FHE: Black History Month

I love African American Heritage. It is a culture rich with perseverance, solid Christianity and hope.

I married a black man. He has dreadlocks. When we were first married, he had corn rows. His hair has changed more than I'd financially like to talk about.

My best friend has a rich chocolate skin color. She is Sri Lankan. In high school we were Ebony and Ivory. She's not a member but if my husband and I die we have a pack that she'll get baptized and raise my kids. There, it's in writing. Is it legal now?

My best friend from college is African American and has lighter skin than me. Her initials spell HAM and every night I'd sing Oh Holy Night to her as obnoxiously possible.

Some of the people I love most in life deal with things you and I could never possibly imagine. Has our country come a long way, you bet! However, the need for compassion and understanding is great.

Especially within the church.

Just the other week a member from a former stake presidency was making fun of my husband, and in essence really calling him a liar when he brought up a time he was unfairly pulled over. Am I bitter, no! Just irked because this happens more often than it should. He had 3 black kids in back, driving back through rural NV from Scout Camp!! The church member said, "I'm pulled over just as much as you are. Don't whine." It's simply not true. And my husband isn't a whiner. Racial profiling exists and it's wrong. My husband was called the N word by bishops on his mission in Texas. He was beat up in the church parking lot as a child by kids screaming "Get up Jamima." The list goes on and on, but my point is MORE COMPASSION!!! Why can't we just listen to each other and support each other? Why can't we say, Wow- you've been through a lot and I admire your strength and courage?

Now, praise the LORD!!! The scriptures have been revised online to take out some of the rather confusing nature of "curses" and "skins of blackness". God loves all His children. To see more click HERE.

In honor of Black History Month, here is a lesson from blacksinthescriptures.com that one could do with their family for FHE. Please pardon all my babbling. I just know how important it is to teach our families the importance of God loving all His children.

Purpose

1.To help class members understand that God is truly no respecter of person

2.To help class members understand and become prepared to teach truths regarding skin color

3.To help class members become more dependent upon continual in depth study of all scripture and reliant upon the spirit of the Lord to receive truth and help others

Note: This outline is designed to be a brief but significant introduction to the subject matter. For more thorough scriptural coverage, play segment 2 of the Blacks in the Scriptures DVD series.

Object Lesson 1

Ask for a volunteer (Caucasian) wearing a white shirt. Ask class members what color is the shirt. Ask them to now imagine a color scale with white on one end. Now ask what is on the other end. (Black) What color is in the middle of that scale? (Gray) Now ask the class what color is the volunteer’s face. They can’t say white, because there’s a stark difference between their face and the white shirt they’re wearing.

Now ask, if you were to gradually darken volunteer’s face, what color would it become? (Brown) Yes. We are all just different shades of brown. There are no actual black or white people. Those are terms of separation created by man and used to justify elevating ones self and to degrade his brother.

Now show the unity wristband and the different shades of brown and deliver its message. There are no black or white people. We are all simply various shades of brown. We are truly all one and are commanded to be of one heart, of one mind and to be one.

Alternative Object Lesson

Pass around several unity wristbands and ask class members to find the shade closest to their skin color and then pass it on to those sitting near them. Once they’ve all had a chance, explain to them that all of the colors in the wristband are in the “brown” color scale. This demonstrates that there are no black or white people, that we are all various shades of brown.

Scripture Discussion and Application

SKIN COLOR

•1 Samuel 16:7

Discuss how the Lord is teaching Samuel not to look on the outward appearance to judge one’s worthiness. And that the Lord does not see as man does, as He only looks upon the heart, but man judges by outward appearances. Ask - if the Lord is teaching the prophet Samuel not to look upon the outward appearances to judge worthiness, would it be in keeping with His own law if the Lord were to change someone’s skin color (Suggest Cain, Ham or Lamanites) encouraging man to focus on the outward appearance to judge one’s worthiness? Encourage each in attendance to think about this single gospel principal for themselves in relation to perceived skin color references in all of the standard works.

•Alma 55:4-8

Discuss how Moroni had to search among his people for a descendant of Laman because none of them stood out because of their skin color. This is much like not needing to conduct a search for African Americans in a Salt Lake City ward. There are so few and stand out so much so that searching would not be necessary. Discuss how Laman and the small number of Moroni’s men had to identify themselves as Lamanites because the Lamanites could not look at them and tell whether they were Nephites or Lamanites. Also, even in their presence, the scripture says “and they received them with joy” they could not tell that they were being deceived by Nephites posing as Lamanites.

•Jeremiah 8:21 & Jeremiah 14:2

Read, discuss and follow each footnote for the world “black” demonstrating that they refer to the spiritual state and not the literal color of skin (LDS edition of the standard King James Bible). Help class members to recognize that the footnoting of Hebrew Idiom reminds us that the Bible text is a translation from an ancient time and foreign language. That it was not given after the manner of our language, and that many times there is no direct translation from the original language. So it is critical to increase scripture study and prayer in order to come to clearer understanding. (See and read D&C 1:24)

•2 Nephi 5:21

Read and ask what is meant by “skin” in this passage? Depending on their answers, remind them of the law taught by the Lord to the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7. Read the following quote by Bruce R. McConkie given to CES instructors in August 1978, just two months after the revelation extending priesthood to all worthy males:

“Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world. We get our truth and light line upon line and precept upon precept (2 Ne. 28:30; Isa. 28:9-10; D&C 98:11-12; 128:21). We have now had added a flood of intelligence and light on this particular subject, and it erases all the darkness, all the views and all the thoughts of the past.

Explain that with the additional light and knowledge, we received a new edition of the LDS scriptures 3 years later in 1981, which helped to clarify all that was misunderstood, and if they’d follow each new footnote added, that they will find that there are no loose ends, that all have been accounted for.

Follow new footnote “d” on the word “skin” to 2 Nephi 30:6. As you or a volunteer read this passage aloud, encourage the class to ask themselves individually, “what does the Lord want me to understand about “skin” that He inspired a new footnote to be put on the word and directed me to this passage?

•2 Nephi 30:6

Read and point out that before the 1981 edition, the word “pure” was actually “white”. Then point out the new footnote on the word “scales” and follow it to the bottom of the page where it states clearly that “TG darkness spiritual, TG spiritual blindness”, indicating that the “skin” being spoken of is spiritual and not a literal, physical skin color, which is consistent with everything we’ve covered thus far.

•Jacob 3:8

Read and ask – What is taking place when we are brought before the throne of God? (Judgment) After receiving verbal response, ask if the Lord is going to judge us on our physical appearance? After receiving resounding “no’s”, explain that the skins being spoken of in this passage cannot be literal then, and must be spiritual. Read passage again. Explain that this is consistent with all that we’ve read thus far.

•3 Nephi 2:15

Read and ask class members what does “skin” mean in this passage? Ask them to follow the new footnote on the word “white”, where they will find 2 Nephi 5:21, 2 Nephi 30:6 and Jacob 3:8. Explain again that there are no loose ends. All that made us believe that the Lamanites actually had a darker physical skin than the Nephites, now all have new footnoting or word changes to help us to understand that the passages are actually referring to spiritual darkness or spiritual blindness.

Special note for instructors

It’s important to be spiritually sensitive to your audience when teaching this issue. There will most likely be at least a few who struggle as they attempt to reconcile this new light in the scriptures with all that has been taught on these issues prior. You’ll want to manage your time to leave at least 10-15 minutes for this segment of the class which is design to help adjust the unrealistic expectation for church leaders to be perfect. We have found that the following help to ease their anxiety:

The Lord knew that errors would be made and that leaders would even sin. And if its ok with the Lord, who are we to judge? Christ was the only perfect one to walk the earth and all others must use the blessings of the atonement to overcome our human frailties.

D&C 1:24-28 – "Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known; And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time."

One of the difficult struggles Joseph Smith had came from Saints who were so married to their traditions, that they could not fully embrace the marriage to the Lamb of God.

“I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions: they cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and receive their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, but few are chosen [see D&C 121:40].” Joseph Smith

Brigham Young had great concern about the members falling into blind obedience or failing to seek their own spiritual confirmation regarding the pronouncements of church leaders:

“What a pity it would be, if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken the influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not. This has been my exhortation continually.”Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 9, p. 150

Conclusion

Encourage each class member to study and pray about each of the passages of scripture covered today in order to receive what God would have them know and understand. Remind them of our sacred covenants to help edify those around us and to help share the joy of the gospel with others, and that as they seek the Lord to know these truths, He will fill their lamps with oil that they might light that pathway to the gospel for others. Let them know that there is a wealth of information on the Blacks in the Scriptures website that they can simply read to aid in their study.

Share your testimony of your own personal journey to understand these truths and the witness of the spirit that came to you.

February 2011 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

(Gospel Art Book)

Monthly Theme: The Scriptures Teach of Heavenly Father's Plan.

Monthly Scripture: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal llife of man” Moses 1:39

Week 1 Heavenly Father has a plan for me.

* HERE is an Ensign Article on how the Apostles suggest we teach our children about the plan of salvation. Definitely suggest you read it and pray over what they suggest to do!

* Divide into groups and use play dough to form different parts of the plan of salvation, then have everyone share.

* Have the children make their own "life map". It's great to set goals and visualize our future. They can illustrate what they would like to do in 10-20 years! Will they get married in the temple? Where will they serve a mission? What would they like to have as a job? Will life turn out exactly like we plan?
2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried...."

Recycled ideas from a  previous post:
* Have a small box of Lincoln logs. Invite a child to come up and build a house. Ask them questions like, why don’t you put the green roof sticks on the bottom? Why do you put long logs on the bottom and shorter ones on the side? How will you make room for windows? How long will it take you to finish? Thank the child and ask if anyone has ever built a real home or knows what goes into building a real home? Show a picture of a real house. Do they just stop by home depot with $100 and window shop for things that look good or do you think they make a list of supplies they need? When you build a real home do you need a plan? What is a plan? What is Heavenly Father’s plan for me?At the end of the lesson, come back to the idea that you are grateful Heavenly Father took the time to carefully think out each piece of our lives (hold up Lincoln logs). He didn’t throw us together and hope for the best, but He perfectly designed (hold up a picture of the real home) a plan that would bring us happiness.

* Invite a child to come up that can read. Have 6 strips of paper of things they need to do. For example brush teeth, do homework, help neighbor mow lawn, play a board game with my sister, put away dishes/finish chores, spend time with Fish the family dog. Ask them how they would plan their day and to put the paper in the order they would feel is best for the day. Why wouldn’t they help their neighbor mow the lawn at the end of the day when it’s dark? Why would they do homework before playing? Is it good to have a plan for your day, why? What about having a plan for life? What might that include? Hold up a diagram of the plan of salvation and ask, who’s plan do you think this could be?

At the end of the lesson, come back to the idea that we can make plans to help our day go smoother. Heavenly Father has created the ultimate plan that gives happiness to each day and we should follow it with all our hearts.

*Bring in a 3-D book and pair of 3-D glasses. Ask a child to come up and look at the book and tell them what they see. Now put on the glasses. Is that pretty cool?
President Eyring has said:
“You can think of the plan of salvation as a set of eyes (hold up the 3-D glasses) that allow you to see what the natural eye does not see” (Mission Presidents’ Seminar, June 2000, 2). Is it pretty exciting to know where we have come from, where we are going and what our purpose here on earth is? The plan of salvation helps us see life as the happy and wonderful thing it is!

On the same note, with a little variation: Bring in a pair of glasses. Have a child come up and put them on for 5 seconds. Can they see? Is it blurry? Is it clear?“Some of us at one time or another let the pressures of life or the false teachings of men cloud our vision, but when we see with clarity, the difference between the plan of God and that of Satan is unmistakable” (Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 1981, 11)

Week 2 Jesus Christ created the earth for me.

* If possible, go outside with the children and have them write down or draw all the things they see. Let them share with each other what they wrote/drew once you return inside. How do they feel knowing that Jesus created the earth for them?

* Invite 4 different return missionaries or members of the ward who have lived in different places to come to primary. Have them bring items from that place and let the children ask them any questions. The earth is huge, full of lots of different places and people. Have the children share about any places they've been with a partner and where on earth they'd like to visit someday.
Psalms 115:16 "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men."

* Have a bag of blocks. If you shake the bag of blocks will it turn into a tower? Many people believe that the earth just kind of shook a lot and was created. We know that doesn't make sense and isn't possible. Jesus created the earth for us because He loves us! Make a rollerbox of the creation. Click HERE to see how to make a roller box.

* Do a simple acting out of Moses 1. Remember, children shouldn't play Deity, but they can hold a picture while you quote what exactly the Lord says. Most children probably do not know this story!! While it can be a little scary thinking about Satan, we need to especially remember that God protected Moses - as verse 26 says, "And lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days". You can make large circle worlds for children to hold, because we know the earth isn't the only place Jesus created. Have a simple costume for Moses. Quote as much as possible from the scriptures as you tell the story!

Week 3 Families are central to Heavenly Father's plan.

* “We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” From The Proclamation
Have a "safe" "kid-friendly "dart board.Invite the children up to answer questions and read scriptures on the family. Then they can take a turn throwing a "safe" dart and see how close to the center they get on the dart board.

* Take a piece of chalk and some string and attach one end to a small stick and the other end to the chalk. (Like you're making a make-shift compass) Use the stick to make a strong center and pull the string tight and go around on the black board to make a nice even circle. Invite a child to come up and draw the same size circle but without the firm and steady center. What's the difference? What is the difference in life when we have strong families as opposed to nothing?

*President Henry B. Eyring, “The family unit is fundamental … to our hope for eternal life. We begin to practice in the family, the smaller unit, what will spread to the Church and to the society in which we live in this world, which will then be what we practice in families bound together forever by covenants and by faithfulness. We can start now to ‘promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family.’ I pray that we will. I pray that you will ask, ‘Father, how can I prepare?’ Tell him how much you want what he desires to give you. You will receive impressions, and if you act on them, I promise you the help of the powers of heaven” (“The Family,” Liahona, Oct. 1998, 23; Ensign, Feb. 1998, 18).

Have a tub of water and let a child drop in something. Watch the ripples. What we do in our families spreads, just like a ripple to the world as President Eyring talks about.

* Ask the children what the center core of the church is? To demonstrate, you can hold up an apple and ask if the church was an apple, what would be it's core?
"The center core of the Church is not the stake [center]; it is not the chapel. … The most sacred place on earth may not be the temple, necessarily. The chapel, the stake [center], and the temple are sacred as they contribute to the building of the most sacred institution in the Church—the home—and to the blessing of the most sacred relationships in the Church, the family” ( Elder Boyd K. Packer "That All May Be Edified” [1982], 234–35). (I HEART Boyd!!)

* Have the primary children do a simple dramatization of Adam and Eve and the first family. Have GAK 119 showing and you can even read the back if you need help coming up with the specifics of the story.

* HERE is an old Reader's Theatre on Nephi and His family.

Week 4 I will follow God's plan.

Here are a few recycled ideas from a previous post:
* Have a small box of Lincoln logs. Invite a child to come up and build a house. Ask them questions like, why don’t you put the green roof sticks on the bottom? Why do you put long logs on the bottom and shorter ones on the side? How will you make room for windows? How long will it take you to finish? Thank the child and ask if anyone has ever built a real home or knows what goes into building a real home? Show a picture of a real house. Do they just stop by home depot with $100 and window shop for things that look good or do you think they make a list of supplies they need? When you build a real home do you need a plan? What is a plan? What is Heavenly Father’s plan for me?At the end of the lesson, come back to the idea that you are grateful Heavenly Father took the time to carefully think out each piece of our lives (hold up Lincoln logs). He didn’t throw us together and hope for the best, but He perfectly designed (hold up a picture of the real home) a plan that would bring us happiness.

* Invite a child to come up that can read. Have 6 strips of paper of things they need to do. For example brush teeth, do homework, help neighbor mow lawn, play a board game with my sister, put away dishes/finish chores, spend time with Fish the family dog. Ask them how they would plan their day and to put the paper in the order they would feel is best for the day. Why wouldn’t they help their neighbor mow the lawn at the end of the day when it’s dark? Why would they do homework before playing? Is it good to have a plan for your day, why? What about having a plan for life? What might that include? Hold up a diagram of the plan of salvation and ask, who’s plan do you think this could be?

At the end of the lesson, come back to the idea that we can make plans to help our day go smoother. Heavenly Father has created the ultimate plan that gives happiness to each day and we should follow it with all our hearts.

*Bring in a 3-D book and pair of 3-D glasses. Ask a child to come up and look at the book and tell them what they see. Now put on the glasses. Is that pretty cool?

President Eyring has said: “You can think of the plan of salvation as a set of eyes (hold up the 3-D glasses) that allow you to see what the natural eye does not see” (Mission Presidents’ Seminar, June 2000, 2). Is it pretty exciting to know where we have come from, where we are going and what our purpose here on earth is? The plan of salvation helps us see life as the happy and wonderful thing it is!

On the same note, with a little variation: Bring in a pair of glasses. Have a child come up and put them on for 5 seconds. Can they see? Is it blurry? Is it clear?“Some of us at one time or another let the pressures of life or the false teachings of men cloud our vision, but when we see with clarity, the difference between the plan of God and that of Satan is unmistakable” (Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 1981, 11)

A couple new ideas:
* Write on the board the following words, Maybe, We'll see, I don't know, I guess, Uh- I'm really not sure if I want to. These are all words that are weak. Have the children come up to the board, erase a weak word and replace it with a strong word or phrase. Yes! I will! Of course!!
When it comes to following God's plan should we use weak words or strong words?

* Have a map to find something special in the primary room... was the map important?

"Not all will follow the map [Heavenly Father has given us]. They may look at it. They may think it is reasonable, perhaps even true. But they do not follow the divine directions. Many believe that any road will take them to a 'happily ever after.' Some may even become angry when others who know the way try to help and tell them. They suppose that such advice is outdated, irrelevant, out of touch with modern life. Sisters, they suppose wrong." Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Your Happily Ever After," Ensign, May 2010, 127

I Will Follow God's Plan For Me LDS Primary Song Helps

(From Margaret Lifferth, "Sharing Time: The Plan of Happiness", Friend, Jan. 2005, 14)

* To review this song, have the different sections of the plan of salvation cut out. Click HERE for the sections pictured above. Invite a child to come to the front and arrange in the right order- and see if they can do so before the end of the song. For older children, make this more complicated by having them arrange on a table only using their chin or elbow.

* This song almost has a march sound to it. Invite a child who has been singing extra boldly to hold a picture of the plan of salvation. Have that child choose 3 primary friends who have also been singing super. They will "follow"(the 3 friends) "God's plan" (the child holding the plan of salvation), marching around the room during the chorus.

* Have pictures of the children to hold up of themselves on the words, "I" "My" and "Me". This song isn't about telling others what to do, it's about what I WILL DO!! You can also review by having everyone sitting and then holding up their picture- when you do so up front, they need to stand up by their seat and march reverently in place and start singing, so basically it will start off soft with one or two children, then add up to the whole primary singing boldly. If it isn't feasible to have pictures of the children they can sure point to themselves on those words!! Or draw an I in the air (line down and dot it!) on that word!!

* Have different objects to represent lines of the song hidden throughout the room. You have to sing that line over and over again until the object is found!! Rotate different children to find the objects while singing... but if that child who is looking stops singing, then another person gets to come up!!
For example:
My life is a gift, my life has a plan, my life has a purpose in heaven it began
- a small wrapped gift
My choice was to come to this lovely home on earth, and seek for God's light to direct me from birth
- flashlight with picture of Christ taped to it
I will follow God's plan for me, holding fast to His word and His love
- scriptures
I will work, I will pray, I will always walk in His way
- pair of shoes
Then I will be happy on earth, and in my home above
- small globe

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

Primary Quarterly Activities: Still Confused?

Here's what I did. I talked to my Stake Primary President

who had counseled with our Stake President.

Bam.

Done.

End of Question.

If you have questions you can talk to your leaders. If your PRIESTHOOD leaders are confused they can call Primary Church headquarters.

Office of the Primary General Presidency

76 North Main Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84150-6030

Direct Number: (801) 240-2391

Toll Free (takes you to an operator): (800) 453-3860

e-mail: primary@ldschurch.org

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If your PRIESTHOOD LEADER is confused, THEY can call. If they got 10 million calls, I'm sure it'd be wasting a bit of time and also when we have questions we need to go to our leaders!!!!

December 2010 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Song of the Angels by William Bouquereau 1881 Oil on Canvas

Monthly Theme: I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Monthly Scripture: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is  the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That He lives!" D&C 76:22

Week 1 Jesus Christ came to earth as promised by the prophets.

* Make a simple booklet for the whole Primary, not each child, entitled, "Promised by the Prophets Passport". Have a pilot's hat and inform the children you'll be taking a very important ride of learning today. You'll be working together as a primary to earn stamps in our passport. In order to earn the stamps, we'll need to answer questions, read scriptures and sing songs having to do with Jesus coming to earth just as the prophets promised! Invite one child up to put on the hat and fly (reverently walking!!!) back and forth across the room. Let them choose from a brown paper bag (perhaps with an airplane on it) the questions, song or scripture on small pieces of paper. Then as they answer, put a stamp in the booklet.

Conclude with the words from one of our very own pilots who is a prophet! Show a picture of President Uchtdorf, "With all my heart and soul I give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His love for us, for the gift of His Son, for the life and example of Jesus the Christ, and for His sinless and selfless sacrifice. I rejoice in the fact that Christ is not dead but risen from the grave! He lives and has returned to the earth to restore His authority and gospel to man. He has given us the perfect example of the kind of men and women we should be." (April 2010 Conference You are My Hands)

* Have a Bible and a Book of Mormon. Have different prophecies and scriptures (Or even verses of songs too!) with pictures. Invite a child up to hold the picture and read the prophecy. Have the child decide with the help of the primary whether that prophecy was found in the Bible or Book of Mormon and have them stand by the correct one. Throw in a trick one too like D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."

* 3 Nephi 27:18 " And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words."
A lie is something that is false. Have a simple True/False worksheet for the children to fill out in small groups or pairs. The statements should be focused on different prophecies about how Jesus came to earth. Fix the false statements and make them true, just as our Heavenly Father is! (This activity geared more toward Senior Sharing Time)

*Have about 10 different pictures of Nativity sets. Have a box with the word INN on it. Invite the children to come to the front and choose a picture of a nativity from the INN box. There was no room at the Inn, so they can put the picture on the chalk board. Have questions, scriptures and songs attached to the pictures for the children to do focused on "Prophets promised Jesus Christ would come to earth"!

Quick Question for you! Yes you! Say a small child picks out a longer scripture you know they can't read. For example -Alma 7:10-12 "And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
What do you do? Do you: a- read it and have them repeat after you b- read it for them c-have them ask another primary child for help d-shorten the scripture or e-Go by the spirit?

* A FANTASTIC IDEA from Elizabeth Ricks, “The Greatest Gift,” Friend, Dec 2007, 12–14 " Display a flag, a heart, and a smiley face. Ask the children what they may represent (country, love, happiness). Explain that each of these is a symbol—something that stands for something else. Ancient prophets told people that Jesus Christ would come to earth. Some, like Isaiah and Samuel the Lamanite, were specific, while others used symbols to teach of Christ. Display a picture of a lamb (see Primary 2 manual, 123) or a stuffed animal lamb. Explain that although you do not have a real lamb in Primary, your object is a symbol of a lamb, and a lamb is a symbol of Jesus Christ. Discuss ways that Jesus Christ is like a lamb (see “Comparisons,”TNGC, 163–64).

For older children: Pass out the following scripture references: Genesis 22:3–8; Exodus 12:21–28; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29; 1 Nephi 12:6. Read the scriptures, and discuss how each tells of Christ. Explain that when we understand symbols, we can see that the ancient prophets foretold Christ’s coming to the earth. Bear testimony that just as you know that Christmas is coming soon, the prophets knew that Christ would be born. Sing “Sing of Christmas” (Friend, Dec. 2003, 28).

For younger children: Tell the children that sometimes we have to look hard to understand what “the Lamb” means in the scriptures and that they will need to look hard to find their lamb in Primary. Using the same object as before, have one child leave the room and another child hide the object. Sing songs about the Savior from the Children’s Songbook while the child who left the room returns to find the object. Have the children sing louder the closer the child gets to the object. Repeat with different songs. Bear testimony of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ."

Week 2 Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

* Have a small picture of Jesus and a space for children to write down their testimony on a piece of paper. What do they know to be true about Jesus? (Fills a Faith in God requirement)

* Foam Finger Pointer. ($1 at the Dollar Store or you can make a large one out of a grocery paper bag) Invite a child to come to the front and wear the foam finger. Sing -you can do it by yourself, invite the other adults or have the children open up page # 103 in the Hymn book and sing too! In Hymn # 103 Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer, there are some words that are repeated. Have the child wearing the foam finger point to a picture anywhere in the room that these repeated words describe. Children sitting down can also use their pointer finger when the repeated word is sung.


What were the repeated words?

* D&C 19:41 "Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior. Amen."
Make a very simple board game. You'll need a path with squares in 3 different colors. Humble Henry or Meek Maria can be your piece that you move along the path. At the end of the path have a picture of Jesus and the words "Savior of the World". The different colors represent different things to do, for example-
red- sing a song
blue- find a scripture
yellow- answer a question (A few examples- What does Savior mean? What did Jesus do to save the world? How does it feel to know you can live again? What can you do to help others learn about the Savior of the World?)
Have the children take turns rolling the dice and moving Humble Henry or Meek Maria

* Play a part of Handel's Messiah for the children. I would without hesitation go with about a minute of THIS if possible to show the children. A fun part of the song is that the music paints what the words say. If it talks about a high mountain, the music goes up or if it talks about a low valley it goes deeper. What does the music make them think of? 1 Ne. 10: 4 "Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world." Have music notes (about the size of your hand) for children to draw pictures of the Savior or write what they would like to about Him and make your own Primary Messiah Symphony! Give to the ward Choir Conductor to inspire the choir at practice!

* Mosiah 3: 20 "And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people."
HERE is a Friend Article that talks about different Christmas traditions from around the world. Have a large map with stars on the locations mentioned in the article or the different flags of the countries mentioned. Let children choose a location (or flag), learn how to say Merry Christmas in that language, and find out what they do to celebrate the Savior of the world. Be careful to focus the discussion on how we do all this celebrating because Jesus was born and is the Savior of the world. FYI - the Greek pronunciation is Kah-La Hree-Stoo-Nia :)

Week 3 Jesus Christ will return to earth someday.

* Honestly, I think this week's sharing time idea in the outline is my favorite ever. It's a recycled idea from the Dec. 1999 Friend by Sydney Reynolds. For all her ideas on the topic click HERE, there's even a little thingy to make.

* Again, thank you Sister Ricks!! The following is her idea, "For older children: Invite two children to hold GAK 238 (The Second Coming) and GAK 239 (The Resurrected Jesus Christ). Have the Primary children compare the two pictures, pointing out what is the same and what is different. Ask the children holding the pictures to read the title of the picture and the summary that appears on the back of the picture. Explain that one is a picture of what Jesus might look like when He comes again and the other is a picture of what He might have looked like when He was resurrected. Tell them that there is a reason for the similarity.

Help all the children look up Acts 1:11. Tell them to put their fingers on the scripture and look at you when they are ready. Display either a globe or GAK 600 (The World). Read the scripture, moving the picture of the resurrected Jesus away from the globe as you read, “… taken up from you into heaven.” Move the picture of the Second Coming toward the globe as you read, “… shall so come in like manner.” Repeat, allowing different children to move the pictures as the rest of the children read the scripture. (This is a good opportunity to involve a child who is disabled.)

Sing “When He Comes Again” (pp. 82–83). Tell the children that the song presents different details about how the Savior might come again and that the scripture they just learned also tells them how the Savior will come.

The week before Primary, invite several children to be prepared to share things they have learned in Primary this year that will help them prepare for the Second Coming. They might recount a favorite sharing time, a memorable Primary lesson, or something they learned from an activity day. Intersperse songs with the participants, singing songs that you learned this year and reviewing the principles that they teach. Bear testimony that Jesus will come again and that as we follow Him in faith, we can enjoy eternal life." Elizabeth Ricks, “The Greatest Gift,” Friend, Dec 2007, 12–14

* Divide into groups and make "Welcome Back" signs. Give each group a scripture about Jesus Christ returning to the earth and have them illustrate or write thoughts. Have them share their work with the Primary.

* Reader's Theatre of the Parable of the 10 Virgins to come shortly!!

Week 4 I can live with Jesus Christ again.

* Take the time to do the glove demonstration! It never gets old and is a perfect visualization. "Place a glove on the table. Explain that even though the glove is shaped like a hand, it cannot move like a hand because it is not alive. When a hand is placed in the glove, then the glove can move. Put your hand into the glove and wiggle your fingers. Explain that the glove is like a physical body, and the hand is like a spirit. Our bodies cannot move without our spirits inside them. Our spirits cannot be seen inside our bodies, just as the hand inside the glove cannot be seen." (See Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1975], pp. 231–33.) After we die, our spirits will again return to our bodies and we can live with Jesus Christ again!!

* Draw a large house on the black board. Where are some places our Primary friends have lived? How many friends have lived in more than one place?  Our topic for the week is I can live with Jesus Christ AGAIN (stress again). What does that mean, again? Aha! (Hopefully a primary friend will bring up the premortal world) Sing I lived in Heaven (CS 4) Bring in 10 different pictures of places you've lived (or perhaps you can call a couple parents and see if the children have lived anywhere exotic like Tahiti or something, then get a picture off the Internet or from the parents) Let the children come to the front and choose a picture to put on the black board by the home, attached to the pictures can be questions, songs and scriptures having to do with living with our Savior again. At the end, put a picture of Jesus in the house on the black board. 

"Jesus was chosen and as the Messiah He came, conquering evil and death through His glorious name. Giving us hope of a wonderful life yet to be, Home in that Heaven where Father is waiting for me" (verse 3 I Lived in Heaven)

* Do you have a paddle ball toy?  Have a child come up to the front and show everyone how to play this game. The ball starts on the paddle, then returns because of the string. Ask a couple more children to try. Would the ball come back if the string wasn't there? We lived and started off with Heavenly Father and Jesus, we can live/return again to them too! But we need the string, we need to be obedient!!

* Learn the 3rd Verse of I am a Child of God (CS pg. 1)

I am a child of God.

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will,

I’ll live with him once more.

Make a small treasure chest. Have a bag of gems (the glass beads at the dollar store would work great) Invite the children to come to the front and act out something that shows obedience. Then they can add a jewel to the chest. See how many you can get working together as a primary!

Matthew 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."

Christmas Family Devotionals

( Salt Lake Nativity Image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by sociotard Dec. 2008)

Yes. It's Thanksgiving and I'm posting ideas for Christmas. It's not that I'm all about turning on the holiday music and getting out the tree... thank you, I completely value Squanto.

I just like to be prepared when it comes to teaching.

This year an article from the May 2010 has been tugging at me. Elder Neil A. Andersen's Tell Me the Stories of Jesus has a rather lengthy list of questions to self reflect on when it comes to teaching our children. So in response, I decided to do 10 devotionals centered on this wonderful talk.

I met Elder Andersen once, so he has a special place in my heart. I'm very excited for the upcoming month and the learning opportunities!

Click HERE for the devotionals.

Click HERE for devotionals matching the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, centered on Christ-like qualities.

Click HERE for devotionals based on the theme, "Christmas is a time...."

And have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Food in Primary....

Did you notice how they didn't mention food in primary in the new church handbook?

What am I thinking!

I should have started this off more properly, but I was just way too excited to delete a posting off my sidebar. Less "stuff" on the blog taking up room. I feel like I'm so wordy anyways, the less words the better.

Worldwide Training. Fan-tastic. The whole Ward Council dramatization could have used some pep or background music, or possibly been entirely sung... I admit... I'm horrible. I wish life was more Broadway like and that Dick Van Dyke was still young. Plus I have a hard time sitting in hard chairs for 2 hours on a Saturday morning with glorious sunshine seemingly whispering my name. Please don't get me wrong! I loved the training and it was a very spiritual experience for me, I just waned a little during that part. Anyways, new manuals nothing short of WOW. But that's what you get with Heavenly Father. Nothing short of perfection. I read the first 3 chapters like the brethren asked repeatedly and love the organization of it all. Love the words. Just love love love it. So clear. So concise.

Favorite thoughts: "People not programs"-Elder Bednar- as well as when he said something to the effect of he wishes the word "meeting" would be banished from our LDS vocabulary and changed to "revelatory experiences". Profound!

Also loved how Elder Holland kept patting his fellow Apostles hands, such loving small gestures. Truly he cherishes those he serves with.

President Packer said, "Many years ago, President J. Reuben Clark Jr., speaking for the First Presidency, made an inspired statement warning that too much regimentation in the Church would have the effect of nullifying revelation: “The work of the Church, in all fields, is standing in grave danger of being regimented down to the minutest detail. The result of that will be that not only will all initiative be crushed out but that all opportunity for the working of the spirit will be eliminated. The Church has not been built on that principle” (“Memorandum of Suggestions,” Mar. 29, 1940, 4)."

And lastly, I was sitting on the couch in the lobby listening to the broadcast (because there weren't enough chairs) and a male scout leader went with a boy into a room across from us to conduct an interview. He made sure to leave the door wide and completely open. Then, a lady in the vicinity got up to close the door because she could slightly hear them talking. Irony, anyone? Anyone? Fortunately he told her it was against church policy to do so and she politely apologized and sat down... to listen to the broadcast about following policy...

...

...

Click Here to read the revised Handbook. Click Here to watch the whole meeting, and be honest... do you wish just a little bit that the Elders Quorum Pres. would have burst into song during the mock council? Also, any insiders know who were the people in the audience of it?

** UPDATE: A WONDERFUL BLOG friend just opened my eyes... there are no more Primary Quarterly Activities!!!!!!!!! Click HERE to see for yourself. Thanks for the link Hifam!!! If you have questions, check with your Stake Primary leaders!
A little sad though, we were going to have an awesome "Cooking in the Christmas Kitchen" activity.

Feasting Upon the Word- Thanksgiving FHE

Image courtesy Creative Commons License flicker.com by floodllama Nov. 2008

Purpose of this Family Home Evening: We are grateful for the words of Christ! We will feast upon them!

Opening Prayer

Song: A Song of Thanks (Children's Songbook pg. 20a)

Scripture: 2 Nephi 32: 3

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. 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."

Activity:

Gather some old food type magazines and as a family cut out as many foods as you can find. Have a long piece of paper that you can draw a table on. Each family member can take a turn gluing on a food for the feast, but in order to do so they must tell a story from the scriptures that they are grateful for and why. Some variations could include actual scriptures, personal experiences from studying the scriptures or how a family member reminds them of a scriptural hero/heroine.

Scripture:

Jacob 3: 2 "O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."

Song: For Thy Bounteous Blessings (Children's Songbook pg.21b)

Closing Prayer

And the winner is....... drumroll.......

Jump for Joy Image courtesy Rzhou photobucket.com creative commons license

I went to Random.org and pressed the button......

(A couple people forgot emails, no worries! I counted both posts as one....) The winner is #21,

DORMOMMY who says, "I am still striving to learn the names of all the children I am called to love. I am trying to be better than my best by getting to know them as individuals, not just as classes, or as "the loud one", the "smart one." I am getting better. Thank you for your blog, it is an inspiration."

Thank you so much for your thoughts! I don't have your email though, so hit me up when you have a chance so I can send you your book! Woot Woot! Doesn't it feel fabulous to win something!! We'll have to do this again soon!

Thank you all for participating and sharing such wonderful ideas! You are amazing!!