Valerie Steimle is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a “Mormon” woman). She has been writing as a family advocate for the past 20 years. She is the mother of nine children living in southern Alabama and is the author of four books and a weekly newspaper column, Thoughts from the Heart.
It’s a new year to start afresh with our families in accomplishing our goals and aspirations. A new year motivates us to reflect on how we can improve our lives together with our families. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (inadvertently called the “Mormon Church” by friends of other faiths) make it a practice to read the holy scriptures together as a family every day. Reading from both the Bible and The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, will bring feelings of love, peace, joy, and comfort in the home. As we read scriptures together as a family, we can reflect on the examples we read about ancient families in these scriptures.
We first learn from the example of ancient families how it is important to record family history. Writing down our generations of family members helps to keep that connection from one generation to another. There are generations of family histories preserved in the scriptures, and we can do the same with our own history and record what we experience in our journals.
Second, regular scripture reading as a family helps us to receive impressions of how we can handle difficult situations. For example, reading the story of Lehi (an ancient prophet who testified of Jesus Christ) and Sariah from the Book of Mormon when their rebellious sons turn away from their father’s admonitions helps parents understand what they can do with their own wayward children. Or the lesson from the Prodigal Son in the New Testament can give support to any parent whose child has chosen the wrong path and then decides to come back to the fold.
Daily scripture reading brings peace to all those who read on a regular basis. From the October General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Richard G. Scott, an apostle of the Lord, said: “Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our mind and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.” Reading regularly can build faith when spirits are down. Participating in our daily devotion of reading can uplift us when tragedy strikes.
Anther way the scriptures can help us find peace is to memorize small verses of scripture which can remind us to make good choices. This is especially helpful for children; scripture memorization improves their capacity to learn. When difficult situations arise, these memorized scriptures come to mind and help us cope with the unexpected trials we face.
Daily scripture reading doesn’t get enough coverage in our very busy lives, but it’s a habit that is well worth the time; it is the foundation we can hold on to in our very precarious society. Whether in the morning or evening, reading scriptures together is the glue which will bind our families together.
Strengthen your family by reading scriptures. Learn more at the official site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).
Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon.