The essential family curriculum

In recent days I have been thinking a lot about this verse of scripture:

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” 2 Nephi 25:26

I attended a special women’s conference this past weekend, and this scripture came up in one of the classes I attended. One of the sisters in the class posed the question for all to consider “How much time do I really spend each day talking about Jesus with my children?” I had to pause and reflect on that. I have been spending a lot of time in recent weeks planning a homeschool preschool curriculum for Lily and Zach, with the anxious desire that Lily be sufficiently prepared to start kindergarten next year. So I’ve thought a lot about letters and numbers and calendars and themes.

Tonight I re-read Elder Cook’s talk from the April 2012 General Conference, and this paragraph leapt out at me:

“The message, ministry, and Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior, are our essential family curriculum. No scripture characterizes our faith better than 2 Nephi 25:26: “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

Again that scripture, and the words of essential family curriculum! I love that! Then I remembered this wonderful talk given by Elder Anderson in May 2010:

“The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?

“As you do your best, the testimony of Jesus will gently distill upon your children’s hearts. They will go to their Heavenly Father in humble prayer and feel His influence through the power of the Holy Ghost. A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare them for the challenges they will most surely face.^“

So I am inspired and excited about this new focus and direction for our family. “We talk of Christ. We rejoice in Christ” is our newest family habit. (You can read more about our habits here).  I am thankful for the inspiration that has led me to this point, inspiration which will help us to have a more Christ-centered home.