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.