Feb 6, 2019
Episode 40 is an episode where listeners called in to share their insights about how they are using the Come Follow Me curriculum in their homes. The women who called in all share different approaches to using the new curriculum. Ultimately, they all emphasize how simple and consistent gospel teaching is blessing their families.
Do What Works For Your Family
I love how each person’s response was a little different but all had the same overarching theme of the blessings of teaching their families the gospel. They all are following the promptings they have received and are doing what works for their family.
I hope hearing what others are doing and how they are implementing Come Follow Me will not cause you to compare. Hopefully, this episode will inspire you to listen to the Holy Ghost and then do what you feel prompted to do for your family.
Seek The Holy Ghost as a Guide
I love this quote found on the first page of the Come Follow Me manual for individuals and families:
“…in our efforts to live, learn, and teach the gospel, we should first and foremost seek the companionship of the Spirit. This goal should govern our choices and guide our thoughts and actions. We should seek after whatever invites the influence of the Spirit and reject whatever drives that influence away–for we know that if we can be worthy of the presence of the Holy Ghost, we can also be worthy to live in the presence of Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.”
Conversion is our goal and the way to do that is to use the Holy Ghost as a guide. If you feel an impression to present a lesson or teach something a certain way, do it. Even if it’s not what someone else is doing.
Simplicity
The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. One person who commented on my post on Instagram about Come Follow Me pointed out the phrase in the hymn Come Follow Me: “Come follow me, a simple phrase.” I love that. Keep it simple and let the Spirit guide you.
Consistency
Consistency is a key element of teaching in the home. In the episode, I referenced a talk by Elder David A Bednar from October 2009 called More Diligent and Concerned at Home. In this talk Elder Bednar shared the struggles his own family faced to hold family prayer, family home evening and scripture study. I love what he said about consistency:
Sister Bednar and I thought helping our sons understand the content of a particular lesson or a specific scripture was the ultimate outcome. But such a result does not occur each time we study or pray or learn together. The consistency of our intent and work was perhaps the greatest lesson—a lesson we did not fully appreciate at the time.
Listener Insights
Here’s a recap of what the four listeners said:
Sophie
- Increased comprehension
- Repetition and repeating things
- Use Christian resources
- Use Bible videos and other lesson helps on lds.org
- Slow down and get to the heart
Heather
- Find a time that works for your family
- Less actual scripture reading and more discussion about what was read
- Let children talk the most
- Come Follow Me is about connection
- Likening what we learn to ourselves
- Teenagers will open up
Robin
- Uses a bookmark she makes to break up the weekly, personal study
- For older children: shares what she is learning during the week in her personal study by emailing talks and articles
- For younger children: uses the primary manual
- Not adding or supplementing except through church sources
Ashley
- Keep it simple with coloring, walks, etc.
- Talk as a family
- Ask questions
- Have a conversation at children’s level of understanding
- Pray specifically for the blessings promised by President Russell M. Nelson in this quote:
“The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.”
Show Notes
Conference talks about Simple + Consistent Gospel Teaching
Elder David A. Bednar’s talk More Diligent and Concern at Home
President Russel M. Nelson’s Talk Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints
Elder Steven R. Bangerter’s Talk Laying the Foundation of a Great Work
Elder Dieter F. Utchtdorf’s talk It Works Wonderfully!
Spiritually Minded Mom Instagram post about Come Follow Me
#keepcomefollowmesimple
Other Episodes with Listener Insights
SMM 031: How Have YOU Seen + Felt God as Your Partner in Motherhood?
SMM 036: End of Season 1 + Share How Spiritually Minded Mom Podcast Has Helped You
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