If there's one word my kids at home hear more than almost any other, it's the word "respect." I often remind them to be respectful of their teachers or their classmates, and sometimes they even need to be reminded to respect themselves. I'm not sure when respect became such an important thing to me, but it really, really is something that I value and that I hope my kids will also learn to value. You see, I firmly believe that all good characteristics and habits are born of respect. If we respect others, we will love them. If we have respect for ourselves, we will make good choices. If we respect our Father in Heaven and our Savior, we will show reverence for those things and places that are sacred to Them.
The theme for Primary this month has been, "Reverence is Love and Respect for God." When I started preparing for this month and noticed the theme, I was thrilled! As a presidency, we were excited to teach of the important role that respect plays, not only at church on Sundays, but in our daily lives. We learned to be reverent at church and at home, with our family AND with our friends. We were taught of the importance of being reverent during the Sacrament. Shelby explained in a talk that being reverent during this sacred ordinance not only shows respect for our Savior, but also for those around us who are trying to be reverent. I was able to explain the reason that I wanted all of the primary children to dress in their Sunday best for our Saturday program practice last month. The chapel is the most sacred place in our church buildings because of the ordinance performed there, and it shows respect for us to be dress appropriately when inside it. We also learned about showing respect toward the other parts of the church building, the Temple, our homes and at school. Finally, yesterday, we learned that Reverence for God helps us respect and love others. What a fun time we had singing songs about respecting ALL of God's children, while the primary kids took turns learning how to lead the music.
I'm grateful for the opportunity that I have to work with these fantastic children who have been extraordinary examples of respect and reverence. I am also grateful for the inspired lesson plans that we have been given to teach from.
Next month's theme will be, "The Scriptures Teach Me about the Savior's Birth and Second Coming."
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Prayers and Puppets
Our theme this month is, "Prayer is Reverent Communication between God and Me."
This past Sunday, we heard a wonderful talk from Sam Schaaf, who recounted the story of the First Vision. He read to us from Joseph Smith History and reminded us of the importance of praying in faith. Thank you, Sam, for the great reminder!
Sharing time was the perfect blend of fun and reverence, thanks to some inspiration from our neighbor friend, Tracey Critchley, who graciously loaned her collection of puppets and puppet theater to the primary children. The kids were divided into four groups, and each group received a topic from which they prepared a short play to present to the rest of the primary. The amount of effort that the children and their teachers put into their presentations was incredible! They varied from a story taken from The Friend magazine to a modern-day rendition of Little Red Riding Hood praying for protection as she ventured through the woods. As a presidency, we were very pleased with the spirit that these short presentations brought to sharing time. We will always be grateful to Tracey for listening to the promptings that she felt and lending the Primary her beloved collection. Thanks, Tracey!
This past Sunday, we heard a wonderful talk from Sam Schaaf, who recounted the story of the First Vision. He read to us from Joseph Smith History and reminded us of the importance of praying in faith. Thank you, Sam, for the great reminder!
Sharing time was the perfect blend of fun and reverence, thanks to some inspiration from our neighbor friend, Tracey Critchley, who graciously loaned her collection of puppets and puppet theater to the primary children. The kids were divided into four groups, and each group received a topic from which they prepared a short play to present to the rest of the primary. The amount of effort that the children and their teachers put into their presentations was incredible! They varied from a story taken from The Friend magazine to a modern-day rendition of Little Red Riding Hood praying for protection as she ventured through the woods. As a presidency, we were very pleased with the spirit that these short presentations brought to sharing time. We will always be grateful to Tracey for listening to the promptings that she felt and lending the Primary her beloved collection. Thanks, Tracey!
Ghosts & Goblins (and Spiderman, too)
Thanks so much to the Young Men and Young Women for putting on a fantastic Halloween Party for the Primary kids. It was great fun to see so many of our neighborhood friends join us! It was also Sister Olney's first activity as a Primary Worker, and she was so happy to be there. Thanks again to the YM/YW and their leaders.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
I Know the Scriptures are True
What an amazing spirit we had about us in Sacrament Meeting this past Sunday. The kids were all very comfortable with their speaking parts and did an incredible job singing. We may be few in numbers, but we are mighty in spirit.
The primary theme this year - I Know the Scriptures are True - is one that is very close to my heart. As it says in 2 Nephi 4:15, "...my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them." We have learned this year that the scriptures are the word of God and they they teach of Heavenly Father's plan for us. We learned that Heavenly Father speaks to us through his prophets, and the the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. We learned how the first principles and ordinances of the gospel make it possible for us to live with God again and that Jesus Christ is our savior and redeemer. We also learned that not only is the temple the House of God, but that our bodies are temples and need to be treated as such. We have learned about missionary work and prayer and reverence and respect.
Through both sharing time and singing time, your children - our children of the primary - are building testimonies of their own. Inspired leaders have given us, as leaders and teachers, the tools to help these little testimonies grow. It is my prayer that through our righteous examples, each of these children will be able to say, along with me, "I know the scriptures are true."
The primary theme this year - I Know the Scriptures are True - is one that is very close to my heart. As it says in 2 Nephi 4:15, "...my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them." We have learned this year that the scriptures are the word of God and they they teach of Heavenly Father's plan for us. We learned that Heavenly Father speaks to us through his prophets, and the the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. We learned how the first principles and ordinances of the gospel make it possible for us to live with God again and that Jesus Christ is our savior and redeemer. We also learned that not only is the temple the House of God, but that our bodies are temples and need to be treated as such. We have learned about missionary work and prayer and reverence and respect.
Through both sharing time and singing time, your children - our children of the primary - are building testimonies of their own. Inspired leaders have given us, as leaders and teachers, the tools to help these little testimonies grow. It is my prayer that through our righteous examples, each of these children will be able to say, along with me, "I know the scriptures are true."
Oh, How Time Flies!
I can't believe that it's been so long since I've posted any updates. I promise to do better in the future! Here are some random photos from this spring and summer that I meant to post before time got away from me. I so love all the children of our neighborhood! Just look at their happy faces.
Activity Days Treasure Hunt
The Wellsville Mile
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Activity Days - Mother/Daughter Fashion Show
Sister Olsen and Sister Johnson put together a fabulous Mother/Daughter Activity this past Tuesday. There were nine girls that attended, along with their mothers. It was so fun to have Rebecca Critchley and her mom, Tracey with us, along with Anja Majumdar and her mother-for-the-night, Marnie Spencer. The evening really started off with a bang, thanks to Sister Olsen's (borrowed) fondue pot!! When that excitement died down a little bit, we moved into the living room for a fun mother/daughter game.
Moms and daughters took turns answering questions about each other. It was a great way to be reminded about things like favorite colors and date nights and school subjects. In the end, Riley Dalton showed that she and her mom knew the most about each other. Great job!
The hit of the night, though, was the surprise fashion show. The mothers and daughters got to dance through the Johnson's living room, dressed in the clothes that they had chosen for each other. There were some pretty silly outfits and lots and lots of laughter!
What a fun, fun time. Thanks Sisters Olsen and Johnson for making it possible!! We love you!
Moms and daughters took turns answering questions about each other. It was a great way to be reminded about things like favorite colors and date nights and school subjects. In the end, Riley Dalton showed that she and her mom knew the most about each other. Great job!
The hit of the night, though, was the surprise fashion show. The mothers and daughters got to dance through the Johnson's living room, dressed in the clothes that they had chosen for each other. There were some pretty silly outfits and lots and lots of laughter!
What a fun, fun time. Thanks Sisters Olsen and Johnson for making it possible!! We love you!
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| Mmmmmmm......fondue!! |
Sunday, April 24, 2011
He Lives
Easter is always an uplifting, spiritual and reverent day. Thoughts of the sacrifice made by our Savior fill my mind and touch my heart most every day, but especially on this, the day of celebration and remembrance.
I feel most blessed today to have been able to begin my Easter Sunday with the children of the primary. Nowhere else can one feel the spirit with such purity. As Sister Ditton and Sister Mills led singing time and Sister Johnson did Sharing time, the children periodically volunteered bits of knowledge: 'Jesus taught the apostles to Love One Another during their last dinner together', 'Jesus was on the cross for 9 hours', and my personal favorite, Landon's analysis of the peoples' choice to free Barabus instead of Jesus. Each child listened intently to the teachings of these amazing women.
I want to add my testimony to theirs. I, too, know that Jesus suffered and died for each of us. I know that it was his choice to take upon himself the sins of the world, and I know that he loves each of those primary children more than could ever be put into words. I also know one other thing...that He lives. Because of this we will also be resurrected, and for that I am eternally grateful. I bear this testimony in His name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.
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