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/

Faith and Hope

Easter has always had a special place in our hearts. It happens to be the day that our beloved daughter, Katie, passed away. Six Easter's ago, our hearts were broken, it seemed at first a cruel trick to make us remember her death on this happy day. But it turns out it was actually a tender mercy from our Heavenly Father for her death to come on the same day we celebrate our Savior's triumph over the grave.

It became impossible to feel despair at the loss of my daughter and still keep hold of the faith I have in Jesus Christ. Despair became hope.

Mormon explained how faith and hope work hand in hand. 

 40 And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning ^ahope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?

 41 And what is it that ye shall ^ahope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have ^bhope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life ^ceternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.

 42 Wherefore, if a man have ^afaith he ^bmust needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

A little bit at a time I began to use my faith to turn despair into hope. Hope doesn't mean that maybe something will happen and I desire it to happen. Hope is knowing something will happen and believing the promises you have been given will be kept. 

It didn't take me long to realize that the pain and anguish I felt was only bearable because of the strength of faith and hope in the promise of the resurrection.

Every year I welcome the celebration of Easter; the celebration of the promise that will someday reunite us. And each year, my faith and hope grows as I work towards that day.

Four Ways Scripture Study Will Improve Your Child's Life

Throughout this weekend's General Conference talks, ideas were shared on how scripture study will improve your life.


1) Sis Linda S. Reeves talked of pornography and the way it has infiltrated our society. She suggested that we each need a personal filter. This filter consists of daily family scripture study and family prayer and weekly family home evening. She promised that this simple acts will grow a testimony of the love of our Heavenly Father and the Savior's atoning sacrifice for each of us.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3434724760001&cid=9

2) Elder Russell M. Nelson discussed that knowledge is power. Knowledge from the scriptures will provide one of the best ways to find and stay on course and will provide precious protection (both temporal and spiritual).
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3435558375001&cid=6

3) Sis Jean A Stevens said that the scriptures show that God will deliver his children. She talked about David, Nephi, and Joseph Smith as examples of how God loves his children and wants to help us.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3438304099001&cid=6

4) Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis told us that scriptures teach us how to find the truth, even in a world that attacks the truth. We are taught to observe its fruits, experiment upon the word, and use personal revelation to seek truth.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3439077339001&cid=9

Reevaluate where your personal and family scripture study. How could it be better? Make it a priority.

I'm grateful for prophets of God, who teach us and strengthen us along the path back to our Heavenly Father.

Be Smart

Inspired by some talks in sacrament meeting yesterday, here's some thoughts on how to Be Smart in your family scripture study:

1) Just Do It!

Schedule time into your calendar. Be creative. I've seen some families have two or more study times to make sure everyone in the family has a chance to study. Do what it takes to make it happen.

2) Use the knowledge you have already been given.
There are study guides and ideas all around you. Use seminary/institute guides, Sunday school manuals, Book of Mormon Reader, or lds.org to help with your study. (Just don't get overwhelmed with all the materials available. Pick one and move forward.)

3) Make it a priority.
It's so easy to finally make it to the end of the day and then realize you never had scripture study. Make sure you fit the big rocks (like prayer and scripture study) into your daily jar before pouring the pebbles and sand in. You will be surprised to find that everything fits!

4) Make it fun and interesting.
The goal of family scripture study is to help the children grow to love the scriptures. Always keep in mind that forcing the study can backfire and make the scriptures one more chore. Aim to pass your love of scriptures on to your kids. Help them enjoy learning. This is much more important than "finishing."

Do I Need to Choose Study Time Over Screen Time

Last week I attended a class designed to educate parents to the dangers of internet addiction. I was surprised at the things I learned. Check this link for more info, especially for parents of teens and pre-teens:
http://www.video-game-addiction.org/internet-addictions-teens.html

Today we are the first generation to parent our children in a world driven by electronics. As I write this blog, on my computer, my husband is playing a game on a tablet and my two kids are watching TV in the next room. There is a new phrase, screen time, being used to describe the time we spend in front of any electronic screen (TV, computer, tablet, phone, etc). Remember that we are setting the example for how our grandchildren will be parented in this new age of technology.

Why am I writing about electronics and screen time on a blog about scripture study? It all comes down to choices and priorities. Think about how much screen time your children spend everyday. Now compare the amount of time spent studying the scriptures. Many times our busy days speed by and we end up hurrying our kids to bed before we realize we never took the time to read scriptures with them. Consider giving up some of that screen time to help your family move closer to the Lord.

But, do we need to choose study time over screen time? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has embraced the positive aspects of technology. Here are five ways to use technology while you study scriptures.

1) Let your kids use their devices while you study. Think of this: you can say, "Yes" with no guilt. Let them use their devices while you have family time. There are many sites available to download free scriptures. Here's my favorite: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/availability?lang=eng

2) When you come across a word or phrase that needs defining, let one of the kids look up the definition online. This will teach her how to find answers and allow her the pride of sharing knowledge with others.

3) Use online study notebooks. Lds.org has a great one. You do have to register, but then you can highlight verses, copy favorite scriptures to your own study guide with personalized topics, and add personal insights that can all be accessed from any device. A perfect family activity would be to set up these accounts and explore how they work together.

4) Find videos that reinforce what you have been reading.
Here's one about true heroes, using Captain Moroni as an example: http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2007-01-0006-firm-in-the-faith-of-christ?category=book-of-mormon/book-of-mormon-presentations
Here's one from the life of Christ. He invites children to come unto him: http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-064-suffer-the-little-children-to-come-unto-me?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&lang=eng

5) Check out other online sites to see what they have to offer. I found this one that offers things like, one verse a day emailed to you, a quick comparison of different biblical translations, and even Bible reading plans all lined out for you: http://www.biblestudytools.com/



Be careful how much time you and your kids spend staring at a screen, but don't be afraid to use the technology we have been blessed with to make your study time more productive and interesting. Warm up your Google search and see what you can find for today's study!

Anyone have suggestions for studying scriptures online?

Sneak Preview of My Book

I got behind on my posting and on my book when my computer went down a few weeks ago. Please enjoy a sneak preview of my book. Leave a comment, suggestion, or critique below.

Introduction

Throughout the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have been promised blessings for reading and studying the Book of Mormon. This precious book of scripture has been prepared and preserved for our day. When Helaman is given these sacred records, he is told the Lord “will keep [them] and preserve [them] for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations” (Alma 37:14).

We are raising  future generations in our homes. President Boyd K Packer, in the October 2013 General Conference, said, “The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. They contain the doctrine and laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer.”

This generation of children is more tempted than any that has come before. It is up to us to help the children build their armor of righteousness to stand against the temptations which surround them daily. President Packer  promises, “Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and the blessings will follow. There is in the scriptures a voice of warning, but there is also great nourishment. They teach us where to go and what to do. They offer hope and knowledge.”

It is never too early or too late to begin studying the scriptures with your children and to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. President Packer teaches, “Children taught an understanding of the scriptures early in life will come to know the path they should walk and will be more inclined to remain on that path. Those who stray will have the ability to return and, with help, can find their way back.”

With these promises and blessings in mind, we can go forth with faith to lead our children to the scriptures. This effort does not need to be monumental, for we have been told “. . . that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. . .” (Alma 37:6).

This book presents a small and simple way to introduce the Book of Mormon to your children.  I have used this approach with my children and can testify their understanding and love of the Book of Mormon, and of all scripture, has blossomed. I pray that by studying the Book of Mormon in this small and simple way, “soon [your family] will come to recognize the beauty and power found on those pages.” (The Key to Spiritual Protection by President Boyd K. Packer, October 2013 General Conference.)

When Good Fathers Go Idle

When I was a young mother of two with one on the way, I asked my bishop, "How can I get my husband to take a more active role in teaching the gospel in our home?" The answer I received was very disappointing. He told me it is normal for the mother to do the bulk of the gospel teaching and that is just the way it is.

However, now that I have been married for over twenty years and my youngest of four is almost ten, I realize I asked the wrong question. What I should have said is: "I feel frustrated with the lack of initiative on the part of my husband in helping to teach our children the gospel. How do I support him in his duty of presiding over the home without making him feel judged, pressured, or nagged?"

Here are four suggestions to help if you are facing this dilemma in your family.

1) Make it a matter of prayer. Pray for discernment to know what your family needs. Pray for the strength and perseverance to do anything you must to make family scripture study a priority.

2) Accept that you cannot change others. You can only change yourself. You can't force, coerse or guilt your husband into being the "perfect Mormon dad." He is a good man, love him for who he is and work on changing things that you have control over in order to achieve your family goals.

3) Talk about it. Remember you are a team. Discuss your hopes and goals together as a couple, then you can make a plan that works for everyone. Approached this way, you are not telling your husband what you expect, but you are working together to achieve a mutual goal.

4) Make it a family affair. Take turns with members of your family being in charge of gathering the family for study, leading the study, making sure you have family prayer. (Using my book will make leading scripture study a breeze for anyone.) This way your husband won't feel the entire responsibility rests on him.

Remember from the Proclamation on the Family:

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs. . . . In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

Comment: I would love to hear your experiences with dad and scripture study. How does it work in your family?