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.