Day 693: 2012 Theme, Family Style

No, we will not be working on our family fashion in 2012.  I just convinced the whole family to join with me for my theme for 2012.

And if you don't know what I'm talking about with my "theme", see this post.

So, I've known for at least a month now that my theme for 2012 will be improving my study of/increasing my love for The Book of Mormon.  I already read this book daily, but I've felt strongly that I need to step up my game and raise the bar for myself.

I kind of wanted to get my family involved, so tonight I taught the Family Home Evening lesson and we talked about the Book of Mormon.  First I shared this story, then a couple quotes.  One of my favorites is this:

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.  The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow.  The spirit of contention will depart.  Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom.  Children will be more responsive and submissive tot he counsel of their parents.  Righteousness will increase.  Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness."

--President Marion G. Romney

Of course, that's a lot of big words and concepts for my young children, so we broke it down and discussed each part.  Everyone agreed that all of those promises would be nice to have, so we committed to each other to re-dedicate ourselves to our scripture study.  We read it together every night as a family, but it's not always in the best circumstances.  So, we're going to do better.

And lastly, Sweet P turns 7 next week.  Which means that she is just over a year away from being baptized.  I would like her to have a testimony of her own of Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  But I believe Joseph Smith when he said, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” 

So, I challenged her to read the whole book between now and then.  She took up the challenge (good thing she loves to read!) and agreed.

Walking past her room and seeing this was definitely today's Joyful Moment.  It even topped a lovely run outside in almost 50-degree weather.  I'm so proud of my little girl.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments in setting excellent goals for yourselves!