"...Teach them..." (Alma 37:32-34)

As a mother I want to make sure I give my best to our children. I get very concerned that I am doing enough, teaching them enough, nurturing them enough but not enabling them, especially now that they are getting older (I now have one on her own, another on a mission, and two teenagers still at home). It is such a hard balance at times. But today, as I was pondering my responsibilities and doing my scripture study two words jumped out at me in several verses. They are: "teach them". I have come to the conclusion that there are things I need to "teach them". Here is a short list to help me remember what really makes a difference in the big picture of what I need to focus on teaching our children:

"...Teach them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity. ...Teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls"  (Alma 37:32-34).

"And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work they must do" (Exodus 18:20).

 "Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father." (Mosiah 16:15).

 "But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another" (Mosiah 4:15).

 As I read and pondered these verses I realized that I must also learn these for myself. To do a good job of teaching them I must also do them. Some days I am a more effective teacher than others, but each day I keep trying...and then let God make up the rest. And He does. This I testify.

Jeff with 3 of our children when they were young! He is the best teacher ever!

Me with 3 of our children when we were young! Love teaching them all the time. It does not end.