A Few Fun Sites

I have been surfing around a bit today--I am trying to find a good idea for 2011 birthday gifts for Primary kids (the theme is about scriptures next year). I have not found a good gift idea yet, but I have found a few new interesting sites.

Check these out:

LDSscripturetools.com - this site will help you design a reading plan. You can enter what you want to read and the time frame you want to finish it in--and then it will put together a schedule for you. It also has a scripture memorization help.

Scriptures4kids.com - This is a fun new site that is growing. There are some LDS kid-friendly games to play (yay for a new Sunday afternoon activity), coloring pages, FHE lessons, and it even had a fun summer scripture reading challenge with a reward from Deseret Book. The best part about this site, though, is that it has an illustrated scripture reading tool for kids (with four different reading levels). It will even read it aloud to them if needed.

Readthescriptures.com - Another great site to help assist in getting your scripture study in each day. On this site you create an account and then tell it what you want to read and how much. The site will e-mail you that portion of the scriptures to read online each day. Once you have read it you click a button at the bottom of the e-mail to tell the site you have done so. Additionally, the site has a way for you to maintain a scripture journal.

And here is a fun pdf scripture reading chart - too bad it was for 2010, not 2011.

Summer Reading

As I have been reading the general conference talks I finally reached the last session of conference, the second to last talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen. In his talk, Tell Me the Stories of Jesus, Elder Anderson makes the following suggestion:

"To the youth and children: Live up to your important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities. Seek to know more about Jesus; open the scriptures. One idea would be to read again the book of John and then discuss it with your parents, teachers, and each other."

I decided to implement this as a summer reading program with my children. I made a chart of the 21 chapters in the book of John and told my kids that if they would read and mark off the chapters (they have to show and tell me about a verse they have marked in each chapter) then they could earn some spending money for our big family vacation coming up next month. They have a month to work their way through it, but Kitty and Sweetie Peach have already done eight and six chapters, respectively. I have enjoyed hearing them tell me what they have read and having extra opportunities to have religious conversations with my cuties.

Thanks for the suggestion Elder Andersen!

Scripture of the Day: Alma 1:25

Tech Tidbits

You may find it interesting to note that the LDS version of scriptures is now available online in a PDF format. This includes both the Bible and the Triple combination (including the indexes, maps, and other study aides), in English as well as Spanish. This makes it easy to print and share in a classroom environment and elsewhere. And one comment I read said it is ideal for iPad users.

And (speaking of iPads), there is also a free Gospel Library iPhone Application available. You can use it to study the scriptures, the Gospel Principles manual, conference talks, and many other Church publications. To get it, go to the Apple App store.

The Church is sure tech-ing up! ('Tech-ing' is not a real word, I just made that up.) I don't have an iPhone or iPad myself , so I am beginning to feel a bit left out :-(.

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 22:6 (in L. Tom Perry's talk 'Mothers Teaching Children in the Home')

My Dates with Paul

For the past several months I have been rereading the New Testament. Currently, I am deep into Paul's letters and have begun referring to my scripture study time as my daily "date with Paul." I am coming to appreciate more fully Paul's personality, experiences, travels, and writings. To help my studying I have been doing a little secondary research into Paul's life and thought I would share a few findings.

Here is what the Bible Dictionary says about Paul, "[Paul] was known in early life as Saul; his Latin name Paul is first mentioned at the beginning of his gentile ministry.

"He belonged to Tarsus, in Cilicia; was a Pharisee and a pupil of Gamaliel; was active in the persecution of Christians; and took part in the martyrdom of Stephen.

"He started for Damascus for the purpose of further persecution and on the road saw a vision of the Lord Jesus, which changed the whole current of his life. After his baptism by Ananias, he retired into Arabia, and then returned to Damascus, where he preached. Being compelled to flee, about three years after his conversion he went to Jerusalem, where he stayed 15 days, Barnabas introducing him to Peter and James. Being in danger, he retired to Tarsus and there remained six or seven years, preaching in Syria and Cilicia. He was then brought by Barnabas to Antioch, and after one year paid a visit to Jerusalem. After two more years’ work in Antioch, he started with Barnabas and Mark on his first missionary journey. Then came another visit to Jerusalem with Barnabas to attend a conference with the other apostles, after which they returned to Antioch. He then started on his second missionary journey, which lasted about three years, and ended with a visit to Jerusalem. After a short stay in Antioch, Paul began his third journey, which occupied about 3 1/2 years. On his return to Jerusalem he was arrested and sent to Caesarea, where he remained a prisoner for two years, and was then sent for trial to Rome, suffering shipwreck on the way. He remained in Rome two years and was then released. He then appears to have visited Asia, Macedonia, Crete, and perhaps Spain. At the end of about four years he was again taken a prisoner to Rome, and suffered martyrdom, probably in the spring of A.D. 65."

A physical description was provided by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as recorded by B.H. Roberts, "He is about five feet high; very dark hair; dark complexion; dark skin; large Roman nose; sharp face; small black eyes, penetrating as eternity; round shoulders; a whining voice, except when elevated, and then it almost resembled the roaring of a lion. He was a good orator, active and diligent, always employing himself in doing good to his fellowman." (B. H. Roberts, Outlines of Ecclesiastical History, p.86).

In fact, "Paulus" in Latin means 'small.'

And speaking of the Prophet Joseph Smith, I found this really interesting observation on this blog, "I believe that Joseph Smith had a personal and deep relationship with Paul. Their lives are parallel. Converted through seeing the Lord, chosen to be a great church leader in building the Church, persecuted, imprisoned, and martyred."

If you haven't read the New Testament lately, don't overlook the value of this book of scripture. There is so much to be learned and appreciated in it, much due to Paul.

Would you like me to set him up with you?

Scripture of the Day: Hebrews 13:4

Double Duty

I love it when I find something that can help me multi-task. And yesterday I found a book that does just that. How Does the Holy Ghost Make Me Feel? (Carnesecca, Deseret Book 2010) is a cute children's book with a very practical side. In a simple manner it tells of the many different ways the Holy Ghost can make us feel, and then also provides scriptural references on each page.

Last night Sweetie Peach read the book (with a little help from me on a few different words) and really enjoyed it. She particularly liked the illustrations. I loved that she was learning eternal concepts while enjoying herself.

I also love the scriptural references because (you know me...) next month I will use the book for our morning scripture devotional and we will work through each different reference in the book. There are more than enough for the month, so it will be an easy-peasy task!

Scripture of the Day: D&C 132:15-16

Making Resolutions

This was on the back of today's sacrament meeting program and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

"To a degree, we all understand the gospel and know what we should be doing in our lives. Very likely, we know more than we apply. It may be a little like the young county farm agent who wanted to put his college training to use and said to the farmer, “Sam, you know that now we use something called contour plowing.” He went on to also expound on the benefits of hybrid strains of grain and crop rotation. About the time he got to the benefits of milking the cows three times a day rather than two, the old farmer said, “Hey, sonny, just a minute. I’m not farming half as well as I know how already.”

"Isn’t that the way life is? We seldom perform to the level of our knowledge. This brings me to the subject of resolutions—resolutions to conform our lives more closely to what we already know about the gospel. While many of us take seriously our New Year’s resolutions, some of us may not have made any because of our prior problems in keeping them. We must not overlook the power that making good resolutions can have in helping make our lives happier and more successful—regardless of our past performance.

"In an informal survey that I requested be taken among 150 young adults, they were asked to list three resolutions they felt would help them become happier and more successful during the new year. Almost everyone in the survey (98 percent) included resolutions to increase their spirituality. Two out of three (68 percent) indicated they would like to improve their social skills. Half (49 percent) indicated a desire to improve their physical fitness, and half (48 percent) wanted to grow intellectually. Everyone indicated a desire to improve. After all, self-improvement by coming unto Christ is at the heart of why we are here in mortality.

"In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior is recorded as saying, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). In the Joseph Smith Translation, the first part of that sentence is rendered, “Ye are therefore commanded to be perfect” (JST, Matt. 5:50). The translation of the Greek word for perfect means “complete, finished, fully developed.” Some biblical analysts indicate that the suggestion to become perfect is exaggerated idealism or scriptural hyperbole. We as Latter-day Saints believe that the Savior meant what he said and that becoming like our Father in Heaven and the Savior is a commandment, not just a suggestion. We should strive continually to be more like them. After his resurrection, the Savior asked his disciples, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” and then answered, “Even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27).

"Only one verse of scripture in the entire King James Version of the New Testament suggests what the Savior did to develop himself from age twelve until he began his formal ministry at age thirty: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52; see JST, Matt. 3:24–26). In other words, the Savior developed in the same areas indicated on the poll: intellectually (in wisdom and knowledge), physically (in stature), socially (in favor with man), and spiritually (in favor with God).

"I am convinced that if we make and keep resolutions in those four areas, we will have a happier and more successful new year this coming year and every year for the rest of our lives. Let’s consider the nature of such resolutions and the benefits that can be ours if our resolve to improve ourselves is firm." (Joe J. Christensen, “Resolutions,” Ensign, Dec 1994, 62–67)

Scripture of the Day: Luke 2:52 (see above for link)

Resolutions for Spiritual Growth

Everyone wants to grow spiritually in the upcoming year, but resolving exactly how to accomplish that is somewhat elusive. Here are five ideas to help set goals that will result in spiritual growth.

1. Plan out your reading schedule for personal and/or family scripture study.

Is there a book of scripture you have not read for some time? Is there a companion study guide that has looked interesting to you? Have you been meaning to read the general conference talks? Put together a simple plan to follow for your study, but don't be afraid to switch it up every few months. If you get bored you are less likely to stick with your schedule.

2. Revamp your personal prayer space.

Being comfortable during prayers has a big impact on how focused you are during this important exercise. Do your knees hurt during prayers? Does your nose need a tissue while you pray (like mine :-)? Personally, my bed is too tall to kneel next to, so I have taken to kneeling by a couch or padded bench. And I have learned to grab a Kleenex in the morning before I pray. Try putting together a personal prayer space that allows you to truly focus on communicating with Heavenly Father.

3. Plan for meaningful FHE lessons.

In previous years, as well as in my book Family Home Evening Adventures, I have explained how I plan a year of FHE lessons in advance (read more here). In addition to planning topics and sources to use, make your lessons more meaningful by having a lesson planning sheet to use for the person teaching the lesson. Plan to hand out the lesson planning sheet a week ahead of time so the teacher can look up scriptures, hymns, stories, and other aides to enhance their lesson.

4. Schedule regular temple attendance for the year.

Nothing helps to build personal spirituality like going to the temple, but finding time to go can often be a big challenge. Take time now to schedule a regular time to attend the temple. And if you have kids that need tending while you are gone, make arrangements with a sitter now (a monthly trade with another couple works well, or ask a relative to come the first Thursday of every month). Put you plan on the calendar and work hard not to let life get in the way.

5. Stretch yourself through memorization.

Try a goal to commit a scripture, an unfamiliar hymn, or even The Family Proclamation to memory. Memorizing such things forces us to ponder and think about spiritual matters. Additionally, having these in our minds better enables us to keep our minds on virtuous thoughts.

Good luck for a spiritually uplifting year!

5 Fun Christmas Activities Using Scriptures

1. Have your family act out the Nativity story while reading from Luke 2.

2. Make a Jesse Tree with scriptures prophesying of the Savior's birth.

3. Help your kids illustrate Samuel the Lamanite's prophecies of the Savior's birth.

4. Include Christmas scriptures in an advent calendar.

5. Make gift tags with Christmas scripture verses on them.

Scripture of the Day: Psalms 66:1

Recipe Scripture Study

This is a darling idea for scripture cookies you can turn into a family scripture study session. Your kids will love this. To find each ingredient, look up scripture reference and fill in blank.

SCRIPTURE COOKIES

3/4 cup _________
“The words of his mouth were smoother than ____” (Ps. 55:21)

1/3 cup _________
“Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy ____ and honey” (2 Ne. 26:25)

1 1/2 cups _________
“To what purpose cometh there to me … the ____ ____ from a far country?” (Jer. 6:20)

2 _________
“As one gathereth ____ that are left, have I gathered all the earth” (Isa. 10:14)

2 cups _________
“And Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty measures of fine ____” (1 Kgs. 4:22)

1 teaspoon _________
“Take thou also unto thee principal spices … and of sweet ____ half so much” (Ex. 30:23)

1 teaspoon _________
“Ye are the ____ of the earth” (Matt. 5:13)

1/2 teaspoon _________
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto ____ (Matt. 13:33)

3 cups _________
“Nevertheless … ____ for the horse” (D&C 89:17)

1 cup _________
“And they gave him … two clusters of ____” (1 Sam. 30:12)

Beat first four ingredients together. Mix in remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 15 minutes.

(Scripture Cookie Answers: 3/4 c butter, 1/3 c milk, 1 1/2 c sugar, 2 eggs, 2 c flour, 1 t cinnamon, 1 t salt, 1/2 t baking soda, 3 c oats, 1 c raisins)

Recipe origin unknown; I found the idea here. There is also a recipe for a cake there.

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 66:5

Family Scripture Study Journal

I have been reading the general conference talks the past week or two and have noted how many of the talks mention writing down our thoughts and impressions that come from the spirit. Many times my thoughts and impressions come from reading the scriptures, so I have wondered about having a notebook to use as a family scripture study journal. In the past I have had the kids write down lists of things to be grateful for, ways to provide service to others, and even how to keep specific commandments. But I have never saved any of these. Now I think I will start a journal in which we can write such things down, and also try to write down specific impressions we have in applying the scriptures to our daily life. I will let you know how it goes...

(Image credit)

Scripture of the Day: Alma 48:12

Fun Idea

My friend, Amazing Becky, posted this idea recently that was a successful family scripture study session. I could easily see my kids enjoying this idea as well. Of course, a flashlight and a regular book of scripture would likely work just as well if you do not have the high-tech mode to offer (like me). Click over to see for yourself!

(Image credit)

Scripture of the Day: Ezra 3:11

When was that?

Understanding the chronology of the Book of Mormon or Bible can go a long way toward building understanding and appreciation for these special books of scripture. Use a timeline to help your kids get a feel for when and where things are happening in the scriptures. You could have your family create its own timeline as you study by mapping events and people out on a posterboard. Other options include:

- This gorgeously designed wall map (order online here).
- This 1976 Ensign version you could print out and use as a bookmark.


- There is a simple, easy to understand timeline of the Bible online here.

- A timeline using artwork from Arnold Friberg is available here.



- The LDS seminary bookmarks with timelines on them are available as pdf files here (Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon).
Scripture of the Day: D&C 88:123-124

Learn Something New Every Day

Yesterday I had to write a talk for Sweetie Peach to give in Primary. Kitty was supposed to give it, but due to her bad cough cough Sweetie Peach was good enough to step in for her. The topic was on The Family Proclamation and how it teaches us the importance of marriage.

Now for years I have head the word "ordained" used in church. Men are "ordained" to the priesthood. I got that. But when reading the phrase, "The family is ordained of God," I was curious to know how the word "ordained" worked. It did not quite fit into my familiarity with the the word (or its definition).

So, I looked it up on Dictionary.com and found this definition: " to enact or establish by law, edict." There was also this definition: " to decree; give orders for."

I was surprised. This definition was a lot stronger than I would have guessed. Not that I did not already know that to be married/have families are a commandment, but my understanding was improved after having done this little dictionary exercise.

Not sure you understand a word in the scriptures? Take time to look it up and learn something new.

(Image credit)

Scripture of the Day: D&C 82:3

Scripture Collages

Something I have done with my kids in the past is a scripture collage. It is a fun way to help teach kids what some basic scripture/religious terms mean. And since it is a hands on activity, your kids may never even realize they are having scripture study! Here's what to do:

Supplies needed:

• Magazines to cut up (past Ensign issues or Friend Magazines work best)
• Glue sticks
• Pair of scissors for each family member
• Poster board
• Marker

First, decide on a scripture to make the collage about. I have found that scripture mastery verses and verses with lists in them work well. For example, the famous verse on charity (Moroni 7:47) worked well with the collage my daughters did today (see photo). They asked me numerous questions about "charity" and--I think--learned a lot about this difficult concept.

Second, read the scripture out loud to your family. Then write the scripture reference and key words at the top of the poster board with the marker. Take time to define any words your kids may not know the meaning of.

Third, give your kids the magazines, glue, and scissors. Tell them to find pictures that show what the words to this scripture mean. Let them cut and paste while you talk about the pictures and how each might work to fit into the collage/definitions of words in the scripture.

Fourth, post the finished collage where the whole family can enjoy it!

Scripture of the Day: D&C 59:9-10

A Classic to Always Remember

“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel.” (Spencer W. Kimball “What I Hope You Will Teach My GrandChildren and All Others of the Youth of Zion,” an address to Seminary and Institute personnel at Brigham Young University, 11 July 1966. See also _The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 135)

(Image Credit)

Scripture of the Day: D&C 10:5

Wake Up!

At institute this past Monday our teacher told us a funny family scripture study experience she had had recently. Their family has had difficulty getting their teen daughter to wake up and come to study. She just kept falling back asleep. Finally, our instructor arranged with her husband that the family would hold scripture study in the bedroom of their sleepy daughter. The first morning of the arrangement they headed into her room and opened the scriptures to carry on their study of the Book of Mormon. This is the first verse (completely unplanned) my institute instructor read:

"Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling parent..."(2 Nephi 1:14)

She said they all started laughing and had a hard time finishing study time without chuckling!

(Image Credit)

Scripture of the Day: Mosiah 4:30

The 5 Ws

Keep in mind when reading scriptures as a family that the more background you can give, the better your children will understand and appreciate the scriptures. If you feel inadequate in your knowledge of the background, then make answering the 5 Ws part of your family study assignment.

• Who: Look for who is speaking or writing the verse(s) being studied. This is usually found in the chapter heading.

• What: Determine the main topic of the verse(s)--if it is part of a story, for what church talk topic might you use this story? Look at the footnotes for TG (Topical Guide) synonyms.

• Where: At what location was the verse(s) given? Occasionally this is given in chapter headings, but you may have to search earlier verses to find where.

• When: What year is it? The dates for verses are given down by the footnotes in the Book of Mormon; in the D&C check the section header.

• Why: What precipitated the writing of these verses? Sometimes the why is given, other times you and your family may have to think of possible reasons.
  

Working together as a family to answer these 5 Ws will help your kids learn how to use footnotes, chapter headings, and other study helps (such as the Bible Dictionary or Topical Guide). Additionally, you will find there will be more family discussion about the scriptures read in general.

(Image credit)

Scripture of the Day: 2 Nephi 9:28-29

Carpe Diem

Children grow up so fast! Start scripture study early in the lives of your children to give them as much opportunity as possible to be under your tutelage. There will be days you miss, but the earlier you start the more days you will have the opportunity to teach them. You may think they are not learning or do not understand, but their minds and hearts will feel the Spirit that accompanies the holy scriptures.

***

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life — here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey — now" (Thomas S. Monson, November 2008 Ensign, 85).

***

Carpe Diem!

(Image credit)

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 4:11-14

75th Scripture Tip

Last Sunday I was looking for something Sabbath-worthy for my kids to do and came up with a new scripture study tip (Yay for it being #75). I stumbled across a part of lds.org that has the illustrated Book of Mormon Stories as an audio class discussion. As you listen there is a teacher and a class; and although they mostly read from the illustrated Book of Mormon, the teacher also asks questions of his class. It was something my daughters enjoyed listening to as they followed along in the book. And I think it helped them understand some of the words and concepts better.

So if you read the Book of Mormon Stories with your kids as family scripture study and want to shake things up a bit, this is an easy way to do it. If you are interested in trying it out click here, then scroll down until you see the MP3 files to listen to. Each MP3 file covers a few chapters and is about 25 to 30 minutes in length. You may have to stop it at the end of a chapter to make it more manageable (i.e., shorter) for family scripture time.

(Illustration from Photobucket)

Scripture of the Day: Acts 7:55-56

White Space

Here is an interesting tip I got from a former seminary teacher of mine: Increase the white space around your scriptures by photocopying the Book of Mormon onto 8.5" x 11" paper and then keep it together in a binder. I know photocopying the whole book sounds like a time consuming project--it is. But I have found it to be very worth the effort. The extra note-taking space somehow gets me to jot down more thoughts and ideas. I also write down questions I have about the verses I read, and then search for the answers. My overall pondering and searching increased when I have the extra margin space to use.

Too bad Deseret Book or some other publisher doesn't put out a version with more margin/note-taking space...

Scripture of the Day: John 7:17