We have been trying to get down to basics in our home and this has been a blessing that has helped improve the relationships in our home and bring more peace and the Spirit in our lives, but challenges still come. This is part of life.
Recently, we had some struggles with one of our children feeling angry, sad, and down more often than usual. We really did not know why this was happening, much less what to do about it. We tried to implement different communication tactics, lots of love and patience, and more predictability in our routines. These were all great strategies, but I personally felt something was missing and just couldn't figure it out. We approached the matter with much prayer and fasting.
I had a thought that I acknowledge as a direct impression from Heavenly Father to read the Book of Mormon with the kids every day. I must admit, this seemed like a nearly impossible task seeing that my kids are 7, 5,3, and 1, only one of them can actually read, and they just don't have the attention span that I had considered necessary for daily scripture study from the actual Book of Mormon. We began reading every day. Every morning after our morning routine of breakfast, family work, getting dressed and brushing teeth, we all sat down, each with their own set of scriptures, and we read from the Book of Mormon. I read, or my oldest would read, and the rest of the kids just naturally started repeating what we said! I was amazed at how much they enjoyed "reading" from their own scriptures. Each even kept a post it tag as a book mark in their own book. We read as little as one verse of scripture a day and as much as three of four verses. We stopped and I explained what we were reading and told them the meaning of any new words. We have continued this process for a few months now, reading from the Bible as well for a week and a half before Easter, with powerful spiritual experiences as well. I know we have felt the Spirit reading the scriptures together. I have never read the Book of Mormon so slowly, and I know I have gained new insights from really pondering each word so carefully.
We have all felt the powerful influence of the Book of Mormon in our home. My child who was having a difficult time, has dramatically improved since the day we started reading. I know that was a direct answer to prayer for this particular struggle. My three year old has even used scripture language in her prayers "And it came to pass, Jesus loves Me!". I had my doubts that anything was actually sinking in with the younger ones, but I know they have felt the Spirit, they are learning more of the Book of Mormon stories straight from the source, and I also recognize they are excited to read and improving their reading skills as well. I have even caught my seven year old, all on his own, reading scriptures, marking them, and copying them in his notebook.
I can say that I have a testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the power it has to answer prayers, bring the Spirit in our home, help with any problem or struggle, and be a true blessing in the lives of people. I have seen this in our home once again. What a beautiful gift, and a wonderful promise!
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 32:3)
