Disciple Preparation Center

I started my first class on my Bachelor's degree this week! It's just an introductory class so I learn how to do the online thing but one of the first things we did was to read a talk by Elder Bednar. (He's a close second favorite, next to Pres. Eyring) He compares the church colleges to the MTC but calls it a Disciple Preparation Center and says our homes should become DPCs too.
MTCs have these characteristics 1. People stay there for relatively short times, 2. the nature of instruction is focused and intense, 3. There are distinctive requirements for demeanor and dress 4 most are located near a temple. A disciple is a follower who learns of and from our Saviour and lives according to his teachings. A preparation center is a place to be made ready to allow their influence to flow out to the world. What a perfect description of what our homes should and can be. I went to Amy and Aaron's ward last sunday and he talked about what we can do to become stronger disciples of Christ. He talked about the health challenge that Amy sent us and changed it to be a spiritual challenge. The things he challenge us to do are.

1. Read scriptures daily (set a personal goal about how long)
2. Keep the commandments (pick one that you need to improve)
3. Take time each day to ponder.
4. Provide service every day.
5. No gossiping, back biting, evil speaking (My friend Linda Alderman's test is: Is it Kind? Is is True? Is it necessary?)
6. Meaningful personal prayer twice a day (or family prayer if that is what you need to practice)
7. Go to the temple at least once a month (for those who are close it could be more than that)
8. One on one family time (weekly date with wife and one on one time with kids)

Anyone want to join me in this spiritual challenge? I will prepare a record chart to track progress and we will go to the Oquirrh Mtn temple open house at the end.