FAMILY DINNER CHALLENGE
IT HAS BEEN ASKED “WHAT IS…
… more powerful than a V8 engine?
… more memorable than a vacation?
… more nourishing than a book?
… more life-changing than a camping trip?
… more meaningful than General Conference?
… way more influential than a teacher?
… can change generations?
And the correct answer is…
THE FAMILY DINNER TABLE and THE MIRACLE that takes place when family members frequently assemble around the table.
UNSEEN FORCES
I would say, gatherings around the table together are SACRED times. Wonderful things begin to happen when families come together at a meal. Perhaps this may be the very reason why so many families find it difficult to gather together. What if there were unseen forces fighting hard to rip the table experience away from the family fabric?
For over a year we have been encouraging families to bring their family BACK to the table for food, family, and faith! Having a meal as a family has become more challenging than ever before for the modern family. We know families struggle with this unseen force. Families’ lives are filled with distractions, sports, chauffeuring children to and fro, and exhaustion as working parents. Memorable dinner conversations now have turned into Charlie Brown sounds with “Whaw, Whaw, Whaws”.
Never fear we are here to get you all to the table –EATING TOGETHER! Our challenge is simple-to encourage families to plan ONE family dinner together each week for the next 6 weeks! We will be sharing ideas and encouragement weekly for those that are looking for ways to revolutionize their homes through this challenge.
CHALLENGES
STEP 1: Take a look at your schedule this week find one night that you know that everyone can be together for dinner and stay at the table for at least 45 minutes. Mark that date on the calendar! If you are a pro at one night, up it to 2 or more!
STEP 2: Pick something easy to prepare that everyone will eat. Remember to set the table with all the silverware and even that table cloth (or table runner).
STEP 3: Plan some conversation starters. Ask them what they are learning spiritually, bring a current event to discuss, or read scriptures at the table.
STEP 4: Call everyone to the table! And give it a go!
STEP 5: During the 6 weeks invite one family to come and join you in your new family tradition.
That is it!
Share your experiences with us. You can even post a picture of your family eating together in our Facebook group!
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Julie
Julie Smith is the Education Director for the Joseph Smith Foundation. She is the former owner of the Glenn J. Kimber Academy in Lehi, Utah. Julie served as a regional trainer—establishing 18 schools in Arizona, Idaho, and Utah. She is a certified teacher for The Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Restoration (TJC) and taught the Making of America seminars written by W. Cleon Skousen and Glenn J. Kimber. Some of her children also traveled across the nation, assisting in teaching during these seminars. Julie taught history and Book of Mormon classes for 10 years. Julie is the mother of 5 children and grandmother to 7. She homeschooled for over 27 years, working through family challenges including pornography addiction, testimony faith crises, and teenage rebellion. She writes and teaches on strengthening the family, working with troubled youth, practically applying the teachings of scripture and the Prophet Joseph Smith, and celebrating higher standards. In her spare time, Julie also enjoys gardening, managing her .5-acre homestead, and hosting Sunday dinners with her family! Her home is a revolving door of guests and friends as her family hosts cultural celebrations and teaching events.
