Family Scripture Study at the Wright's

Family Demographics
Seven kids under the age of 12 and a ridiculously handsome husband.  We also are sporting about three different styles of Corelle dishes, as you will see in a minute.

What Works For Us

Several years ago my husband and I struggled to know how to incorporate scripture study into our family’s activities.  At the time we had five children and only one of them could read, and the words of the scriptures were still much, much too hard for him.  We desired to share with our children the stories and examples from the scriptures without having to scold them to sit still and listen.  After much thought and prayer the Lord provided us with a plan, a plan tailored to our family and our needs. You see, our boys don’t sit still well- except for meals.  So, during dinner we read the Book of Mormon.  Mostly I tell the stories, reading a verse or two aloud.  We learn the meanings of difficult words and talk about how our challenges might be like the challenges of the prophets and missionaries in the Book of Mormon and how the Lord can bless and strengthen us like He blessed and strengthened them.  As we read I highlight verses that are especially important, or write a little note in the margin. When our oldest was baptized- we gave him the Book of Mormon that we had just finished reading as a family and we started reading and marking a new book for our next son.  We are now on our fourth reading of the Book of Mormon.  As we have continued with this plan our kids have developed a love and knowledge of the scriptures.  They are coming to know the people in the Book of Mormon and sense their goodness and whole-heartedness to God.   I don’t know if this will be the right way to share the scriptures with our children when they are older but it is the way that the Lord has directed us to share them with our children right now, and it is just right for us.

Blessings 

• It invites the Spirit and things run more smoothly when we are doing it consistently.
• The kids are excited about the stories and remind me to get them ready.
• The kids are becoming very familiar with the stories and personalities in the scriptures!

We hope to claim these blessings in our home:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.”

(Marion G. Romney, Apr. 1980, 90; or Ensign, May 1980, 67)

Struggles 

• If I don't remember to get the story ready during the day I'm too frazzled to do it well at dinner time.
• If more than one person spills their drink I usually give up for the evening and just clean up messes. 
• It doesn't work when we eat out or when we have company for dinner (which isn't too often).

Our scripture shelf at the end of the table.