by Stacey Jenkins
Do you ever have eye rolling, moaning, and questions such as “Why do we have to do this?” when you sit down for Family scripture study? Sometimes, I do too and I wonder if it’s worth it. From a teenager’s perspective - it’s not as fun as Tik Tok, Snap Chat, Instagram, video games or hanging out with friends. Maybe you’ve even wondered the value in it yourself, or how to even begin, or just want to improve what you are currently doing personally or with your family.
I feel like studying the scriptures is always something I’m striving to get better at. I’ve gone through phases of scripture study, from excuses for not studying to dutifully reading each night to gorging on God’s words to prepare for a lesson or talk. What I’m doing right now has been my favorite phase. Making and sticking to a plan for when and how I study has worked very well for me. In addition to just reading, I’ve learned to study with the manual and listen to conference talks and a few trusted people on YouTube (see links under “Other Resources”) and podcasts that help me understand the topic at deeper levels and apply what I’m learning. As my personal study has improved, I’ve found that I’m better equipped and prepared for our family scripture study.
I’ve also learned that I feel closer to my Savior as I study his life, words and how he interacts with others. I have more power in my life to endure, feel gratitude, serve, have faith, feel hope and find answers when I am closer to Him. I make better choices when I understand the why behind what I do and believe. I am better able to withstand temptations and I better recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. In short, the small amount of time spent in the scriptures has enormous value and well worth the effort.
How to get started or improve what you are already doing may take some self-evaluation, making a plan, or even looking into a few other suggestions:
Here are a few resources to consider to help enhance your study :
D. Todd Christofferson, “How to Study the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Oct. 2011, 28–31
“Ten Scripture Study Tools,” Ensign, Sept. 2010, 31
Paul VanDenBerghe, “Successful Scripture Study,” New Era, Jan. 2012, 26–28
Chapter 2, “How Do I Study Effectively and Prepare to Teach?” Preach My Gospel (2018), 17–27
“Likening the Scriptures to Our Personal Lives,” Ensign, Mar. 2009, 33–34
Dallin H. Oaks, “Scripture Reading and Revelation,” Ensign, Jan. 1995, 6–9
6 tips for scripture study: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2012/10/six-tips-for-scripture-study?lang=eng
Click on the following link for videos on how to use the Come Follow Me program in your home (the menu of videos is on the left hand side of the page):
The most important resource when studying the scriptures is obvious -- the scriptures themselves. I believe it also helps to have the Come Follow Me Manual, whether it’s the hard copy or a digital one. The link is found at churchofjesuschrist.org: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/come-follow-me/individuals-and-families?lang=eng
The primary manual has the weekly Sunday lesson, crafts, and music that is recommended to help teach and apply the principles in a simplified manner for young AND older primary children. That manual can be found at:
Other Resources
I have also found some wonderful resources to help me really feast and understand what I’m reading about and ways to apply it in my life that I had not thought of. There are also very talented people who put together ideas to help teach children and youth.
Links for Adults:
Each of these links has great presenters with different styles. If you don’t like one, try another or try them all to feed the different parts of your brain. Grab your head phones and enjoy!
“Don’t Miss This”- a weekly YouTube presentation given by Deseret Book authors Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler with an emailed Newsletter that has ideas for studying the weekly topic for Adults, Teens and Kids. Sign up and get information at:
Book of Mormon Central has a website of links to YouTube videos of BYU professors dedicated to the weekly Come Follow Me topics and other interesting Gospel related subjects, Blogs, and an App that may be helpful for personal study:
Seagull Book and Covenant Communications has a YouTube weekly Come Follow Me presentation called, RealTalk:
Inklings: A hint of something more by Emily Belle Freeman on Instagram. It’s like having institute wherever you have headphones. Right now the focus is studying the Restoration Proclamation - one line at a time.
Links For LDS Families:
Chicken Scratch n’ Sniff has so many ideas for a variety of things: family date nights (at home), Come Follow Me study helps, printouts, crafts, etc. to use during the week or for Church at Home, General Conference, Nursery, Family activities, Holiday ideas:
Camille’s Primary Ideas has fun ideas to use primary music (mostly great helps for Singing time but something you might want to use for Church at Home during quarantine!)
On Lemon Lane A website, blog, Instagram that gives ideas for families, religious resources, educational curriculum, etc.
Love Pray Teach has resources for all callings in the church. Some are for purchase but I’ve loved the emails that give practical ideas for free; she also has a blog to follow for more ideas!
Comments