General Conference Book Club Week 22:
Today was kind of a rough day at our house– one of those days where you wonder whether or not your children are going to turn out alright after all. There were tears and time-outs and lots and lots of reminders of rules and expectations. It was not easy to do scripture time tonight, and bedtime was a welcome relief. As I read “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” by Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, I felt so reassured of the lasting impact our instruction can and will have on our children.
“If a child is not listening, don’t despair. Time and truth are on your side. At the right moment, your words will return as if from heaven itself. Your testimony will never leave your children.
As you reverently speak about the Savior—in the car, on the bus, at the dinner table, as you kneel in prayer, during scripture study, or in late-night conversations—the Spirit of the Lord will accompany your words.
As you do your best, the testimony of Jesus will gently distill upon your children’s hearts.”
Share in the comments what you love and learn as you study this talk.
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Diapers and Divinity 
oh boy, did I need to hear this today! We had a very similar Sunday and actually the entire weekend just seemed off. I really struggle on those days… it feels like I’m not making any difference. Is it bad that bedtime is a “welcome relief” every night? 😦
Thanks for your uplifting words 🙂
I just wanted to say I love that picture. I’ll listen to the talk when I have some undistracted time.
Oh, and I’m sorry you had a rough day.
I liked that his talk was not only for parents; but for children and the youth, and grandparents and all who teach. He invites each group to act upon getting to know the Savior as a foundation of faith and testimony.
The way he describes the rising generation: “We hold in our arms the rising generation. They come to this earth with important responsibilities…” has made me at times look into my infant baby while she is in my lap, with a different perspective. It’s very humbling.
I am so excited that general conference is upon us again. I love listening to the prophet and apostles speak, and I love that my children get excited to see the prophet on TV! This was a wonderful talk I love his quote “If you do your best, the testimony of Jesus will gently distill upon your children’s hearts.”
The charge to not be casual reminds me of Sister Beck’s frequent challenge to be intentional in our parenting. And then also this quote: “Our challenge as parents and teachers is not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith.” reminds me of a recent interview I heard with Sister Beck and her daughters. She said that they were gifts from her Heavenly Father and that her job was simply to unwrap the package, to find out who they were and help them to become what He made them. Such a cool perspective on parenting, I think.
I want to take him up on that challenge for the children to read the book of John. Maybe that will be part of our FHE this week in getting ready for the next conference.
My favorite line from this talk was “The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children.”
What an amazing image to bring to mind creating that burning feeling in their hearts.