Celebrating the Book of Mormon

When I taught school, we would always have a celebration when we completed a novel together as a class. Sometimes it would be a puppet show or the kids would present book reports, or we'd watch the movie that was based on the book (with popcorn, of course). It was a great way for the kids to feel that sense of accomplishment that came with starting and finishing something.

We finished reading the Book of Mormon Reader a few days ago. We tried various methods and times of the day, but I think we've found the right type of study for us, for now. The kids have learned a lot and been engaged by the stories and the pictures. They're excited to read and even remind me when I forget. I've been able to hold their attention while my captive audience ate their breakfast, allowing me to be able to ask questions to expand upon the principles taught in each scripture story. The kids have gotten really excited to reach the end of the book and when they asked what we will do when we finish, I blurted out (without thinking), "We're having a Book of Mormon party!"

So yesterday when Josh came home, we had a Book of Mormon Celebration. I mean really, why not? I'm not going to squelch their enthusiasm.

We made Lamanite headbands made out of construction paper.



We made a Title of Liberty out of an old t-shirt and fastened it upon a pole.



We decorated using our favorite scenes from the Book of Mormon.

We played a little board game I found in the January 1996 Friend.

The kids were presented with certificates of completion.



Littles didn't get a certificate, but I think she deserves an honorable mention for patiently waiting or contentedly eating in her high chair while we studied.

Thanks, Diddles.

We had dessert...Jaredite Barges, of course. I was going to make pudding dirt cups and hide Yaks' little plastic swords in the dirt to have the story of the Anti-Nephi Lehis, but it seemed to be a choking hazard.

I asked the kids what their favorite Book of Mormon story was. Yaks loves the story of Captain Moroni and Zarahemna. Boo said her favorite was when Jesus "holds the children".

Then we wrapped it up with this video that is my all-time favorite. Watch it when you have a minute. I think the music and the scenes are beautiful and it perfectly portrays what I see in my mind when I read 3rd Nephi. It holds a special meaning for me because after a year of studying and praying for a testimony of the Book of Mormon as a teenager, my seminary teacher had us watch this film in class one day. I was moved to tears and felt The Spirit so powerfully that the Book of Mormon was true. That Christ lives and that He died for me. The Atonement became personal for me. The words of the song, "One by one, everyone. One by one we came to look upon our Lord." I knew that He died for me. He suffered for my sins. He loves me completely and individually. It was powerful, and I will never forget it.

And that's the power of the Book of Mormon.

And that is cause for celebration. :)