"Family Home Evening Ideas," Ensign, Jun 2010, 73
Philip Joslin, Arizona, USA
Philip Joslin, "The Law of Moses and the Golden Rule," Ensign, June 2010, 73
Throughout my life, I've learned that the scriptures help us solve life's problems. At one time, there was quite a bit of bickering and fighting among the children. My wife and I became frustrated as we tried to teach Christlike behavior to our children and wanted a happier, more peaceful family.
At our next family home evening, I gathered the family together and sternly explained that we were going to start following more rules in the house. I unraveled a long list of rules written on several pieces of paper I had taped together. "Absolutely no running in the house. No yelling. No eating here or there ..." The list continued with many "don'ts" and some "do's."
The children appeared stunned. They began to ask, "What does this rule mean?" "How will we remember all these rules?" And "What happens if we break the rules?"
I then held up another, single sheet of paper. I explained that we could either follow the long list of rules or obey one simple rule. Then I turned it around to read, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (see Matthew 7:12).
I explained that the long list of rules was the way some people might see the Law of Moses. We also discussed the benefits of treating others as we want to be treated. As visual reminders, we posted our long list of rules and the Golden Rule on the refrigerator.
Our family experienced more peace and order after focusing on the Golden Rule. We were blessed as we "likened" the scriptures to our family's needs.
Illustration by Beth Whittaker
"Helps for Home Evening," Ensign, June 2010, 73
"Things as They Really Are," on page 16. Consider reading the article in advance and prayerfully selecting parts that apply to the needs of your family. You may want to use this article for two family home evening lessons.
"Don't Be in a Hurry," on page 29. Some possible ways to apply this article to your family are listed below:
1. Consider arriving for sacrament meeting early to ponder and listen to the music before the meeting begins.
2. Take a few minutes at the beginning of your lesson to sit quietly and think.
3. Suggest a time or place in your home to encourage personal gospel study. Prayerfully consider other ways to apply this idea in your family.
"Your Mission in Life Is Now," on page 44. Ask a family member to define "intersection." Consider reading the section "A Mission Every Day." Then ask family members to share an experience where they or others have seen a need and were able to help fill it.
"Homebound but Active," on page 58. After reading the article, discuss ways you could continue to serve if placed in a similar situation. You could also discuss ways your family could serve those who are unable to attend Church at this time.
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