Sequential study or topical study

So I have been considering what is the best way to do this Daily Scripture Challenge for my kids and at first thought I would do it sequentially but then thought perhaps I should just choose topics . To be honest I may fluctuate between both depending on what I feel is needed, but for now I think my younger children who want to get through The Book of Mormon may appreciate me doing this sequentially . ( But don't be thrown if one day you see a Challenge that is Topic based) I don't want to overwhelm the kids so the amount they read may vary daily also and even if they read a chapter the Challenge will only focus on one or two principles from that chapter

1st Nephi Chapter 1

Must say I love the first verse in 1st Nephi when Nephi starts he has been "born of goodly parents". Not all of us may feel that way in fact there may be many who have had harsh childhoods and would rather not think about it. But the ideal is that one day our kids may feel that way about us and would say that they were " born of goodly parents". Paying attention to just those words alone as I read this chapter I started to look for things that gave evidence as to why Nephi would say that about his parents. What we learn about Lehi is that he spent the time to teach his children in more ways then one. We learn that he prays and seeks the Lord that he experiences feelings of the spirit and has a vision and then he sets forth to proclaim Gods will. He is mocked and his life is threatened .  I can see why Nephi would say he is born of goodly parents , because it is evident in the way they live , although his mother isn't mentioned here I assume as Nephi says parents not just father , that his mother was also setting her own example .
I was touched by the last verse in Chapter 1 where Nephi says " I Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen , because of their faith to make them mighty, even unto the power of their deliverance". To me this suggests that Nephi knows , he has a testimony that his father Lehi has been called of God and has seen the how the Lord has watched over and protected his father and their family so he knows the Lord has power to deliver . Again it makes me think about the example I set for my children . I think about the experiences I have in life and my reactions or actions to these and the impact this can have on helping my children to gain an understanding of how faith and obedience allows God to be with us and deliver us.
For my children I want them to think about the relationship Nephi must have had with is parents and consider the relationship they have with Matt and I. How can we make it better. I am always open for suggestions so I will be intrigued by what they say. I will not be surprised however with comments like " if you just give me what I want " or " Let me watch TV more or play computer games" . I know those answers will come but I am going to try to get them to dig a little deeper and also to put on my brave face because to be honest I know I can do better and so I want given the chance to change those things I may do that hurt the progress of the relationships I have with each of my kids. For example - I know I am guilty at times of not listening intently enough . Anyway this is what I felt 1st Nephi chapter 1 can teach me and my kids.





Daily Scripture Challenge

Read: 1st Nephi Chapter 1

Ponder:  What word does Nephi use to describe his parents ? After reading Chapter 1 what do you                      think Nephi's parents did that that caused him to call them G_____ ? What kind of                                relationship do you think he had with his parents?

Ponder:  If someone asked you to describe Dad and I what words come to mind ( be honest)?
                How do you feel about the relationship you have with dad? mum?
                What could we do as parents to help improve our relationship with you?
                What things could you do ?






Believing families are eternal means that we have to create  family relationships where we all want to be with one another - THIS IS HARD WORK . So I am thankful today that I have had some time to learn from Nephi and Lehi's relationship and consider what I can do better. It will be so worth it!



Deb

       A Brief Explanation about The Book Of Mormon

Keeping a blog takes more time the I thought : ) Last week on Friday (if you have been following along) you would have seen no blog for a daily scripture challenge because I had no time to type up what we were going to be doing in our home.

It was a simple one . As I read the brief explanation the first few words said it all " The Book of Mormon is a sacred record". That is exactly what I wanted my children to know and feel at the end of their challenge on Friday. So here it is



Daily Scripture Challenge :

Read: " A brief explanation of The Book of Mormon"

Ponder: We read and pondered and talked about " records" at the beginning or our Daily Scripture Challenge after reading the Title Page. So we can see from reading the explanation that there are records of different groups of people as well as different kinds of records amongst the same group ( large and small plates kept by the Nephites.  Records are important.

What is the word used to describe how important or special these records are ? ( first line)

What does that word mean to you? Can you think of other places or things that might be described the same way?

How do you feel about having something that important and special in our home ?

What will you do to show Heavenly Father that you are thankful he has blessed your life with such a wonderful gift ?



There are so many things in life we treasure and place as a high priority in our lives . I am glad for the time taken to read and ponder the sacredness of The Book of Mormon . It makes me reflect on my example - Do my children learn from watching me-  love, respect and an attitude that this sacred record  will bring me peace in this life and eternal life if I study and apply it's teachings.

Do they see me in my scriptures or aways doing other things. Do I teach them from the scriptures when all those unprepared teaching moments arise. Do I have the spirit with me to help me be sensitive to their needs because I have studied and enquired of the Lord what I might be able to do to help my children in all situations. Just questions I have asked myself in considering what I read.



Deb

Oh and just incase you were curios - on the weekend when life is at its craziest. The kids do their own reading but there is no Daily Challenge. Maybe when I am more organised  : )

Testimonies of witnesses and testimony of Joseph Smith.

Yesterday after reading the "Introduction" to The Book of Mormon and accepting the invitation to read, ponder and pray as I study (an eternal quest) I had a great experience while reading later that day in Mosiah (were I am currently studying ). I don't know about you but often I feel overwhelmed with life . Moving, renovating and having a baby at the same time as helping the other 6 children adjust to yet another move has had me find many moments of feeling I have no control ( hate that feeling). In one of these moments yesterday I sat to read because I knew I would find what I needed to do to gain peace ( as I had read earlier that day ). Sometimes I am a little hesitant to put things to the test, I don't know why but I am. Anyway I opened to Mosiah 7 and began reading and was struck by a couple of verses .

" 19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust inGod, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through theRed Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them.

 33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage."

As a parent I am always trying to help my children learn they can rely on me and trust me to know what is best for them especially when they are young and still learning and at times easily influenced by the environment around them outside of the home. I forget that being a child of god I am still learning and at times influenced by my environment and other pressures. It was great to be reminded to turn to the Lord , put my trust in him . Verse 19 helped me to recall the many times that we have not perished (temporally and/or spiritually) because we had been watched over and preserved .

Having this experience strengthens my testimony of the scriptures and the promises that were shared in the "Introduction". The next few pages that I have read today are the testimonies of the 3 and 8 witnesses as well as the testimony of Joseph Smith. This will be a few pages of reading for the kids , so for the older ones who read allot they will be fine but for younger  kids perhaps a summary of Joseph Smiths testimony along with that picture of him in his room being visited by angel Moroni.

I loved reading again the testimonies especially Joseph Smiths. As always so much to consider . Today while I was reading what I felt impressed to help my children understand from Joseph Smiths testimony is 1) God knows us 2) whom the lord calls he qualifies.

When Joseph Smith first prayed (those familiar with this experience ) he was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and he was called  by his name " Joseph , this is my beloved son ....".When angel Moroni visits Joseph he calls him by his name also. By our name we are identified and acknowledged so I love that our names are recorded on the records of the Church and that we are never lost no matter where we move . We are known by God regardless of where we are or what we are doing . I loved President Uchtdorfs talk in women's conference and his comment "God loves you this very day and always." I was reminded of this as I read the testimony of Joseph Smith.

Whom the lord calls he qualifies . It took time before Joseph Smith was able to take the plates and begin translation . He had to study, learn, be patient as well as show obedience.  His experience began as a 14 year old uneducated boy and ended as Prophet , seer and revealator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  There is a plan for each of us and the lord will help qualify us to fulfill that in our lives as we study , learn , show patience and obedience. 





DAILY SCRIPTURE CHALLENGE

Read : The testimonies of the 3 and 8 witnesses . Read the testimony of Joseph Smith

Ponder:  What do you do when you here someone call your name ?  Who called Joseph Smith by name ?
              How did this person know Joseph's name ?  
Ponder:  How would you feel if Heavenly Father called your name ? 

Ponder: Joseph Smith was just young when he first prayed but Heavenly Father had an important job                  for him to do. It took time , he had to study and learn , be patient and obedient. Heavenly                    father has a plan for you what ways can you follow Joseph Smiths example as you prepare for                serving a mission , getting married , becoming a parent ?




Again trying to help children of different ages study and learn from the scriptures is a stretch for me but I figured I can simplify the depth as I discuss the questions with my younger kids. 

Reading and hearing the testimonies of others has aways helped me to feel the influence of the spirit in my own life thus helping me to grow . Reading the testimonies in The Book of Mormon allows the spirit to witness to my soul that none of this has been made up , it is real , it is true . We are known , we are loved and we will be helped to fulfill our purpose if we study, learn , show patience and obedience.

Deb

                                     The Book of Mormon "Introduction"

The Introduction to The Book of Mormon for me is a more detailed explanation of what is said on the Title Page . It feels allot more personal as I begin to really understand the purpose of The Book of Mormon and how my life can be blessed as I study and apply what I read. For myself as I go through the introduction it reminds me of what I can look for as I study for example it states :

"It ( The Book of Mormon) puts forth the doctrine of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come" 

So as I read and study I will be looking for the doctrines" of the gospel" , trying better to understand  " the plan of salvation" and especially the role of the savior and his atonement in my life. Then there is the peace..... a hymn I often sing around the house is " where can I turn for peace ? " often in jest but still we all need to feel that. How wonderful to know that there is instruction on what to do to gain peace in this life. Eternal Salvation is the end goal and that will take work but also a greater understanding of my eternal relationship with a loving father in heaven.

 

Another great paragraph in the "Introduction" is Joesph Smiths remarks which says"I told the Brethren that the Book Of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone to our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by it's precepts , than by any other book"

Well there it is. If I want to really understand the eternal relationship I have with god I know what will help. Search , Ponder and Pray !!! Love how primary songs say it all so well. 

That brings me to the last thing that I want to highlight in the "Introduction" and that is the Invitation. Who doesn't love getting invitations and this one is no exception because the promises given to those who accept the invitation are life changing.

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)"

What more can I say.

The "Introduction" contains much more but for my children what I want them to really know and understand is that The Book of Mormon is a gift from god and will bring them closer to him , it will help know what to do to find peace in this life . According to them I am really old , to me I am young enough to remember how difficult it can be as a teenager , and as a young child.  So today as a result of what the kids read and consider and feel I am hopeful that they will accept the invitation that is given and witness for themselves the fulfillment of the promises given. My Challenge is to also accept that invitation again and again , also my challenge is to help my children along the way because their journey is my journey .

DAILY SCRIPTURE CHALLENGE

Read : Find a quiet place and read the "Introduction " to The Book of Mormon . You might want to highlight and words or sentences you enjoy or that you have a question about.

Ponder: Think about a time when you felt upset or even angry . Write what you did or draw a picture. What word  starts with "P" that is opposite to feeling angry ?(you will find it in the 3rd paragraph) what can you do to find the "P" word in your life?

Ponder: What helps you to feel close to god ? if you want to get even closer what can you do? (paragraph 6)

Invitation: Read paragraph 8 again . What will happen if you accept the invitation? 

I am going to find an invitation template and make each of them an invitation which they can choose to accept or decline ( yes the bribery again...... it will be rolled around a treat for when they are done and accept)

Because we have children of all ages it does take some time to help Holly (7) the boys (9,11,13) were awesome at just getting to it and discussing the questions together (likely to get it done quickly). This may not be the perfect way to inspire the kids to read daily but it may create a habit and it certainly helps me to study with more purpose.

To clarify on the bribery issue. It is not always going to be Candy (although that works well here) I will be including - earn wii time (it's the only way that thing goes on around here) , 15 minute ticket to save for TV time.  Trip to the library etc etc.

Also the older 2 who attend seminary and should be reading daily anyway made the choice not to participate yesterday and they are not loved any less : ) 

Deb

Title Page of The Book Of Mormon

The Title Page of The Book of Mormon is where I want to start . It helps me to understand what The Book Of Mormon is and its purpose which is something I would love for my children to understand also. I will copy and paste below.

"An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi

 Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile—Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed—To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof—Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile—The interpretation thereof by the gift of God.

 An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven—Which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever—And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations—And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.

 TRANSLATED BY JOSEPH SMITH, Jun." (lds.org scripture resource - The Book of Mormon)

There is so much to consider in just the Title Page and having a curious mind myself ,it is this page that draws me in and has me asking questions and looking for answers. These are not necessarily deep questions but to me even a simple one when the answer is found can bring clarity . For example The Book of Mormon is not just a record of one group of people there are records within this record , why was this important to include ? What do each of the records teach me ? 

This record was so important that when wickedness had prevailed over righteousness it was sealed and "hid up unto the Lord" until the time came that a young boy seeking to find truth asked God through prayer . His answer came , he was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This young boy , Joseph Smith , then understood for himself the truth , he was later called upon to translate through the power of God this sacred record. Once sealed and hid up . Now here it is for all of us to read , ponder and pray about so we can "know the covenants of the Lord" and be " convinced that Jesus is the Christ".  Such a miracle. I am so thankful this record was preserved and that my life has been as I " Search, Ponder and Pray" as the song goes.

 Daily Scripture Challenge:

Read :  Title Page of The Book of Mormon

Consider :  What is an "abridgment"?

                   What is a "Record" ?

Look at the phrase:

" it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites"

"An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven"

Consider : The Book of Mormon contains more then just a record from one group of people , what can you learn from reading more then one group of peoples records?

Consider: What if no one kept a record ? aahhhhh

Consider: What would help you to keep a record ?

I am going to keep all the kids responses ( they write them down next to the questions) as their own record and will leave a blank page at the end of the week so they can record what they have done for the week. This would be a good Sunday activity and we certainly need those.

Well it has been an eternity of putting off the impression to start a Blog of my own. I love reading Blogs of amazing mothers doing great things with their families and personal lives , I learn from them and are often inspired by their words and examples. So I thought I should start a blog to.

Not feeling comfortable about posting about motherhood , as a mother of 7 each day seems to be a knew learning curve for me and a journey I never feel inclined to share to much about. Not because I don't enjoy the ride but because perhaps if I start posting my motherhood journeys I may discover how much work I have to do in public view instead of in private.

My blog will be all about a Daily Scripture Challenge for myself and my kids. A couple of years ago we heard a talk from Elder Bednar about having our children in the scriptures everyday. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are encouraged as families to study scriptures together daily we are also encouraged to do this on a personal level. We believe that studying the word of god can fill our hearts with feelings of love and protection and also bless our lives with inspiration and guidance. These feelings and blessings come through the Holy Spirit as we are obedient to God. (Explanation for those not familiar with my faith). So as a mother of course I want my children to have their lives filled with those feelings and blessings and so I tried a while back to have a Daily Scripture Challenge in our home. Daily meaning everyday : )

What it meant was during the day when I was studying the scriptures for myself I would take time at the end to ask myself questions and reflect on what I had read. Then I would think about my kids and what they might understand from just a few verses. So when they came home from school they would find a piece of paper that I had written on that showed what verses they should go look at and then I would have just a couple of questions that they would think about then come and share with me. Most questions were reflective so it  is not a right or wrong answer they were giving. This Challenge was completely optional , I did offer a small reward for those who chose to do it. 

What I saw happening. My children were in the scriptures daily on a personal level .I know it wasn't because of pure self motivation which I know alot of families have but for me this was a big step in just helping them to establish a pattern in their lives. The other bonus was that I was starting to have more meaningful spiritual discussions with a few of my kids , even if only for a couple of minutes.

Why did I stop !!!! Well I will admit to being a great ideas person at times but when distractions arise I often get overwhelmed even if something is doing amazingly well . Crazy I know. So I won't tell you all the distractions that often occur in our lives but I will say I am ready to re-commit.

I figured if I started a Blog then I would be more accountable and perhaps keep going even when the going gets tough.

MY Plan. I plan to write daily or to have a challenge available daily for my kids . I will do this by reading and studying The Book of Mormon each day and asking myself questions then I will reflect on what verses I have read that I can share with my kids and a couple of questions. This I will share on my Blog.

If you are a mother or father who has been trying to find a way to encourage your children to be in the scriptures you might find this method helpful or you might even choose to use the same verses and challenges that I post.Or you may simply want to just see where this all leads haha .

Remember I am sharing only thoughts that I have and questions that come to my mind . They will in no way be reflective of "revelation for others"etc.

I love the scriptures and the feelings of the spirit I have as I read them and it is my greatest desire for my children to have these experiences for themselves. There are great resources if you are looking like "Preach my gospel", Institute manuals, Sunday school manuals etc. All of which I love and they totally enhance the learning experience you can have during scripture study.

Well that's my beginnings..... Tomorrow I will begin with my Daily Scripture Challenge , maybe you can begin yours : ) Of course that is assuming I will know how to ad a post to this Blog. haha.

Sincerely

Deb