In October of 2019, our prophet Russell M Nelson asked each of us to immerse ourselves in "The glorious light of the Restoration."
Now that a few months have passed, we asked you what you're doing to prepare for this General Conference unlike any other.
Your answers were touching and also, extremely helpful! We wanted to share all your great ideas here! Although the answers may seem obvious and alike, the way that each family approaches these 3 things are unique and exciting!
1. Study Church History
Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he received priesthood keys, the Church was organized. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes “all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,” and the “many great and important things” that “He will yet reveal.” Brethren, the exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. - Dieter F Uchtdorf
We have so many resources right now to study the Restoration of the Gospel! Here are some of your suggestions:
+ Conference Talks. Did you know that you can search General Conference by topic? Here are all the talks that have been tagged Restoration and Book of Mormon.
+ Movies. The entire movie Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration is available here for free. This makes a great Sunday movie!
+ Books.
- Saints; The Standard of Truth, produced by the church of Jesus Christ, is available to read or listen to for free.
- Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling: Richard by Lyman Bushman is an excellent (although weighty) biography of Joseph Smith and gives an in-depth look at the early days of the church.
- Stories from the Life of Joseph Smith by Richard E. Turley is a smaller chapter book- probably perfect to read-aloud as a family. One family recommended having Restoration Sundays, a day of the week to read and discuss history together each week.
- The Rock'n Restoration by David Bowman is a cross between a picture book and a graphic novel. A great resource for your kids to learn the Why, How, and What of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.
- Joseph Smith; Impressions of a Prophet by Liz Lemon Swindle (and the History of Joseph Smith by His Mother) are both beautiful books full of artwork of the life of Joseph Smith.
+ Podcasts.
Two new church-created podcasts are currently available to listen to, both focusing on Church History.
- The First Vision; A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast (learn more here.)
- Zion's Suffagists; (learn more here.)
2. Study the Book of Mormon
You may wish to ponder important questions such as, “How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?” or “How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?”
- Russell M Nelson
+ Use Come, Follow Me as a basis for your family study and your personal study.
+ With young children, focus on the stories and the use the Book of Mormon videos to help teach.
+ Read with a question in mind. Are you worried or confused about something (we all are). Pray before and during your scripture study that you will find peace and answers.
+ Search for something. For example, you can read with the goal of:
- Underlining every reference to members of the Godhead.
- Finding and writing down every name and characteristic of the Savior. (Hint: Use a chalkboard or large poster in the room where you normally read as a family. Remind every member of the family to look for Christ's names, and write them down as you read.)
- Finding Truths that you would not know without the Book of Mormon. (Try to write down 1-3 truths per chapter. Even simple truths like, "God prepares a way for me to accomplish His commandments" or "Parents have the responsibility to receive revelation for their family."
- Finding "Tender Mercies." Nephi is grateful for so many things that his brothers complain about.
3. Attend the Temple
Of course, the crowning jewel of the Restoration is the holy temple. Its sacred ordinances and covenants are pivotal to preparing a people who are ready to welcome the Savior at His Second Coming. - President Russell M Nelson
How blessed we are to live in a time when saving, temple ordinances have been restored to the Earth. There are currently 167 operating temples around the world!
If you live too far from a temple or are unable to participate regularly in temple work, make an effort to work on Family History instead.
For more tips on doing family history, check out our first issue of Seek Learning Magazine.
xoxo
Becky + Graceann