Family Home Evening

We had family home evening - or family night - tonight. We do this on Mondays. Erik and I have done it since we were first married. It is a time for our family to come together and talk, laugh, pray, eat, and play. We review family goals, sing a song, say a prayer and have a short lesson about something gospel related.

Each week Alyssa either "plays" the piano or "ducts" the music. She usually picks the song - "I Am a Child of God" or "I Love to See the Temple".

Tonight it was Alyssa's turn for lesson. Erik helped her plan it. She invited her whole "family" to come. She set them up so they could be good listeners.



Then she and Erik went into the bedroom and planned the lesson. Alyssa made her lesson plan.

First she talked about how Jesus was obedient to Heavenly Father when He got baptized. Then she talked about Jesus being obedient to his earthly dad, Joseph. She loves to show dozens of gospel art pictures. It is her favorite form of a lesson. She kept it to two for tonight, though.

She moved the picture (Jesus and Joseph as carpenters) so fast it became transparent!

Next we watched a movie about when Jesus gets baptized - her favorite and most requested Bible movie.

Then she read a scripture with Erik's help.

Finally we all bore testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus and their love for us.

Family home evening is important for our family growth and for Alyssa's spiritual growth. She amazes me each week with her enthusiasm family night. It usually lasts less than twenty minutes, but it is important to her. I am grateful for family and the home. In our homes with our families is where the most significant learning and growth takes place. I am grateful for the family I grew up in and the principles I learned that I am using with Erik as we teach Alyssa, and in many instances, learn from her as well.