Stephenson Family Ties

I cannot think of a better way to spread the
faith. No thundering from a pulpit, no
condemnation from bad churches, no peer
pressure. Just a book of scripture quietly
waiting to say hello, as gentle and power-
ful as a little girl's kiss on your cheek.
from: Life of Pi
by: Yann Martell

We've stumbled upon something really good as we sit around our dining room table in the evenings. Its something called FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY.

Its funny; I dont think there has been a Sunday in my Mormon life that I havent heard counsel from our pulpits, admonishing us to be sure to have FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY every day!! Im also sure that I have never questioned the wisdom of this counsel. I also know that through the years the Builder and I have attempted, at varying levels of success, to do just as we're told. Through the years, we have endevored to accomplish this advisement with all different levels of success. There has been much jerking, and stumbling, starting and stopping as we tried to do the right thing in raising our family. Oft times it was ugly. Sometimes it was sweet, but it was never comfortable for the likes of me. (I do hope we get SOME credit for the good intentions of our hearts. )
IT is unclear where the tipping point came....
But the Builder began something new, not too long ago.We are now sitting down, sometimes with a bowl of popcorn, but always with willing minds-even willing teenage minds...GO BRI-DOG!!
The Builder will pick a topic, or we will be asked to pick a subject to search out. Then we turn to the all inclusive Topical Guide or the Bible Dictionary or even our very own minds, and find a scripture that we'd like to share on said topic. When its our turn- we read the scripture and then attempt to say something wise or profound about it --in our own words. Because we are all now "grown ups", we are having quite a bit of fun with this. (I hope no one is offended that I use the word "fun" when describing FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY??? Its been a LONG time coming when I can now finally say this by the way!!!) Now each night we find ourselves enlightened, and becoming oh so more aware of each other and our individual idiosyncrasies. (and more obedient too!) We have heart- felt discussions and real conversations!! Oh how happy are we for this!!! We dont find ourselves wishing to run off or desiring to move on to something else 'more pressing.' Now you can catch us sitting there really discussing things and really enjoying one anothers company!! How novel!!
There really does seem to be a time and a season for all things. Gone are the yawns-mostly, and the dozing. Gone are the 'sunday school' answers to things.
Now is the season for sharing, and introspection and discovery and camaraderie. Now is the time we really do enjoy FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY!!
Just think folks-- What Sister Anna will add to the discussions!!
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!!

WHAT I KNOW:
Just one more benefit to getting older.......ahhhhhhhh!!!