Like Nephi of Old

Last week Carmen attended an Activity Days day camp where she got to try out archery for the first time. Ever since she has been begging for a bow and arrow of her very own! Yikes! She had searched online how to make your own and we found some fairly reasonable ones we could make. I just really didn't want to do it... but after much begging I had a stroke of inspiration. I'm sure if was the spirit speaking to me. It happened to be Monday and I told her that if she could prepare a Family Home Evening lesson that somehow involved a bow and arrow, then we would make some as our activity. She quickly asked about who stood on the wall and preached as arrows were shot at him. I reminded her of the story of Samuel the Lamenite, but sent her to her room to prepare. I had no idea what to expect! 

She came prepared with assignments and costumes. She read the story about when Nephi broke his bow and everyone complained, except for Nephi. She used the "Who's Your Hero" Scripture books. She taught a beautiful lesson about not complaining when we are asked to do something hard. It was such a surprise and such a fun time to act it out as a family.

 So as promised we made our own bows! At first I thought it was a bust because they weren't working, but we didn't give up like Lamen and Lemual often did, we finally figured it out and had a fun evening of shooting arrows in the yard.

 Once the bows were made and working properly, we decorated them with electrical tape.

 I hope that I can remind them in the future of this lesson. I'm sure they will complain again, but hopefully they'll be able to remember the night we made our own bows like Nephi of Old.