I wanted to share some sweet experiences that I've had with Siobhan the last two mornings. But it actually all started on Sunday during conference. General Conference was particularly personal for me this year. I don't remember a conference teaching me so much. I felt like prayers were answered for me that I hadn't even put before the Lord yet. It was s testament to me of the tender mercies of the Lord and how mindful He is of our needs.
Like all parents, we have struggles with our kids and they each offer their own set of challenges to our family dynamic. Siobhan, in particular, is having trouble with boundaries and understanding right from wrong. This is a very important concept that we want her learn as this is the year that she is getting baptized. In thinking about her baptism, there's so much that I want her know and teach her. I've come up with different schemes to teach her those lessons but nothing seemed like the right plan. Then I got my answer during the Sunday afternoon session of conference while Siobhan was sleeping on Carson's shoulder.
During a talk given by Elder Enrique R Falabella. He was talking about home and family and he shared a story about his granddaughter who had recently learned to read. He suggested that she make a goal to read the entire Book of Mormon. Of course, being so young, she was very daunted by the task. Then he timed her. It only took her 3 minutes to read one page in the Spanish Book of Mormon. They came up with a plan and figured out how long it would take her to finish the entire book. And lets nor forget that it's a long book for an adult to read, let alone a child. Well, she finished the book and grew to love it.
So I thought to myself, Siobhan is a really strong reader and absorbs any book that is put in front of her. I realized that i had a received an answer to my question. If I want Siobhan to gain a testimony of the gospel, I first need to have her gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon.It is the cornerstone of our faith and by learning from it, she will learn of The Savior and the restoration of the gospel. Is there any better way for her to learn those important lessons? I don't think so. When missionaries are teaching new converts, they first ask them to read the Book of Mormon, so how is it different with a child whom we are trying to teach the gospel to and bring them unto Christ?
We talked it over with Siobhan, and we decided, (Carson, Me and Siobhan) that challenging her to read the entire Book of Mormon before her baptism (Nov. 30th, 2013) was a reasonable goal. We figured that she only needs to read about 3 pages a day. When you think of it in those terms, it seems totally doable!
We started yesterday and her and I have had two of the best mornings that I can remember. That's one of the issues that we've been dealing with-she hates getting up for school and it just seems to lead to a lot of contention and frustration. But yesterday and today have been the complete opposite. I've adjusted my time frame so that I wake up earlier to get her going so nobody is rushed. She gets dressed, comes up stairs and eats her breakfast. That leaves plenty of time for her to read. So far, she has read the first two chapters of 1st Nephi. We've had a great time discussing what the tender mercies of the Lord are, talking about the knuckleheads that are Laman and Lemuel and we are blessed and prosper when we are faithful and obedient.
I can already feel her little testimony beginning to grow. We've talked about how she can liken the scriptures to her own life and find peace and comfort reading the words of the prophets. There is a sweet spirit that has filled our home these last two mornings and I'm so grateful to Lord for giving me this inspirationI know it's only been two days and we have a long way to go, but we all are committed. Even Audrey has enjoyed hearing it when she comes up while Siobhan is reading. I know that this will bless her life and also our entire family. I will continue to blog our experiences and progress!
