2019 Curriculum Thoughts – How?

I don’t think it’s any different than what we were “supposed” to be doing all along. Hasn’t family scripture study, family prayer, etc., been a thing for a few decades now? I recognize not everybody does it. Not everybody’s going to do this either. We are empty nesters these days, but I plan to continue just doing what we have been doing. FWIW, our SP has made a point of publicly saying that the study outline provided by the church is only a suggestion and so that we know what will be discussed in Sunday School. He says if people prefer to do it differently for themselves or their own families, they really have no control over that (so it’s not really 1984ish). More personally he knows I prefer to study by topic and it’s usually whatever topic caught my interest just then but he has made it publicly clear that’s quite alright.

So I suppose then the question is what if you haven’t been doing anything? Personally I’d be fine continuing what I had been doing – nothing. But if I had some desire to change or turn over a new leaf or “plant the seed” or whatever I might tailor the study to my family’s abilities (obviously it would be different with small children as opposed to teens) and do some little thing perhaps at dinner or bed time, perhaps associated with prayer (or maybe not). During my TBM days I probably would have gone all out and had full blown daily family scripture study and prayer with a Sunday afternoon/evening meeting of some sort and a Monday activity (our FHEs in those days were mostly activities anyway). In my current state, were I to have teens at home, I would probably do family prayer at dinner (essentially what we do now) and perhaps discuss with my children what I had learned from my current study on a level they could understand or relate to. And I’d hope they’d share their insights. I would avoid making it very formal, and probably would avoid having a Sunday sit down “home evening” or whatever.

2. How –

a) Logistics – Short attention spans and young children. Right now, I am thinking that there is no way that we can devote an hour to it – not going to happen. But 10 minutes a day? Maybe. 1 point at a time while making dinner together? Maybe. Coloring Printouts 1-2x a week (you know there are inspired artists in the Primary who are already working on this). Maybe.

b) Spouse Communication – What are some points of the conversation that needs to happen before January when it gets rolled out. I already know I am skeptical of just lds material regarding the New Testament, so establishing the ground rules about what is acceptable is a start – but I am sure I am missing stuff.

c) Authentic – How can I remain authentic to myself while teaching my children what may be good for them and is culturally required?

a) Actually seems like a lot to me (TBMish), but they’re your kids, you know them.

b) You probably need to be on the same page. Again, you know your spouse and his level of commitment. There’s got to be some give and take, just like in everything else.

c) Don’t worry about being authentic to yourself – you can;t lie to yourself. Worry about being authentic to them. Note the nuance in the first paragraph of this post. I believe and intend to do everything I said there – I plan to continue doing what we’ve been doing. Nothing inauthentic about that, but I will point out that what you hear me say is not really what I said.

I know it’s a stage of life but I am not worried about what happens in my personal study. My kids are adults. I can’t really shape them.

Years ago, pre faith crisis, I got tired of Mormoning all the time. FHE when I was a kid was much funner than the 90’s model of intense scripture lessons and personal progress goal setting. I started slacking on FHE. I have been a scripture reader. I will keep up where I am, what I am, as I am.

There is no one checking on what we do at home. Yes tons of talk but it won’t keep you out of the temple. It won’t change your calling status. Teach life lessons. Some scriptural, some Aesop Fables. Have nights with cooking activities. Even if it’s just making a favorite treat together. Study nutrition – it passes as the word of wisdom. Read the Bible Girl stories to your daughter.

If 10 minutes works for you – do that. Or just one night a week. No one is checking. Enjoy the freedom.

DW and I were talking about this last night. We basically plan to do it as an FHE once a week reading/lesson/ and discussion. DW wants me to take the lead. She is aware that I will shift some topics to be more consistent with my beliefs and seems to be supportive if that also means that I will take an active role in Gospel instruction.

I will add some more details and get a little more vulnerable. I work on Sundays and DW takes the kids to church alone when she feels up to it (about half the time). DW feels massive guilt around most things related to the kids and she feels like the burden for taking the kids to church/gospel instruction is on her alone. Our compromise is that I will take the lead in this home study gospel stuff. This will help DW to feel that we are more equally involved in the spiritual aspect of raising our kids. Almost like DW takes the kids to church for 1st and 2nd hour, but 3rd hour (home study time) is on me. Because the home study is flexible, we can adapt it to our family’s schedule and needs. :thumbup:

When I read this I realize how far gone I am. Maybe I need to pick up the Book of Mormon and give it another try. I haven’t read it seriously in years, a new perspective might help — you know, how you are able to look at a picture of yourself, something you wrote, or some other artifact from years ago, about which you’ve forgotten and am no longer immersed. You are able to look at it objectively. Might be a good experience.

I get annoyed by it because I don’t feel that it tells the narrative accurately, but if I got annoyed every single time that my part of the narrative was explained incorrectly, I would live in a sea of annoyance.

I identify with this quote. I wonder how often I explain other’s narratives incorrectly. I hope that I have grown in that I am more willing to let people self identify and to tell their own stories.

Also, if I am the one doing something about family gospel study, that means I am the one calling the shots. If I want to introduce outside sources of study/perspectives, I can. If I want to skip specific study points, I can.

Gospel according to Roy family. We make no assurances of perfection – but we love generously. I am looking forward to it.