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| Prepare Your Family for General Conference |
Easter Invitation
One of our most meaningful family traditions has been celebrating the resurrection of the Savior. Beginning with Palm Sunday, each evening during family scripture study, we read excerpts from the New Testament; following the Savior through the final days of his mortal ministry. Each day, a new picture is hung on the fireplace mantel (from the gospel art kit) depicting what we read that day. Each evening we trace the Saviors footsteps from His triumphal entry in Jerusalem to Gethsemane, to Golgotha, and then to the Garden Tomb. Over the years we have had some of the sweetest experiences. I remember one year in particular. It was Thursday night and we were discussing the Saviors suffering and agony in the garden when I began to hear little sniffles. I looked over to see tears rolling down my 6 year olds little cheeks as he listened intently to our discussion. I still remember the feelings of reverence that permeated our home that night and what a sacred experience it was for all of us. This experience along with many others has helped our family to focus on the real meaning of Easter.
When Easter morning finally arrives, what joy we feel as we read the account of the empty tomb and Christ breaking the bands of death. It means so much more than bunnies, toys and candy.
The prophets teach us that we should talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, and preach of Christ,….”That our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” (2 Nephi 25:26)
I know that as we make time to share these things with our families, they will develop greater faith in the Savior. Even at a very young age they can come to know and love the Savior.
I invite you and your families to read and study the final days of the Saviors life to prepare for the Easter Season.
May you draw closer to Him this time of year.
With Love,
Jeanie Andelin
Here is an example of a possible reading from the Friend magazine
Strengthening the Home
Followers of Christ are invited to “gather,” “stand in holy places,” and “be not moved” (D&C 45:32; 87:8; 101:22; see also 2 Chronicles 35:5; Matthew 24:15). These holy places include temples, homes, and chapels. The presence of the Spirit and the behavior of those within these physical structures are what make them “holy places.”
Wherever Church members live, they should establish a home where the Spirit is present. All members of the Church can make efforts to ensure that their place of residence provides a place of sanctuary from the world. Every home in the Church, large or small, can be a “house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&C 88:119). Church members can invite the Spirit into their homes through simple means such as wholesome entertainment, good music, and inspiring artwork (for example, a painting of the Savior or a temple).
A home with loving and loyal parents is the setting in which the spiritual and physical needs of children are most effectively met. A Christ-centered home offers adults and children a place of defense against sin, refuge from the world, healing from emotional and other pain, and committed, genuine love.
Parents have always been commanded to bring up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4; Enos 1:1) and “in light and truth” (D&C 93:40). The First Presidency proclaimed:
“We call upon parents to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions in carrying forward this God-given responsibility.
“We counsel parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities. However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform” (First Presidency letter, Feb. 11, 1999).
Parents have the primary responsibility for helping their children know Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (see John 17:3). Latter-day Saint fathers and mothers have been commanded to teach gospel doctrines, ordinances, covenants, and ways of righteous living to their children (seeD&C 68:25–28). Children who are so reared and taught are more likely to be prepared at the appropriate age to receive priesthood ordinances and to make and keep covenants with God.
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The key to rearing children in the gospel is to start early, be consistent, focus on eternal truths, and study the gospel—especially the Book of Mormon. Through family prayer, family home evening, and gospel study, parents can prepare children to live Christ-centered lives.
“How well are we feeding, nurturing, training, and exercising the spirits of our children? . . . Remember, eternity is now, not a vague, distant future. We prepare each day, right now, for eternal life.”
—Elder M. Russell Ballard
—Elder M. Russell Ballard
Read or listen to “The Power of Early Preparation,” by Ronald Errol Bartholomew, in the February 2011 Ensign.
Related Links
- President Henry B. Eyring discusses how to teach gospel truths simply
- Elder Jay E. Jensen shares a study pattern to help families understand the scriptures
- Find ideas for family home evening in the March 2011 Friend magazine
- Use the online scripture storybooks in family gospel study
- Find simple lesson plans about gospel principles in the nursery manual
The article above is found on LDS.org at :
Followers of Christ are invited to “gather,” “stand in holy places,” and “be not moved” (D&C 45:32; 87:8; 101:22; see also 2 Chronicles 35:5; Matthew 24:15). These holy places include temples, homes, and chapels. The presence of the Spirit and the behavior of those within these physical structures are what make them “holy places.”
Some great advice from Sister Beck on Nurturing especially during Mealtimes:
http://lds.org/ensign/2005/12/powerful-nurturing?lang=eng
Some great advice from Sister Beck on Nurturing especially during Mealtimes:
http://lds.org/ensign/2005/12/powerful-nurturing?lang=eng
