The Key to Spiritual Protection by President Packer

This morning, right after family scripture (and sort of during), we touched on "The Key to Spiritual Protection" by President Boyd K. Packer.

We remembered that during the previous General Conference, President Packer told a harrowing tale about snakes who had invaded his back yard and were terrorizing the baby birds living in the nests in his trees.

This time around, President Packer answered the question and calmed the fears that probably many parents had after hearing that talk.  The question on our minds was "...Is there a safe place to raise children?"

His answer was a resounding yes.  "There is a safe place," he said, "It is in a gospel-centered home."  President Packer taught that our children's happiness, "and the happiness of future generations, depends upon living those standards established by the Savior and set forth in His scriptures."

Therefore, "The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection.  They contain the doctrine and the laws and ordinances that will bring each child of God to a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer."

He went on to counsel us, "Make scripture reading a part of your regular routine, and blessings will follow...If the language of the scriptures at first seems strange to you, keep reading.  Soon you will come to recognize the beauty and power found on those pages."

"Paul said, 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  You can test this promise for yourself."

To help us remember President Packer's teachings on this topic, we used the key printable found in Malina's FHE Lesson Unlock the Scriptures (posted previously on this blog) to make bookmarks (just like she did!)

Now I was just wondering about that last line, "You can test this promise for yourself," but I know that we are already seeing results of this "experiment."  One case in point: I was cleaning this morning and found a folded up piece of paper on the floor.  It was a note from Scarlett to Guy and it said, "Guy - I am sorry.  I did not know you would be sad. - Scarlett."

I have no idea what that note was about, but I do know that whatever transpired was influenced by the spirit brought into our home by family scripture study.

I love the words of the prophets more every day as we study them together.  I hope you do too!

Here are our General Conference Review Lessons for the October 2013 Conference so far:

The Stronger the Wind, The Stronger the Trees - President Monson

Angels to Watch over Us - President Eyring

Come, Join With Us - President Uchtdorf

The Key to Spiritual Protection - President Packer

The Articles of Faith - Elder Perry

Like a Broken Vessel - Elder Holland

Trust in the Lord - Elder Ballard

No Other Gods - Elder Oaks

Beware of Bondage - Elder Cook

Decisions for Eternity  - Elder Nelson

Repentance: The Hope-filled Path - Elder Scott

The Moral Force of Women - Elder Christofferson

Windows, Priesthood & Tithing - Elder Bednar & Elder Andersen

"Oh, How We Need General Conference!" - Elder Hales