Month: June 2013

Commit to reading the scriptures daily

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“I believe that neglecting to study the scriptures on a regular basis is a form of hardening our hearts. I fear that if we persist in that course, we will be given a lesser portion of the word and eventually know nothing of God’s mysteries. Drinking daily from the scriptures, on the other hand, will help us build spiritual strength and knowledge, unmask the deceptions of the devil, and discover the snares he has laid to catch us.

“As you ask yourselves the following questions, I invite you to allow the Holy Ghost to speak to your mind and heart:

  • Do I take time to study the scriptures every day?
  • If not, what excuse do I have for not doing so?
  • Will my excuse be acceptable to the Lord?

“I challenge you to commit to reading the scriptures daily. Do not go to bed tonight until you have read. As you read, there will come to you a greater desire to do the will of the Lord and to make changes in your life.”

Elder Michael John U. Teh, “The Power of the Word of God”. March 2013 Ensign. 

Ensign Article: Raising Resilient Children

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The March 2013 Ensign included a great article, Raising Resilient Children. I thought this article was very helpful, so I am highlighting a few segments of it. They also included a great list recommendations, “Instead of doing this….” “Do this….” “And get this result….”. Access the article online here.

“How well children respond to setbacks depends largely on how well their parents helped them develop the attitudes and the skills of resilience.”

Resilience means “our ability to bounce back from adversity”.

“Give mostly praise. Celebrate small steps in the right direction.”

Recommendations for Parents

  • Pray to understand your children’s strengths and how to help them with their weaknesses.
  • Be patient and realize that children need time to develop resilience.
  • Strive to understand that mistakes and failures are opportunities to learn.
  • Allow natural, logical consequences to serve as the disciplinarian.
  • Respect children’s decisions, even if their poor choices lead to lost privileges.
  • Refrain from berating children for breaking the rules.
  • Do not discourage effort by criticizing harshly.
  • Rather than praising accomplishment, encourage and praise effort.
  • “Praise your children more than you correct them. Praise them for even their smallest achievement” (President Ezra Taft Benson [1899–1994], “The Honored Place of Woman,” Ensign, Nov. 1981, 107).

Consistent, good habits lead to peace at home

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Elder Scott’s address at the April 2013 General Conference was a talk that really stood out to me. I could have highlighted and reposted the entire talk here, but I tried to limit myself to the most significant sections!

“Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do. When He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity.”

“Children can be responsible for improving the Christ-centered efforts in the home. It is important for parents to teach children to recognize how their actions affect each individual who lives in the home. Children who are made to feel accountable for their actions, whether righteous or otherwise, grow to become trustworthy citizens in the kingdom of God.”

“More importantly, simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings.”

-use tech devices as “a tool of protection from the worst of society”.  Study the scriptures on phone/ipod throughout the day.

“When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve His children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God—power to do more than we can do by ourselves. Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord. His power is a fundamental component to establishing a home filled with peace.”

“One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds.”

“We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time.”

Elder Richard G. Scott, “For Peace at Home”. April 2013 General Conference.

10 Things Not to Say to Your Children

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Recently I discovered this post, 10 Things Not to Say to Your Children, via Pinterest. I thought it was a good list to remember and try to remove from my daily conversations with my children. (You can follow the link to get the explanation behind each point, and ideas for what you can say instead)

1. No (running, hitting, yelling, fill in the verb)!

2. Good job!

3. Don’t argue with me.

4. Wait until your Dad/Mom/other person finds out about this.

5. If you do that one more time…

6. You are doing that the wrong way.

7. That is what happens when you…

8. You can’t/Don’t do that.

9. We are (whatever the child doesn’t want to do at that moment), OKAY?

10. You are making me really mad right now.