(How Not to) Prepare for Seminary

Although the subject of Seminary seems to be a bit early for some, I know that in Georgia, school is started around the first week of August. So forgive me for intruding on our teens’ summer bliss, but I thought I’d share a few suggestions for getting ready for class. While the responsibility for Seminary attendance ultimately comes down to the student, there are things that parents can do to help. There are also things that parents can do that will not help. Let me give a few suggestions on things that parents can do that can impede the Seminary … Continue reading

Gospel Doctrine: The Mount of Olives

In all honesty, I very rarely look at the setting as we study the New Testament (this despite all of my English major training to always keep it in mind!). However, as I reviewed some of my outside resources while studying the scriptures, the question was posed – What was the significance of the Mount of Olives? You mean there was a reason Christ spoke there? According to the Bible Dictionary, the Mount of Olives was a hill to the east of Jerusalem. The Savior visited here several times. When He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He stopped at the … Continue reading

Gospel Doctrine: “Give ye them to eat”

Circumstances did not allow for posting these lessons the weeks they were completed. However, it is my hope that you will still be able to take something from them. Today’s posts address lesson 12, “I Am the Bread of Life.” As I studied the miracle of the loaves and fishes for this week’s Sunday school lesson, I was touched by one important factor: who distributed the meal. Although most lessons seem to focus on the miracle itself, or the relationship to the Savior as the bread of life, I confess that this small technical detail intrigued me. Turn with me … Continue reading

An Example to Your Children

Most of us know or have been told that, as parents, our best teaching tool is our example. I, personally, grew up in a household where the mantra was ‘do as I say, not as I do’. My mom usually said this in a joking tone of voice, but she did sincerely mean it. I, myself, have caught myself in typical parenting blunders – my favorite was when I lightly swatted one of my toddlers’ bottoms while saying “We don’t hit!” That one caused an entire shift in parenting technique. A close second occurs on long car trips, when I … Continue reading

Songs Every Christian Should Know

In my previous blog I wrote about Bible school songs that I think every child (as well as adult) should know. But what are some “adult” (for lack of a better word) songs which everyone should know? When discussing this topic I think it is important to note the purpose of singing given in the New Testament. In Colossians 3:16 the Bible states: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The songs which we sing to … Continue reading

Bible School Songs Every Child (and Adult) Should Know

I love Bible school songs. The songs are simple, yet the often have a powerful meaning. There are several Bible school songs that I think every child, as well as every adult, should know. If you do not know the song, and want to learn the song, ask other members at your congregation if they know the song. Or you could google the song on the internet – I am sure that there are listings of the words as well as the tunes of these songs. This is a list of just a few songs I thought about. I really … Continue reading

Activities That Teach – #7 The Case for Personal Space

The basic concept of “personal space” is an important social rule. It’s a simple idea–each of us has an invisible bubble around us where we feel safe, and if someone crosses into it we become uncomfortable. Most children instinctively sense when they enter someone else’s personal space and when theirs is crossed, but the special-needs child may need help learning these boundaries. She might forcefully invade her peer’s space, oblivious to how it makes him feel. And this could cause her to be rejected by peers and have difficulty making friends. Or your child’s inability to recognize when his own … Continue reading

Street Smarts Safety

Going for walks with your baby or child can be fun. Not only is it great exercise for both of you, but your child will also love the scenery while discovering new things. Something as simple as a flower, insect, or street sign can be incredibly interesting for your child! Use this time not just to relax, but also to educate your child. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about staying safe on the street. They might be having so much fun, they won’t even realize all of the great safety tips you are teaching them! Here are … Continue reading