Two Choices

Last night we did Family Home Evening. For those of you who don't know...we belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To find more out about Family Home Evening click here.

I was feeling that we should start with reading from The Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi Chapter 2. This chapter is about Lehi who is a father of a family. He receives revelation for his family to leave their home, in Jerusalem, and everything in it (besides provisions and tents) and go into the wilderness. Could you tell why I wanted to read this particular chapter as a family? Our journey to Beijing is somewhat like Lehi's, although our home is not going to be destroyed ( I hope) and we will be able to return one day (I hope). Nevertheless, we are often told to liken unto the scriptures and they will teach us...and that was exactly what happened.

As I read aloud with my children, it became very clear to me what the lesson was I needed to be taught AND what we needed to learn as a family. It almost became as clear as if a teacher was writing it on the chalkboard (maybe that is because I am a teacher). Lehi had sons . Each son chose to deal with this "family move" differently. The imaginary chalk on the imaginary chalkboard illustrated to me : choice A) Laman and Lemuel- the sons who questioned their father's revelation, complained and whined/poor attitude, made everyone's life around them miserable. choice B) Nehi- the son who trusted in his father and trusted in the Lord, continued to draw near to God instead of using this to move away, exercised faith by praying and seeking guidance from the Lord.

I had already planned that the activity would be to write in our individual journals ,making personal goals to get us each through this transition. I also asked the family to then write goals that we should have as a family to get us through our move and our new life in a foreign land. Next week at Family Home Evening we will discuss our suggestions for family goals and create a family mission plan so that we not only will survive, but thrive.

Here is what I came up with for my personal goals:

(I'm sure you have heard them all from me before)

• Exercise faith like Nephi by looking at the eternal perspective and seeking guidance from my Father in Heaven.
• Pray and seek the scriptures daily.
• Have a positive attitude and not murmur like Leman and Lemuel.
• Exercise every day.
• Look for ways to serve others.

I am so grateful for the inspiration I receive as a mother. I could not teach my family without this guidance. I am grateful for The Book of Mormon that teaches me valuable lessons in my life.