A Child’s Example

Although my sweet Emma is 15 years old. She is like a child in many ways. She is developmentally delayed. Which means, although she is 15, her IQ and her learning levels are lower than normal. She reads at about a third grade reading level. And she can play with our two year old neighbor easily, as well as our 8 year old neighbor. But she also enjoys hanging out with girls her age and talking about music and even boys.

She is an absolute joy and brings a lot of happiness to our home. When President Nelson invited us to read the Book of Mormon, I asked my Children if any of them would like to read it together. Emma is the only one that said yes.  The others wanted to do it by them self.  Which my youngest Chloe is doing so well.  I am amazed by them.  They are such good examples to me.  The first time I ever finished reading the Book of Mormon entirely was in the MTC.

It has been such a special experience. We read each day when she comes home from school. Her reading is getting so good. Today, Sunday, I didn’t get home until 3:30 and I told herwe would read at 4. Well I sat down on the couch and promptly feel asleep, I woke Up at 4:30 to her reading by herself and marking her verses that talked about Christ.

A few things I have realized in doing this challenge with her:

*I will never regret the half hour we get to spend reading together.

*She is exactly obedient and humbled me everyday with her willingness to read.

*I know that when we read scriptures with our children, they become better readers. I have seen this happen with many of my children.

*I can sure read a lot more than I thought in a day when I limit distractions and set priorities.

*This will be a new habit I want to continue together.

* This experience will be one of my most cherished memories of 2018.

* I love when she says things like, "Worship.  Oh I really like that word."

*Reading with her allows me to read the Book of Mormon Twice at the same time. I have been reading about 20 pages a day, and so when I go back and read with Emma, I learn even more.

My mom has been a huge example to me in this challenge too. She is actually about done with the Book of Mormon. I think her goal was to complete it within her 10 day media fast. She is my hero!!! Do you remember when President Hinckley challenged each of us to read the Book of Mormon. About six months before that my mom had challenged each family member to read the Book of Mormon. And as a reward for completing it we received a quilt. So my mom was doing this challenge as well. And then when the prophet issued the challenge, she finished reading the Book of Mormon for herself. And then had two days and wanted to read the Book of Mormon to fulfill the prophets invitation. And she did it. Read the Book of Mormon in two days. How amazing is that! How amazing is she!. I love her love for the scriptures and for all she does for me. ❤️