The Acts of the Apostles - Week 2

WEEK TWO - Acts 3-4

DAY ONE - Give what you have

Acts 3:1-10

The beggar sitting at the temple gates sees Peter and John and asks for alms, a very small offering, a few loose coins from their pockets. It would be easy for Peter to dig into his pockets and drop a few pieces into the beggar's cup. After all, that is all the man was really asking for. Instead, Peter stops, makes eye contact (and heart contact) with the man, and offers him more, so much more, than the man had ever dreamed of.

We may look around at others mothers and think they are doing a much better job than we.  Do they decorate for every holiday? Homeschool? Manage to keep a tidy house with all those little hands and feet running around? Take a large brood on adventures? Play music for them? Do you feel that you are lacking in what you offer your children? Peter's words take on new meaning for mothers:

"Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee."

Don't think about what you lack, celebrate what you have. Make a list of what you have to give your children. Think outside the box of usual artistic talents. Do you play sports? Read books? Sing? Hike? Bike? Craft? Dream? Colour? Do puzzles? Clean? Speak a different language? The possibilities are endless.  At the end, go back over the list and think about how you can "give" (or share) these things you do have with your children.

DAY TWO - Call it out

Acts 3:11-26

Take a moment to read aloud Peter's mini sermon in the NIV translation of this passage (which is more modern in its language.)  Read it as though you had the fiery passion of Peter and were really giving it to the audience listening.

"Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?  The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the god of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.  But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.  To this we are witnesses.  And his name - by faith in his name - has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

"And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.  But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.' And all the prophets who have spoken, rom Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness."

Peter is chastising the people for their sin.  As mothers, we often need to chastise our children.  Sometimes we are able to do it firmly and gently, but sometimes it just lets loose from our mouths.  Go back through this passage and identify the different elements that Peter uses to properly chastise, but at the same time teach and correct, the people.  (For example: he reinforces they are child of God, he absolves them of actions done in ignorance, he holds them accountable for sins, the outlines the real consequences of their actions, etc.)

Think about a recent time when you had to chastise one of your children.  Think about how you could have used this model to have had that conversation more effectively.

DAY THREE - Do we play it safe?

Acts 4:1-4

As a recap, Peter and John healed the lame man, and then testified about faith and the power of God to the onlookers.  While this was happening, the religious leaders of the day had them arrested.  But the result of the miracle and subsequent teaching was that 5000 people were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

These conversions were not a result of Peter and John playing it safe; they put themselves out on a limb and were arrested for doing so.  But I'm sure they felt joy at the result and counted the sacrifice worth it.

Do we play it safe sometimes?  Do you feel inspired to say something to you family members, or feel you should lead them in a certain way, and yet are afraid to do so because of the potential outcome?  Do you feel that others outside your immediately family (like your parents, or school teachers, or church leaders, or your friends) will judge you?  Condemn you?  Think you odd or strange?  Exclude you?  Write down something that you feel strongly inspired to say or do with your family, then pray for the strength to carry it out and endure any negative criticism in regards to it.

DAY FOUR - You vs. the Experts

Acts 4:5-22

After Peter and John are arrested, all the "experts" in Jerusalem - the rulers, the lawmakers, the teachers, the elders, the high priests - all come together to figure out what on earth they should do with Peter and John (vs. 5-7).  The acknowledge that Peter and John did indeed heal a man, so they can't try and deny it to the people (vs. 16.)  But they don't want Peter and John gathering any more followers, pulling people away from the mainstream religious organization of the day.  The best they can do is try to silence the apostles, and so they command them to no longer speak in Jesus' name (vs. 17-18.)  But Peter and John respond in an astonishingly (but not surprisingly) bold manner; they insist that they "cannot but speak of the things we have seen and heard." (vs. 20.)  They know what they know, and will stand firm in it to the end.

What is interesting is the experts of Jerusalem describe Peter and John as "unlearned and ignorant."  (vs. 13) Other translations use the words unschooled and ordinary, untrained, uneducated, inexperienced, common.  But they recognize an authority in these unlearned men who spoke with great understanding.  These experts in the law and religion discerned that their training came from having been with Jesus.

Parenting in today's world is overwhelming with the amount of "expert" knowledge thrown at us.  From doctors to magazines to books and blogs, there are experts in every possible area of raising your children.  There are sleep experts and feeding experts and milestone experts and medical experts and school experts and social experts...each one with years of training, research and experience behind them.  While educating ourselves is invaluable and important, it can be frustrating or stressful or tiresome trying to take it all in, never mind when the "experts" start to disagree.

This story of Peter and John is a good reminder that we can make our parenting choices based on the guidance of Jesus through the Holy Spirit (vs. 8.)  What parenting decision have you had to make lately, or need to make soon? (schooling, vaccinations, feeding, sleep arrangements, extra-curricular activities, etc.)  Are there some that have caused you to lose sleep at night for fear of making the right decision?  Look over these choices and take a moment to find the peace of the Saviour in regards to them.  You already know what the experts say. Now it's time to pause, be filled with the Spirit and stand for your choice.

DAY FIVE - Family Unity

Acts 4:23-37

Go through these verses and circle every time it talks about unity, about the group acting as one, or doing the same things, or having the same goals.  You can really see Peter and John trying to create a sense of unity with the group they were leading. Similarly, in our own family, we need to encourage unity.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-25.  It talks about how one body is made up of many different parts.  Write down the different body parts it mentions.  Now think of the members of your family and assign each person a body part. Perhaps you have a child who is very emotional and feeling, who is the heart.  Maybe you have someone who is always active, who is like the feet.  One might be observant (the eye) or always thinks things through (head.)  You might need to add different body parts to the list.

Take a moment to consider one goal that you want your family to be doing or work toward in a united manner.  How might each of the family members, with their own personality (body part) contribute toward that unified purpose?

The Acts of the Apostles - Week 1

WEEK ONE - Acts 1-2

DAY ONE - Endowed with power

Acts 1:1-11

These verses record the last moments the apostles will ever see Jesus among them on earth. This is a crucial turning point in their lives. They are moving from listening, watching, learning, and following toward speaking, teaching, healing and leading. At this moment they are now given charge of building God's kingdom on earth.

Just like the church then was in its infancy, we begin our journey into motherhood in charge of tiny, helpless babies. We look ahead at the road of raising children and might wonder, like the apostles, how do we take that first step? The answer is found in verse 8.

What does it look like to live with the spirit of God in us? What does this power look like in a real life setting?

DAY TWO - Chosen

Acts 1:12-26

Underline key phrases that show the steps taken to choose an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. (for example, verses 14-16, 21-22, 23-26)

The names of two men were put forward, but only one was chosen. What feelings might arise in you if you were chosen? What about if you were the one not chosen? What calling/role in your life have you been chosen to fulfill? What calling/role was denied you?

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) reads:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Although Joseph Barsabas was not chosen to be the twelfth apostle, God no doubt had plans for his life, good plans, great plans. Sometimes it is hard to want something and not get it. It can be equally hard to want something for your child and not see them get it.

Write something that either you want for your plans, or something you want for your child's plans.  Take a moment to pray about that thing. Pray to let God know the desires of your heart, and then pray that God will tell you the desires of His heart regarding this matter. Pray for his peace to help you accept His plans.

DAY THREE - Speaking in their language

Acts 2:1-13

Write in the margin of your scriptures how many different languages the gospel were heard in (verses 9-11.)  The apostles speaking were all Galilaeans (verse 7) and yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit, were able to speak so that people of all tongues could understand the message of the gospel.

There are many different "languages" that we use to communicate on a daily basis.

For example:

Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages:

(how we show and feel love)

1. Words of affirmation

2. Acts of service

3. Receiving gifts

4. Quality time

5. Physical touch

Gary Thomas' Sacred Pathways

(how we worship God)

1. Naturalists (loving God outdoors)

2. Sensates (loving God through sight, sound, smell, touch)

3. Traditionalists (ritual and symbols)

4. Ascetics (solitude and simplicity)

5. Activists (loving God through confrontation and defending Him)

6. Caregivers (loving God by loving others)

7. Enthusiasts (loving God with mystery and celebration)

8. Contemplatives (adoration)

9. Intellectuals (loving God with the mind)

Think about your children and the different languages each one speaks.  Use the above list, or write your own ideas.  Are they introverts or extroverts?  Do they process events internally or externally? Are they academic or emotional?  Write a list for each child of words that help define his or her own languages.  Consider what ways you might need to communicate to each one so that they can hear your messages "in their own language."

DAY FOUR - Peter's Sermon

Acts 2:14-41

Peter stands up in front of thousands of people on the day of Pentecost and gives this brilliant sermon.  He stands up, as a prophet, and quotes scriptures, interprets it, bears testimony of Jesus' life and mission, and teaches about God's eternal plan.  As you read through it, highlight the awesome truths that leap off of the page for you.

Peter is not a man whose life was prettied up by historians.  Recorded in scripture for all to read are his moments of trial and triumph.  We see his rashness when he jumps into the sea after Jesus, his loose mouth when he proclaims Jesus the Messiah and then rebukes Jesus' plan of salvation, and his desperation at his denial of knowing Jesus.  But now we have a man who boldly stands and proclaims the truth for all to hear.  Peter was filled with the Spirit of God and was emboldened by it.

We do not need to have perfect backgrounds or histories in order to be great leaders, especially in our homes for our children.  We just need to empty ourselves of our pride so that we can be filled with the Spirit.  As you ponder on the weaknesses of Peter, make a list about your own areas of weakness.  Take moment to pray over each one, asking God for strength to let it go and make room for his Spirit.

DAY FIVE - Day to day living

Acts 2:42-47

We read here about the goings on in the early church, the things they did, how they lived, how they passed their time.  They would have been struggling to define what "church" looked like to them as a group, figuring out what worked and what didn't , all the while trying to stay close to the teachings of Jesus.  Write down the different things the apostles and their followers did.

Today there are many, many ways we can learn and teach the gospel in our homes.  Add to your list any other ideas we have been shown in modern days, like Family Home Evening or singing hymns together.  Now look over your list, pray over it, and mark down the ones you want to continue doing in your family, do with more dedication, or start something new.

The Acts of the Apostles - intro

The book of Acts is an interesting crossroad in the New Testament. Up to this point, the apostles have had Jesus walking with them every step of the way. Three years earlier they were called from their ordinary lives to spend every waking moment following Jesus, learning from him, absorbing everything they possibly could during this short time of training. Up to this point, the followers came because of Jesus. They beheld miracles and heard the word of God from the Son of God himself. Now, these 12 men were going to have to move from following to leading. They were being out in charge of the most important work of their lives: building the kingdom of God on earth.

When I first became a mother, I frequently had this thought run through my head: who on earth out me in charge?  I still felt so young, so new, so like the teenager I had been but a few years earlier. And now I was charged with the most important work of my life: raising children of God on earth.

As we delve into the book of Acts, let's look at this transformation of these men from fishermen, tax collectors, simple men who lived normal lives, men of faith who made mistakes, spoke erringly, denied truth, failed again and again, and then grew into the inspirational leaders and builders of the new church they became. Hopefully we will be able to see our own transformation as mothers and women, looking back to see how we have changed thus far and looking ahead to the changes still to come.

King Benjamin's Speech - Week 7

WEEK SEVEN - Mosiah 5:1 - Mosiah 6:7

DAY ONE - A mighty change

Mosiah 5:1-4

"Doing good continually" is the core part of living the gospel daily. The motivation to pursue this kind of life comes from the might change wrought in our hearts by the Spirit of God. Conversion is rarely a one-event thing in your life; instead it is a series of moments in which "mighty changes" happen within us.

Think back on your life and see if you can pinpoint some of those moments when you felt a shift within you. It might have been an important event, or a quiet moment with the scriptures. It might have been the result of a trial or hearing a testimony born in song. King Benjamin's people noted that you know when this change has taken place because of the change of desire within you - something you had trouble with in the past suddenly falls away and is no longer an issue.

Make note in your journal of these events chronologically, on a sort of timeline. Afterwards, look over your spiritual life on paper and see the progress you have made.

DAY TWO - A name

Mosiah 5:5-12

Circle every time the word "name" occurs in these verses.

President Henry B Eyring said:

"We promise to take His name upon us. That means we must see ourselves as His.

We will put Him first in our lives. We will want what He wants rather than what

we want or what the world teaches us to want."

Think about each of your children and why you gave them the names you did (or think about your own given name.) Write each name down in your journal and note the reason behind the name. Write anything you hope your children will know and understand about why they are named such, and how it might influence who they are and how they try to live.

Now think about each one of them taking upon the name of Jesus Christ, when they were (or will be) baptized. Can you help your children make the connection between their given name at birth and its influence, with the name the receive at baptism (Christ) and how it can influence who they are and the way they try to live?

DAY THREE - Seal them to you

Mosiah 5:12-15

Go back one verse and include verse 12 in today's reading.

Imagine you are King Benjamin speaking to your own children in this portion. Go through and underline the phrases that speak to you as a parent, ones that hold hopes your have for your children.

Write each of your children's (or loved ones) names in your journal. Now look back at what you underlined and select one specific piece of advice for each family member. Each child will have different personalities, tendencies, talents, and needs, so consider these all and then choose the one line that you wish you could impart to that one child. Write it beside their name.

For example: Jack, be steadfast and immovable. Jane, know the voice by which you are called.

Finally, write each loved one's name into this sentence: (write it for each family member)

"____________, let Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, seal you his."

DAY FOUR - TAKE HIS NAME

Mosiah 6:1-3

After King Benjamin's speech, he took the names of everyone who entered into the covenant: every single person. No matter the hardships you face, the trials you must surmount, the victories or defeats, in the end you are running a home that has been dedicated to the Lord. As Joshua wrote:

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

When you struggle with a child, remember you and she/he are serving the Lord. When you argue with your spouse, remember you are serving the Lord. When evil mounts in the world outside, remember you are serving the Lord.

Underline the actions King Benjamin took to ensure that his people would always remember their promise to serve the Lord.

Write each one down on your journal, and make some notes about ways you can institute them in your home right now. Keep in mind the ages of those in your household, and be specific instead of general; write concrete ways that will work at this stage of your life so that those in your home will remember that in your house, you serve the Lord.

DAY FIVE - Working alongside

Mosiah 6:4-7

As is evidenced by King Benjamin's speech, there are times that a sermon must be taught. Gospel doctrine and concepts need to be conveyed by talking through the points with your children and family. However, both King Benjamin and his son, King Mosiah, were likely such effective leaders not just because of their talk, but because of their "walk." Compare Mosiah 2:14 and Mosiah 6:7 and highlight what the commonality between the two leaders was.

Write down a couple of the lessons you hope your children will learn in the next short while (a few months to a year.) Now write down how you can teach them these concepts by serving and working alongside them, instead of talking about it. The greatest lessons are "caught, not taught."

King Benjamin's Speech - Week 6

WEEK SIX - Mosiah 4:9-30

DAY ONE - A summary of faith

Mosiah 4:9-10

In these two verses you will find a succinct summary of the things in which we must believe. As you read the verses, number each item as you come to it. Then write the list down in your journal.

Read your list through, slowly, more than a few times. Think about which ones you truly believe in. Think about any that you struggle with or aren't as strong in your belief in.

Choose two of the beliefs (one you are strong in and one you struggle with) and write a few sentences about each. Start with the one you find easy to believe and record your testimony of it. Then move on to the one that isn't as firm, and write what you know about it. (If you don't struggle with any of these ideas, write something down from another aspect of the Gospel that your struggle with.) Then write down the questions you still have about it. Leave some space underneath those questions for a time when Heavenly Father will unfold the mysteries of God to your view (see Mosiah 2:9.)

DAY TWO - Sibling rivalry

Mosiah 4:11-15

Go through these verses and underline the things you want to be present in your home among your family members. Then go through and highlight what King Benjamin teaches is necessary to do in order to obtain these blessings.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21 states:

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of

this world, upon which all blessings are predicated - And when we obtain

any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is

predicated."

Make two lists in your journal: one called "commandments"(laws) and one called "blessings." Write the actions King Benjamin teaches we must do under the commandments column, and then write the associated blessings in the second column.

Stare at the list and think about your family members. Think about what your home would look and feel like if you were blessed with all the blessings. Now think about how you can start to follow some of the commandments in your home so that you can call down those promises on your family.

DAY THREE - Are we not all beggars?

Mosiah 4:16-21

Think of yourself as the beggar King Benjamin describes us as. Sketch that image in your journal, or write a descriptive paragraph.

Now read verse 20 and 21 and underline what God gives to us as we beg from him. Sketch another image (or write another paragraph) of you now blessed with the Spirit and filled with joy and granted whatever we ask.

DAY FOUR - Serving your children

Mosiah 4:22-25

As mothers we are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can be exhausting to constantly be battered with requests from our children, pleas to help them, answer them, do something for them. Read verse 22 with the thought of motherhood in your mind. Write down how this verse applies to you as a mother and your child as the beggar "putting up his petition to you," not for substance but for your time and attention.

Although we want to give our all to our children, we must also remember that there are many things demanding our time, and sometimes it is not possible to give our undivided attention to our children. Read verses 23-25 as a reminder to yourself that sometimes there are times when we can't be there, and that we "remain guiltless" in these circumstances.

DAY FIVE - Wisdom and order

Mosiah 4:26-30

Underline in verse 26 all the things we must do to retain a remission of our sins from day to day.

Now, in your journal, write down a list of all the demands asked of you from day to day, in your role as woman, wife, mother, your job, your calling. Write the numbers 1-5 next to the five things that take the most time and effort in your day.

If you are a little overwhelmed by the length of the list, read verse 27. Now look back at your list and look at the things you numbered. Are they in the right order? Does something not belong there? Is there something missing? Re-number the top five as you think they should be if "all these things are done in wisdom and order."

King Benjamin's Speech - Week 5

WEEK FIVE - Mosiah 3:12 - Mosiah 4:8

DAY ONE - Rules of the House

Mosiah 3:12-15

Underline the details about the Law of Moses. Highlight the details about the higher law (mercy and faith in Jesus Christ.) King Benjamin said that the law of Moses was only necessary to help prepare the people for the coming of the higher law. It had a higher purpose that the people didn't understand or see.

What rules do you have in your house for your children? Do the rules have a higher purpose than just obedience? Do your children understand that greater purpose? Do they see the big vision? Write down a few of the rules, along with what your hope your children are learning from them.

DAY TWO - Becoming like children

Mosiah 3:16-19

King Benjamin said that we "drink damnation to [our] own souls except [we] humble [ourselves] and become as little children." Circle each childlike quality listed.

Now write each of these qualities down, with the one that most describes you at the top, down to the one that you haven't really mastered yet at the bottom. Choose one of the qualities at the bottom and brainstorm a few ways you could develop this quality with more purpose. Write a short prayer asking Heavenly Father's help in developing this.

DAY THREE - No more blameless

Mosiah 3:20-27

Underline in verse 21 what will save us from being found blameless.

Mosiah chapter three focuses on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Look back over the scriptures and your journal from chapter three and write down the points of the atonement that King Benjamin covers. Add any final things you see in verses 20-27.

While the end of this chapter focuses on what will happen at Judgment Day for those who remain in their guilt, verse 21 reminds us of two important components to the plan of Salvation: Repentance and Faith.

Write down how faith and repentance can work with each other to be the key to our salvation. Why are they necessary so that we can be saved? Now read verse 24 - how does this verse say we will be judged?

How do you think good works figure into salvation, considering verse 21 also. Write any thoughts or questions you have on the topic.

DAY FOUR - Viewing yourself

Mosiah 4:1-3

After reading King Benjamin's speech to this point, do you share in the view of the people:

"They had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth."

What is the reaction of the people to this realization? highlight their plea in the middle of verse two. Underline their testimony in the past part of verse two.

Look back now at Mosiah 3:21 and write the two things you underlined that will save us from being found blameless at the last day. Write down "faith" and "repentance" as headings to two columns. Now copy the portion of Mosiah 4:2 that goes along with each concept underneath that word.

Now rewrite the entire verse two one more time, but in the present tense, using "I" and "me" instead of "they" and "we." Read your personalized verse aloud a few times.

Highlight in verse three what happened as a result of the people's expression of repentance and faith. Rewrite this verse in first person and present tense so it is also personalized.

Reread your personalized verses two and three aloud again as a reminder of the tender mercies of the Lord.

DAY FIVE - Salvation

Mosiah 4:4-8

King Benjamin makes the statement:

"There is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of;

neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the

conditions which I have told you."

Look back in verses 4-8 and highlight the conditions of which King Benjamin spoke.

There are three specific actions in the end of verse six. Write them down and think for a moment on each one individually. Is there anything you can be doing to increase your commitment to any of these thing? Write at least one thing beside each that you can do more than you are doing now.

King Benjamin's Speech - Week 4

WEEK FOUR - Mosiah 2:36 - 3:11

DAY ONE - Rebellion

Mosiah 2:36-40

Highlight in verse 36 the immediate consequence of rebellion.

In verses 38 and 39, underline the eternal consequences of rebellion.

The rebellion spoken of in these verses if of one who has been "taught all these things" who then acts contrary. King Benjamin states that he has "spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand" - old men, young men, and even little children.

Do you have a child who is rebellious already? Do you have a child for whom you fear might lean toward rebellion? Write down a plea, a personal prayer to your Father in Heaven, on behalf of that child (or other loved one.) Pour out your fears and then put your faith in Him who knows each of us.

Make a commitment to teach this child the consequences of sin as taught in these verses.

DAY TWO - Happiness

Mosiah 2:41

Underline all the blessings of obedience.

Make two columns. Title one "Temporal blessings" and the other "Spiritual Blessings." Write underneath each list all the blessings you have been given. Remember King Benjamin's words about being grateful for everything, and be as specific as you can. Fill the page if you can.

Highlight the following portion of verse 41:

"If they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell

with God in a state of neverending happiness."

Reflect for a moment on what it will be like to be received into heaven with your family at your side. Write down those images and emotions.

DAY THREE - Awake!

Mosiah 3:1-3

The angel of God spoke these words:

"Awake and hear the words...of great joy!"

The angel then made known to King Benjamin many glad tidings, wonderful news of the gospel. Write down things have been "made known" to you by God. Be specific, not general. Think of specific pieces of doctrine, or promised blessings, or evidences of God's love that you have experienced in your life.

DAY FOUR - Jesus' earthly mission

Mosiah 3:3-7

Read about Jesus' mission while he was on the earth. Choose one aspect that speaks to you and read the scriptural cross-references also. Write a paragraph about how Jesus has fulfilled that aspect of his mission in your own life.

For example, has he opened your eyes to something you hadn't seen or understood before? Has he helped you overcome a habit or temptation? Has he cured an illness? Has he brought peace where there was turmoil? Think about specific events in your life and write with detail to record how Jesus earthly mission has been fulfilled in your own life, not just in the lives of those who lived at the same time and place on the earth.

DAY FIVE - The mother of Jesus

Mosiah 3:8-11

If you've ever wondered how on earth someone entrusted you to raise children, imagine how Mary felt being told she would raise the Son of God? These verses outline Jesus' atoning mission. Imagine how Mary might have felt if she had these verses to read, knowing ahead of time what her son's mission would entail?

Think about your own children. What mission do you envision they might fulfill in their lifetime? Consider each child's strengths and personality and what this might be preparing them for. Write down each child's name and a mission that might lie in his/her future. Write a few details as well.