing with ideas I would like to share. That's a good problem to have. For the next few posts I will highlight some of the lessons from conference and how you can apply them to improve your family scripture study.

Pres Uchtdorf reminded us of the vastness of the universe and the knowledge of it that we didn't have just a hundred years ago. He told us that the universe didn't change, our ability to see it did.

This is the same with all truth. Truth does not change, but our ability to find and understand it can.

Pres Uchtdorf gave us four things we must do to find the truth for ourselves. As I list this actions from Pres Uchtdorf, I will also apply these actions to family scripture study.

1) Search the word of God. Your children (and you) cannot know if the scriptures are true if you do not read them. But notice, Pres Uchtdorf said to "search' the word of God, not just read it. I do believe that reading the scriptures is better than not, but to find the truth you must search for it. Take your study one step above reading.

2) Ponder and prepare to hear answers from God. As you study the scriptures with your family, make sure to discuss them. Talk to your children. Make sure they understand what is being read. Make sure the kids feel comfortable asking questions and having wonders. Don't try to rush through the study time to "get finished;" if you need to stop reading after just a few verses, that's okay.

3) Ask Heavenly Father to manifest the truth to you. Don't forget to pray before or after you study. Ask the Lord to help you understand and know the things you read are true.

4) Do God's will. Always talk about how the truth you find in the scriptures is applied to your children's lives. Let them tell you what they learned and how it can help them through problems they face.

Shameless plug: My book will help you do these things with your children. It will help you discuss and ponder the Book of Mormon with kids of all ages. Check it out on Amazon.

Small and Simple Keys of Protection

What is my book all about?

Click here to buy on Amazon

Years ago I was determined to study the Book of Mormon with my kids. And I mean the Book of Mormon, not stories or videos. I believed the promises given to us by our prophets of safety, peace, and knowledge that will come from this study. I started looking for a book to help me in this endeavor, surely there is one out there. But, to my surprise, there were many many books for adults, but none written to help parents actually study the Book of Mormon with their kids. So, I decided to write one.

This book is based on the thought that "through small and simple things, are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). The book is written in such a way that you can open it and your Book of Mormon and get right to studying. The kids are engaged from step one with questions that they must answer from reading the verse. Then throughout each chapter there are discussion questions and lessons that will help them apply the teaching in the scriptures to them.

Read  reviews from other moms:

“I have read the Book of Mormon many times throughout my life. I am always intrigued when a question is posed in such a way to make me think about something from a different angle. I want my children to have as many of these same kinds of experiences while they are young. The questions posed in this book make it easy to discuss Book  of Mormon topics with my children from many different angles. I love the format, the topics, and the questions. This is a great gospel study help! Thanks!!”

--Stephanie Dirks, mother of five

“…the perfect vehicle to help make family scripture study of The Book of Mormon more meaningful. Rather than simply reading the verses, you'll find your family talking about what's really meant and how it applies in your lives today.”

--Tanya Mills, author and mother of two

“What a wonderful, easy to understand resource to study the Book of  Mormon with our grandchildren. I really like the thought provoking questions and simple answers. I am anxious to use it in our home!”
--Sherrie Cornia, grandmother of 24 

Our Children Do Not Need to Walk Alone

This world is full of trials, troubles, turmoil and turbulence. Each day as I send my three kids out into the world, I hope for their safety. Although physical safety is always a concern, I'm so much more worried about their spiritual safety. I know that once they are beyond the walls of our home, I can't protect them from the onslaught of fear, doubt, and misery that abounds. The only thing I can do is to prepare them the best I can to protect themselves.

Sis Rosemary Wixom, in the October 2010 General Conference, said, "The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age. What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths."

I believe the promises of many prophets foretelling of the safety and protection offered in the scriptures. Family scripture study has become one of the most important parts of my parenting. I'm not perfect at it, we are constantly trying something new or starting over, but I have a testimony that the hard work is worth it.

Sis Wixom says, "We do not need to be perfect—just honest and sincere. Children want to feel as one with us. When a parent says, “We can do it! We can read the scriptures daily as a family,” the children will follow!"

Good News! My Small and Simple Keys of Protection: A Guide to Study the Book of Mormon With Your Children will be available for purchase by the end of September.  I have many parents and grandparents who have read and used the book. The feedback is fantastic. I've been told that the study guide makes scripture reading easier and more interactive. 




You can do it! You can send your kids out the door armed with the gospel each day.


https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/stay-on-the-path?lang=eng&query=children+and+book+of+mormon

Summer Scripture Study

Summer brings its own issues with getting your family scripture study done. It is hard to keep up the schedule when summer life is so different from the regular calendar of school days. 

Here's some points to keep in mind:

1) It is really easy to get to the end of the day and send the kids to bed, then realize scripture study was never done. Try scheduling the study time into your day. Look at the day and find when your family can study together. It could change daily. Put it on your calendar.

2) Be creative. Sometimes I'll read to the kids while they are in bed. Sometimes they read to me while I finish up the dishes. Make it work. 


3) Use the flexibility and fun of summer to do something different with your study time. Act out the story, read at the park, or hang up a long sheet of paper and let the kids draw a mural (or how about decorate your sidewalk with scripture stories) while you read.


4) Don't forget to bring your scriptures along on vacation.

 Pack them, and don't forget to read them. 

Perfectionism isn't Perfect

Have you ever considered how your perfectionist tendencies affect your life? According to Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Seventy, "Perfectionism can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, procrastination, discouragement, self-justification, and depression. These feelings can crowd out the peace, joy, and assurance our Savior wants us to have."

For some reason, our society has developed such a high level of competition that there is no room for mistakes. "Black-and-white thinking says everything is either absolutely perfect or hopelessly flawed." Yet, we understand through the gospel, that we learn "line upon line and precept upon precept" (D&C 98:12).

We must understand, and teach our children to understand, that "it is sometimes perfectly fine to do all (you) can and that it is not always possible to be the very best."

Apply this teaching to your family scripture study. Yes, the goal is perfection, but we are not perfect. Do your best, and do better next time. You will find that "His grace is 'sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ'"(Moroni 10:32) (italics added).

Take this perfectionist quiz and consider using it with your children for a Family Home Evening lesson. You may be surprised at some of the concerns they are hiding.

True or False

1) I get frustrated when I don’t learn something quickly enough.

2) I often wish I was as good at things as other people.

3) I sometimes have a hard time sleeping because I worry about not getting things done.

4) I often put things off (procrastinate) because I’m afraid I might not do it well enough.

5) I get upset when I do what I should, but it doesn’t seem to work.

6) I feel like I want to be perfect, but I know it can never happen.

7) I am sometimes afraid that no one will love me because I am not good enough.

8) I get frustrated at others because they are not trying hard enough.

9) I often feel like I will be happy when I can finally learn or do (fill in the blank).

10) When I do something, I am worried about winning more than enjoying and learning.

Add up all your T’s. The more T’s you have the more you may lean towards perfectionism. Let’s learn about being Perfected in Christ.

See Elder Gong's article in July 2014 Ensign/Liahona

https://www.lds.org/liahona/2014/07/young-adults/becoming-perfect-in-christ?lang=eng&query=perfectionism

Who's On First?

I keep six honest serving men 
(They taught me all I knew); 
Their names are What and Why and When 
And How and Where and Who. 
[The Just-So Stories (1902)]

I have just finished volume one of my Book of Mormon Studies for kids. This will get you through the first half of the Book of Mormon. As I finished, I realized the second volume will need to move to another level of learning. The first volume is based on the teaching method of "ask a question and allow the child to find the answer in the scriptures." This method works great to get the kids into the story and to begin understanding the language of the scriptures. But I discovered that about half way through, the kids are ready to move to another level of learning. They are ready to begin leading the search instead of following it. 

They are ready to ask the questions. Here are five reasons asking questions can be better than answering them.

1) Questions enhance knowledge and enlarge faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began when Joseph Smith asked a question in prayer. "One need only peruse the Doctrine and Covenants and recognize that, in fact, virtually all of these revelations—both to individuals and to the Church generally—came in response to carefully reasoned and faith-laden supplications to our Father in Heaven."

2) Thoughtful questions allow us to progress. Without questions, we just keep doing things the way we always have. Questions lead to discoveries.

3) Questions help us to admit we don't know everything. It is freeing to our kids and to ourselves when we admit there is more to learn. Think of how great it will be to discover the answers to unknown questions together with your children.

4)  "Asking questions seems to drive creativity. It cultivates an open mind." 

5) It is fun. How fun is it to ask questions and not feel the need to find every answer? "Not every question needs a meaningful answer. Part of the mystery of life is that answers are so slippery, so frequently absent. If answers were straightforward, life would hold little interest."

I can't wait to begin volume two of Book of Mormon Studies. What questions will the kids create? How will they learn to find their own answers?

"Questions are ships that sail us into unfamiliar territory. It’s the strangeness of the question that compels us forward, not necessarily the answers we find."

Sources:
"The Importance of Asking Questions," by Cecil O Samuelson
http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=248


"Asking questions is more important than finding answers--why?" by Tom Johnson
http://idratherbewriting.com/2012/04/27/asking-questions-is-more-important-than-finding-answers-why/