If I Listen with My Heart LDS Primary Song Helps

Image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Lel4nd Jan. 2010

* Have ear muffs with hearts on the ear part. (You can make these easily with a regular pair and paper and tape) Invite children who are singing nicely to come to front, wear the ear muffs and lead the next verse of the song. Yes, children can lead songs!!

* Have heart stickers and put them on the inside of the children's palms. When you sing the chorus have them put their sticker by their ear like they are listening.

* Invite one child to the front to be blindfolded. We're going to focus on listening! Silently choose 5-10 volunteers to stand and sing a verse of the song. Then have them sit and see if the primary friend blindfolded could name a person who had sang the verse. Sometimes listening is tricky, sometimes easy- when it comes to Heavenly Father though, we should always listen with our heart!

* What does it mean to listen with our heart? Have a very silly picture of a heart with giant ears and legs on it. As the children learn the words to the song, take off the silly parts and turn the heart over to reveal a picture of Jesus with a smiling child. When we listen with our hearts, we are feeling the spirit. Feelings of happiness and warmth!

* Sometimes all people can do is listen with their heart. Some people don't have the ability to hear with their ears and are deaf. Think about possibly learning a verse of the song in sign language and singing in sign language for someone who can't hear.

January 2011 LDS Primary Sharing Helps and Ideas

GAK 617

Monthly Theme: The Scriptures Are the Word of God

Monthly Scripture: "Feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 2 Nephi 32:3

Week 1 The scriptures are the word of God.

* Mystery Scriptures! Have a large box with a question mark you can hide a book of scripture under. Have clues for which book is under the box. Invite children up to read a clue or hold a picture clues. Read all the clues before they can guess!!

For Example: (Hide a bible under the box) Clue #1 This book of scripture is the word of God.

Clue #2 This book of scripture takes place many years ago.

Clue #3 This book of scripture is divided into 2 parts, NEW and OLD.

Clue # 3 The first 3 books in this book of scripture is Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus.

Clue #4 Jesus is often referred to as Jehovah in this book of scripture.

Have children come up and hide a book and make up their own clues too!

* Have 5 different stations in the room. One for the Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price, and Ensign. Have a piece of posterboard at each station as well as pictures and an adult to guide the conversation (and of course the actual book of scripture). Divide into small groups. Have the children brainstorm as much as they know about each book of scripture and write on the poster board at each station!! Rotate quickly, about 3 minutes at each station.

Why do we include the Ensign? When holy men of God write or speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, their words “shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation” D&C 68:4

* Have the children say the 8th article of faith. Have 1/2 of the room stand on the word "Bible" and the other half on "Book of Mormon". If they have their scriptures they can hold them up in the air too! Repeat a couple times, have boys stand on "Bible" and girls on "Book of Mormon". Have children with brown hair stand on "Bible" and children with all other color hair stand on "Book of Mormon" etc.

* Hold up a sword and the scriptures. How are they different? Which one is more powerful and why?

Alma 31:5 "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."

Sing Scripture Power!!!

Week 2 We are to feast upon the words of Christ.

* This is one of my favorite FHE's that can easily be adapted to sharing time. Click HERE for it. It's especially rememberable when you start off by asking what feasting on the word is... do we actually rip out pages and eat them from the Bible? When we read the scriptures it feeds our soul!!

* Have the children decorate their own scripture reading chart.

* FEED FRED. Have a box with a picture of a boys face. Have the mouth with an opening into the box, so a child can put their hand in it to feed him. Have tons of pictures of different fruits, veggies, meat, etc. On the back have questions, songs and scriptures having to do with "feasting on the words of God". Let the children come up and pick the food, do what it says then feed it to Fred!! We're helping his body grow by giving it food and we're also helping his spirit grow as we talk about the Word of God.
For example, some things on the pictures of food could include:
How often should we study our scriptures?
Who can we study our scriptures with?
What is your favorite story from the scriptures that has nourished your soul?
How do you feel after you read your scriptures?
Please read 2 Nephi 9:51
Please read Jacob 3:2
(You can also use the topical guide to look up FILL)

* Just as we nourish our bodies, we must nourish our spirits!!! Invite the children up to build a sandwhich for the Bishop. Have REAL bread, turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. For them to come up and help make the sandwhich they have to answer questions about different scripture stories and from what book of scripture they come from. The more we read our scriptures the more we feast for our spirits!!

Week 3 The words of Christ will tell us all things we should do.

* HERE is scripture study Sam. He's great. He uses the scriptures in case scenarios to decide what to do! You could have children come up and act out a scenario, then the primary looks up the scripture and everyone helps to decide what to do! (From Karen Ashton, "Sharing Time: The Words of Christ", Friend, Mar. 1996, 46)

* Matt. 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

Have a list of 10-15 scriptures that tell us something we need to do. Give the children a paper with an outline of a house. Let them choose a scripture, then draw a picture to illustrate what that scripture says we should do. Challenge older children to find their own scripture not on the list that says what we should do.

Send the children home with small rocks and a note that says, "The words of Christ will tell us all we should do. And when we do, we're like the wise man who built his home upon the rock!"

* Play charades!! Find simple scriptures the children can act out and have others guess, then read that scripture!

* Bring in cookies where you didn't do as the instructions said. Ask for a volunteer to taste. If we don't do as the words of a recipe says it turns out babester. Yes, you heard me right. I'm a child of the 90's, babester! Hence, the words of Christ tell us all things we should do and if we don't we'll end up like an unfabulous cookie!!!

* Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
 Have a path through the room. Turn off a few lights, don't make it too dark!! (And of course if little children are scared, just leave the lights on and have everyone pretend it's dark) Invite children to come and walk along the path with a lantern. In order to walk a few steps on the path, they must answer questions, sing songs and read scriptures having to do with the words of Christ. See if as a Primary you can all work together to get to the end of the path!

We live in a world that is dark and full of sin, but the scriptures are a light and will lead us to the Savior!!

Week 4 I can know the scriptures are true.

* Invite a few members from the different auxillaries to briefly share HOW they know the scriptures are true. Ask them to share what they did to know or any personal experience that is brief. As in 2 minutes brief. Have the children point to all the adults. Are they the only ones in the room who can know the scriptures are true? Have the children point to who can know the scriptures are true. EVERYONE!!!

"What a glorious blessing! For when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets. He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit." Holy Scriptures:The Power of God unto Our Salvation Robert D. Hales October 2006 General Conference

* Have the children act out the story of Nephi getting the brass plates. Why would Nephi risk his life? 1.Because God commanded him to and 2. Because the scriptures are important!!!

1 Nephi 5:21 "And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children."

* Ask the children to share experiences of things that have been too hard for them to do. Does reading the scriptures sometimes seem hard? What about knowing they are true? Sometimes things seem impossible... but the scriptures tell us over and over again the opposite.
Mark 10:27
Matt. 19:26
Mark 9:23
Mark 14:36
All things are possible with God!!! We can know the scriptures are true!

* Have 5 fascinating facts. Have the children give a thumbs up if the fact is true or a thumbs down if what you say is false. How do we know if something is right or wrong?

Moroni 7:15-16 "For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God"

Divide into pairs and have them come up with a true or false statement about a scripture story. Have them share with the primary and do thumbs up or down....

Challenge the children to go home and see if when they read the scriptures, do the scriptures invite them to do good? Pass out simple invitations with the children to write down at home what the scriptures invite them to do.

2011 Primary Bulletin Board Ideas

Let me first preface this post with a motto I would have tattooed on my bicep/arm flab if tattoos weren't breaking commandment, if I didn't think tattoos were fabulously not fun and really... why am I talking. I would never have this tattooed on me, but it is a motto I live by when it comes to church- BAN THE FLUFF.

I like simple. I like effective. I like spending time with my hot husband even though his dreds smell rather than fretting over stuff that really doesn't make much difference. Which brings me to bulletin boards. Am I saying they are fluffy and not important? Absolutely not. Bulletin boards can definitely add to the spirit of the room. However, they can detract from a lesson the attention of a child if they are over the top. Find the balance. Don't stress over it, as with anything in life. A bulletin board doesn't make you or break you in your calling.

I like boards where there are spots to change the monthly theme and scripture. Some boards you can use to display reverence reminders. If you're stuck, pray over it.

* Have a large drawing of a jar you can add paper hearts to. Write down the childrens' favorite scriptures or scripture heroes on the hearts as well as their names. Have the Primary yearly theme and scripture posted above and below the jar "For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them." 2 Nephi 4:15

* Alma 32:33 "And now behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and it sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good."

Have a really large flower with this scripture. Or as time goes, you can start with a seed, then add a stem, then leaves, etc and by the end of the year have a flower.

* Have a really large iron rod. Take a picture of the primary that you can gradually move along the rod as the year goes on. Only move the picture though if the primary children are reading their scriptures!! At the end of course you can have a picture of the Savior.

The Iron Rod is "the word of God, and whoso would hearken to unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it they would never perish." 1 Nephi 15:24

* Let the Primary Chorister use it for songs!!

* Have large pictures of the different books of scripture. Have a Bible, a Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, JS History, Ensign. Space them around Moroni 10:4-5. You could even have a few GAK pictures having to do with the different books to help them identify what goes where.

* Have a large map with different pictures of the Book of Mormon in different languages by the places where that language is spoken. "The time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people." Mosiah 3:20

You could also have pen pals with different primaries throughout the world and share testimonies of what the children have learned about the scriptures throughout the year.

* When holy men of God write or speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, their words “shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation” (D&C 68:4).

In October or April you could have this quote and all the pictures of the current apostles and first presidency. You could also have a challenge for the children to learn all their names!!

* John 5:39 "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" Have a large magnifying glass with this scripture. On the other side of the board you could have the word "Findings!!" Throughout the year you can put up words the children have said they have found to be true in the scriptures.

* John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Again, have pictures of the different scripture books and then a picture of the Savior in the middle.

* Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Divide the board into 2 sections. On one half have a bunch of different pictures of different ancient prophets. On the other side have all the pictures of the children in primary with the words "They wrote the scriptures for us!!!" and then the scripture on the bottom.

Hope these can help! I'd love to post pictures of anyone who wants to share!!

Prepare Yourself: Best Merry Christmas EVER

This is my sweet lil' Maria. She's 3.

I feel like there is no better way for me to wish you a Merry Christmas than to share this fantastically awesome home video with you. I hope your holiday season is filled with the love of Christ and the joy of the knowledge that we are so blessed to have. Thanks for reading this blog. I hope it can help you. God bless you always!!! Merry Merry Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

Success and Failure

Have I ever mentioned that Honest Abe is my favorite.

I mean really, he did it - He said, slavery is wrong, let's do this.

Let's end it and be a nation.

And yet, his courage and bravery and brilliance came in the face of much failure.

Our most successful president, faced defeat often. (Thank you google search)

•1831 - Lost his job

•1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature

•1833 - Failed in business

•1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)

•1835 - Sweetheart died

•1836 - Had nervous breakdown

•1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker

•1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress

•1846 - Elected to Congress (success)

•1848 - Lost re-nomination

•1849 - Rejected for land officer position

•1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate

•1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President

•1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate

•1860 - Elected President (success)

And why would I bring this up. Especially right before Christmas, thank you happy happy joy joy. It's because on Sunday, I bit it hard. I had one of the worst sharing times ever.

Pause and rewind 8 years. BYU, I'm student teaching at a title one school with the urban education cohort.

Wait. I promise I'm not quite at dementia yet, rewind 20ish years ago when I'm in 6th grade. I have a reading buddy, Mary who is in 1st grade. She can't read. And yet with our time spent together she learns. Granted, was I the one who taught her, no. But I felt like I had. It was my first inkling that my purpose in life was to teach. I loved her joy as she learned a new word or could sound out a difficult word. It was so crystal clear to me, even then that teaching children would be for me.

OK. Back to the cougars. I'm student teaching and I have a boy who is bipolar, ADD, and prone to violence. And he disliked me. A couple lessons were rough and I always ended up in tears when I got home. It got to me and I vowed I would never have bad lessons again. I worked through it and ended up confident that one day I'd be a good teacher.

Fast forward to last Sunday. Chaos. 10 nursery kids coming in to see what primary is like, 1 eating the microphone on the pulpit. At least 3 children scattered throughout the room crying. 30 others were completely done with sitting. I have exactly 7 minutes to teach about the 2nd coming. We're doing pictures so children are in and out through the door.

Did I not pray? Did I not spend time preparing? What did I do wrong?

I tried to do too much with too little time. I tried to get too many children up and out of their seats. I was talking over the children/adults talking (who were only talking because they were trying to calm children) and trying to move on without everyone's attention. I was forgetting names.

BUT I'M OK WITH IT.

I feel so peaceful about it, is that weird and strange?

I know I can do better, I know I can learn from my mistakes, I know I am far from perfect and most importantly... I know God loves me.

I've learned it's OK to laugh at yourself everyone once and awhile.

President Monson of course says it much better, "Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to competence, from failure to achievement. Our task is to become our best selves. One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final." (Thomas S. Monson, "Never Give Up", New Era, Sept. 1994)

Now is it OK to cry. Of course! Failure can be so annoying and frustrating!!!! Our prophet continues on and says, "We are success-oriented, striving to become “wonder women” and “super men.” Any hint of failure can cause panic, even despair."

But you know what, at least we're trying. At least we're there and doing our calling to the best of our ability.

"U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena” (The American Treasury: 1455–1955, ed. Clifton Fadiman, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1955, p. 689). Unfortunately, too often we're our own worst critic.

The beautiful talk is ended with " Each of us is a runner in the race of life. Comforting is the fact that there are many runners. Reassuring is the knowledge that our eternal Scorekeeper is understanding. Challenging is the truth that each must run. But you and I do not run alone. That vast audience of family, friends, and leaders will cheer our courage, will applaud our determination as we rise from our stumblings and pursue our goal. Let us shed any thought of failure. Let us discard any habit that may hinder. Let us seek; let us obtain the prize prepared for all, even exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God."

So this post is for me and all my fellow sisters who have failed miserably. I'm cheering for us. We can do it, because God will help us! Next week will be awesome! Next week will be fabulouso!!!

We may not end up Presidents of a great nation, or freeing a noble people... but we are important. We are the instruments in the Lord's hands. We are His children who will help gather and usher in His glorious reign on earth. Life is good. Keep on truckin.

Week 3-Jesus Christ will return to the earth someday. LDS Primary Sharing Time Reader's Theater

Sun over Earth image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by NASA'S Marshall Flight Space Center Oct. 2003

Copyright: You may use this for private non-commercial purposes. If you try to sell this or say you wrote it, when I hit the lotto miraculously (seeing as I don't buy tickets) I will not take you to enjoy poy and pineapple turnovers in Hawaii. And they are the bomb. Yes. I said the bomb. Because there is more to the 90's than just Seattle Grunge. There has to be. There. Has. To. Be.

Tips for a successful reader's theater experience:

1. PRAY. PRAY every single day and ask for the Holy Ghost to be present.

2. Know your readers. A good rule of thumb is most children under 7 aren't fluent readers. Choose who you give certain parts to carefully!!! Readers come to the front of the Primary to read and simply act out the script.

3. ADAPT FOR JR. PRIMARY!!!! I would give little strips of paper to each child of what I wanted them to read. I would have a script for myself of course and be the narrator/director. I would have all characters sit in their chairs except for the one's needed at the moment and then switch out.

4. Make it a fun and positive experience. Don't go overboard and keep things simple, especially costumes!!! Use your manners and thank children for their help.

5. Involve as many children possible!!!

6. End with YOUR TESTIMONY. If there is time ask the children to share what they liked about the activity or what they've learned or to compliment someone they liked in the reader's theater.

When Will He Come Again?
A Reader's Theater

by Sofia Lykes

Speaking Parts
Peter                   Friend #1, 2, 3
Angel                  Samuel the Lamanite
Clock                 Calendar
D&C
Nephi

Non-Speaking Parts
3 Apostles

** Italicized words ARE NOT TO BE READ. They are directions to do. Also, the pianist can reverently play I wonder when He comes again as actors move from their seats to the front.

Simple costumes :White sheets for the friends and angel, paper headbands with a picture of a D&C, clock and calendar, etc. You can always have bushes too!! Children make great bushes by holding leaves!! Also other children who can't read can hold up pictures of things being talked about like Nephi, Samuel the Lamanite, a picture of the Savior coming again....

Peter: (to apostles) That was amazing! It has been 40 days since Jesus was resurrected and here we are on the Mount of Olives being taught by Him. Him who once was dead and is alive again!!! And now He must leave us.

(Apostles and Peter look up into the sky and an angel comes)

Angel: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go” Acts 1:11

Clock: Hi. I'm a clock. I know about the time Peter and the apostles saw the resurrected Lord return to heaven... Because I'm a clock and I know my time. I can tell you lots of other times too where we learn Jesus Christ will return to the earth someday. Meet my friend Doctrine and Covenants.

D&C: Hello. Yes, you may think books of scripture can't talk, but you'd be absolutely WRONG!

Nephi: I'm Nephi and I wrote down in the Book of Mormon "Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 2 Nephi 32:3

D&C: So as you can see, the scriptures do talk to us and tell us all things what we should do. Now, onward ever onward. Our friend the clock knows all about time. I was written a little over 100 years ago. I am not in the Book of Mormon or in the Bible because I'm my very own book. I talk a lot about the time that Jesus will come to earth again. One of my favorite scriptures talks about how when Jesus comes to earth again, He will cleanse the earth. Nephi, would you be a dear and help me read.

Nephi: Why of course my friend! D&C 101:25 "And also that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth."

D&C: We know when Noah lived, Heavenly Father cleansed the earth by water. The 2nd time around it will be by fire.

Clock: That sounds pretty scary.

Nephi: Oh no no no! You don't need to be scared! (gives clock a hug) I wrote down what Jesus told me. Turning to 1 Nephi 22:22 , "And the righteous need not fear." Pretty simple and very much true!

Clock: I better do my best to make good choices then! Another time having to do with Jesus returning to the earth is called the Millennium. Let's say it together... Millennium. It will be 1,000 years long and comes after Jesus has judged everyone.

(Friends are pretending to be a part of the Millennium)

Friend #1: I'm so happy!

Friend #2: I am too! The Millennium is so peaceful and everyone is working together under the reign of our glorious King Jesus!

Friend #3: I'm so grateful He has come to earth again to rule and reign in righteousness. But speaking of work, let's get back to the temple!

Friend #2: You're right, we've only got 1,000 years to make sure everyone who is supposed to be sealed is sealed!!

Friend #3: Families are forever thanks to the life and mercy of our Savior. This millennium is the best!! It's like Disneyland but only a gazillion billion trillion times better!!!

Clock: It's kind of a hard word to say, Millennium. Can you say it for me? (The Primary says, Millennium)
Thanks! Millennium! Another time I know about is the First Resurrection. It started with Jesus as the very first person resurrected and will continue when He comes again. Some other people besides Jesus have been resurrected. Samuel the Lamanite told us so.

Samuel: I "testify that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many..." (3 Nephi 23:9)

Calendar: Clock, there is so much to know about the time that Jesus will return to earth. I am a calendar and also know a lot about time, but for some reason, I can't find the date our Savior will come.

Clock: My dear calendar.... I don't know the exact time the Savior will come. No one does, except for Heavenly Father and Jesus!!

Calendar: (sigh) I was hoping to mark it down so I could be prepared. I guess I'll just have to read my scriptures and watch for the signs the prophets have spoken about.

Nephi: Yes, search my words!

Samuel: And my words too!

D&C: Don't forget me and all Joseph Smith has written down! Heavenly Father will give us signs to help us know when Jesus comes again!!

Clock: Smart idea!! We all should read our scriptures and do the same. I know I will try my best to live righteously so that when the earth is cleansed, the Millennium begins and the time finally comes when I can be resurrected... that I can fall down at the feet of Jesus and say thank you. I know my Savior lives and that He will come again!!

All: We know that Jesus Christ will return to the earth someday!!

Learn to Listen, Listen to Learn

Image courtesy Creative Commons License flickr.com by gari baldi/ thomas mues May 2004

The other day I was at a Pack Meeting and I was talking to a cub scout and all of a sudden another adult came over and I did a horrible thing. I stopped listening to the child and listened to the adult. Usually if 2 children do this, it's not a problem... I can listen to 2 talk at the same time and carry out multiple conversations.

Of course, at times I do have to hold up the "one moment finger".

And really, I should have done that to the adult.

I have no explanation for what I was thinking.

No clue.

I did immediately recognize what I did as wrong and apologized within 1 minute. But I could tell our conversation was done.

Until I brought up a "skinning squirrel" story that I happened to have up my sleeve for exact moments like this.

Bless you Ryan Hansen and all Boy Scouts with possible hyperactivity issues.

A smile returned, but oh if I had just done what I was supposed to.

To what I'm committed to.

Listening to children.

I, of course, can not put it as well as the apostles. Hello, I have to add in bits of squirrel skinning to get a point across. But Elder Russel M. Nelson has said,

"Parents and teachers, learn to listen, then listen to learn from children. A wise father once said, "I do a greater amount of good when I listen to my children than when I talk to them... The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard.

Children are naturally eager to share their experiences, which range from triumphs of delight to trials of distress. Are we as eager to listen? If they try to express their anguish, is it possible to listen openly without going into a state of shock ourselves? Can we listen without interrupting and without making snap judgements that slam shut the door of dialogue?

Wise parents and teachers, listen to learn from children."
(From Perfection Pending and Other Favorite Discourses)

I have a Primary friend with ADD. Letting him draw star wars pictures really helps him relax and stay calm in Primary. But I've also found he likes to talk about them. Can it be a little distracting... you betcha. But I know that he needs a listening ear. He needs to educate me about Jango Fett? and I need to learn, because really I don't know a single thing about Star Wars. Barbie movies, covered. (Yes, I full on cried during Barbie Island Princess) Darth Maul, not so much.

I'm not doing the topic justice. So I'll just leave you with the profound words of the Savior Himself. Ponder this and understand what it truly means to listen,

"Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

Isaiah 65:24