Sister Miller led our discussion using the April 2017 General Conference talk by Elder Valeri V. Cordon "The Language of the Gospel"
Learning a New Language-
The question was posed- What has helped you learn a new language?
*Practice
*Immersion
*Studying every day
*Relying on the spirit
*Reading the Book of Mormon in another language
*Try no matter what and don't give up
What has helped you retain the second language?
*You have to continually use it and speak it or you lose it
*Without continual practical experience, it doesn't stick.
Learning a new language is not easy, but worth it! We can liken learning a new language to learning and retaining the language of the gospel. How do you learn the language of the gospel?
Elder Cordon relates how he noticed when he moved with his family to the United States that many families lose their native language by the third generation. He does not want us to slowly lose the language of the gospel through the generations.
What do we need to do to retain the language of our Heavenly Father and the feelings and testimony we had when we came to the gospel?
Elder Cordon suggests we start with the basics!
1. Be more diligent and concerned at home
2. Strong Modeling in the home
3. Traditions- Avoid traditions that pull you away from the gospel and focus on traditions that help you draw closer to Christ
What keeps us strong in the gospel everyday?
-Pray and read from the scriptures (even listen to them on audio if you are busy)
-Live the gospel daily
-Read the Book of Mormon every day
-Exercise an increase of love when dealing with your children and try to be a Christ-like example so the spirit can be stronger in your home
-Share the gospel with others continually
Elder Cordon reminds us to have family home evening regularly so that your children can have a foundation in the gospel and receive the teachings they need to build their testimony
"Powerful teaching is extremely important to preserve the gospel in our families, and it requires diligence and effort." -Elder Cordon
