temple...

Bountiful Temple

On Sunday evening, I attended a fireside entitled, "The Temple: A Guide for Raising Your Children and Strengthening Your Family." The presenters were Richard and Linda Eyre. I have heard them speak on BYU TV and always been impressed by their positive ideas for teaching young children. So, when I heard they were speaking at our stake fireside, I was super excited to attend.

Sister Eyre spoke about ways we can teach our children temple principles through family home evening activities. One example she gave was regarding teaching the principle of obedience. She suggested playing a game similar to Simon Says, but where the key word is please instead of Simon Says. The children MUST do what is asked of them when the parent says "please." Then, discuss the importance of following Heavenly Father's commandments and always being obedient. She also talked about how they had a "repenting bench" in their home while their children were young. I love the idea of calling it a repenting bench instead of a time-out chair/naughty spot/etc. It is just so positive. Then, when children are fighting, they get to go quietly sit on the repenting bench until they figure out what they did wrong. When each child is ready to confess, that child raises his/her hand and is able to apologize for what he/she did wrong and ask forgiveness.

Then, Brother Eyre suggested that the next time we attend the temple, to do so with the following two questions in our minds:
1. What does this teach me about families?
2. What is this a symbol of?
I am looking forward to following this counsel!
Another thing he said that I really loved was, "Adam and Eve chose parenthood over paradise." They understood that their choice would result in the loss of a lot of ease and physical comforts. But, as we take on the role of "parent," we become more like our Father in Heaven. This statement gives me renewed determination to cheerfully do things that are difficult, knowing that I too chose parenthood over paradise. Sometimes it is difficult to be a parent. Disciplining a difficult child, cleaning the kitchen six times a day... But, I know that this is what Heavenly Father wants me to do. And, as I prayerfully seek for guidance from the perfect parent, He will lead me, teach me and mold me into a more perfect parent. I am so thankful for the blessings of the temple and am excited to think of more creative ways to teach temple principles to my children and to make my home more like a temple!