Sometimes I have had to remind my kids why we read scriptures. They like to forget;) Actually they have come to the conclusion many times that it is some sort of check list item that once they are done they can go on with the rest of the their day and not think about it. So we are working on that!
Doing my best to explain it simply I reminded them of a scripture they have memorized:
John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."
And while reading the scriptures isn't necessarily one of the 10 commandments it has been asked of us by the prophets to read them regularly making it a commandment. So we read them because we love God.
There are so many other reasons why (o receive guidance, comfort, strength and answers) but they will learn those in time. And this is probably the most important reason why we do it anyway:)
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Study vs Just Reading
Often with scripture study the kids will listen as we read, but as soon as the verse, chapter or video is done they quickly run away and want to go play. It's always a little disheartening that they don't want to sit around and just ponder or ask questions about the scriptures like I would... Hahaha!
Well, the other day I finally had to explain that while it is good to merely read the scriptures it is far better to study them. To feast, rather than nibble. So in other words... don't run away just yet! :)
But how do you explain the difference to a 6, 5 and 2 year old? Well, we are just focusing on the 6 year old for now. Fortunately he actually had a discussion about this with me. He listens to me?? Crazy!
Well, after discussing it for a few minutes he came to the conclusion that to study is to ask questions afterward. To think of ways to use the scriptures in our lives and live them. Sounds good to me!
For example: We listened to a talk on missionary work. Afterward we reviewed the three things that the speaker said we needed to prepare to take on a mission. I was surprised that he actually was pretty close in his answers to what the speaker had said. Then I asked more generally how we could prepare for the mission each day while we are young. He thought about it and then answered, "I need to learn to read." A very helpful skill for sharing the gospel for sure:) And he has learned a lot by "just" the scriptures each day. I mean we don't do sit down reading lessons and some how he has taught himself. So "just" reading is good too. Glad we got that straight;) jk!
So take the time to help your kids distinguish between just reading and actually studying. Ask them what they think it means and go with that definition for a while until they mature and have a better understanding. They will feel so good about it and stay more accountable for sure!
So excited for all the ideas that have been flowing to my mind on how to better study the scriptures with our kids! This is going to be great!
Well, the other day I finally had to explain that while it is good to merely read the scriptures it is far better to study them. To feast, rather than nibble. So in other words... don't run away just yet! :)
But how do you explain the difference to a 6, 5 and 2 year old? Well, we are just focusing on the 6 year old for now. Fortunately he actually had a discussion about this with me. He listens to me?? Crazy!
Well, after discussing it for a few minutes he came to the conclusion that to study is to ask questions afterward. To think of ways to use the scriptures in our lives and live them. Sounds good to me!
For example: We listened to a talk on missionary work. Afterward we reviewed the three things that the speaker said we needed to prepare to take on a mission. I was surprised that he actually was pretty close in his answers to what the speaker had said. Then I asked more generally how we could prepare for the mission each day while we are young. He thought about it and then answered, "I need to learn to read." A very helpful skill for sharing the gospel for sure:) And he has learned a lot by "just" the scriptures each day. I mean we don't do sit down reading lessons and some how he has taught himself. So "just" reading is good too. Glad we got that straight;) jk!
So take the time to help your kids distinguish between just reading and actually studying. Ask them what they think it means and go with that definition for a while until they mature and have a better understanding. They will feel so good about it and stay more accountable for sure!
So excited for all the ideas that have been flowing to my mind on how to better study the scriptures with our kids! This is going to be great!
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