Take off the Roof

Did you listen to the conference address “Rescue in Unity” by Elder Wong?

Elder Wong tells us the account found in Luke chapter 2 of a man sick with the palsy, whose friends bring him to be healed by Christ.

“However, the room was too crowded. They could not get in through the door. I am sure they tried everything they could think of, but they just could not get through. Things did not happen as smoothly as planned. There were obstacles along their way of “rescue.” But they did not give up. They did not leave the man with palsy by the door. They counseled together on what to do next—how they could bring the man unto Jesus Christ for healing. The work to assist Jesus Christ in saving souls, at least for them, was never too demanding. They came up with a plan—not an easy one, but they acted on it.” Elder Wong

“And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay” (Mark 2:4).

These men literally removed the roof and lowered him down to Jesus to be healed. Elder Wong then tells us how this story might have been today and encourages us to rescue those who are sick with spiritual palsy.

What have you tried to do for your Primary children who may not attend meetings as often as you’d hope? Have you tried the “front door” by calling them to invite them to activities? Have you tried the “side window” by mailing them a birthday card? You’ve tried the “garage door” and talked with their parents? And I’m sure you tried the “back door” and dropped by for a visit with a plate of cookies and a Faith in God booklet.

Have you been effective? Don’t give up! And don’t be satisfied with your current efforts. Continue to make plans and keep trying to get in through the “roof.” You’ll need to be creative, patient and prayerful.

Elder Wong continued, “In order to assist the Savior, we have to work together in unity and in harmony. Everyone, every position, and every calling is important… When we assist Him in His mission of saving souls, we too will be rescued in the process.”

What can you do to take off the “roof” and bring Christ to someone?

Elise Simbeck
Arlington Stake Primary
First Counselor

A Unique Opportunity

This is a season for giving and a time for gratitude. It is when we acknowledge our blessings and remember the birth of the Son of God.

This is a season of love. Love from a Father. Love from a Brother. Love for a Brother. Love of family. Love for all mankind.

It is also peace. The peace His birth brings us. Peace His gospel gives.

It is faith. Faith in God. Faith in our Savior. Faith in Him as our Redeemer.

The Christmas season is a beautiful way to kickoff next year’s Primary theme “I know my Savior Lives.” How might the Christmas Season prepare us for a year of learning that Jesus Christ lives?

Here are some ideas:

• Display a picture of Jesus Christ. Allow time each week for the children and teachers to share things they know about Him.
• Set up a Gratitude Tree with a box of ribbons and markers by it. Allow everyone to write something they are thankful for on the ribbon and then tie it to one of the tree branches.
• Have the children write messages on sticky notes and stick them around at home. The messages could be positive messages like “You are beautiful” or messages of encouragement “Keep up the good work” or messages of faith “You are a child of God.” 
• Encourage the children to give service anonymously in gratitude for the gifts they have received from God. 
• Share this music video that teaches how the symbols of Christmas tell the story of His birth and life mission. https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-19-our-christmas-story-tree?category=children/music-videos-friend&lang=eng

With each activity you can teach about the Savior and connect the activity to His life and to Christmas. You do not have to do any of these activities. These are just ideas for pondering how you might take advantage of this beautiful season to help increase the children’s knowledge, understanding and love of the Savior. As always, pray for your stewardship and let the spirit guide your preparations.

Thanks,
Elise Simbeck
Arlington Stake Primary
First counselor

Spiritual Light

"Placed around the world, temples have their own unique look and design on the outside, but inside they all contain the same eternal light, purpose, and truth. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 we read, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” We too … have been placed all around the world, like temples, and we each have our own unique look and outward design, like temples. We also have a spiritual light within us, like temples. This spiritual light is a reflection of the Savior’s light. Others will be attracted to this brightness."
—Neill F. Marriott, "Sharing Your Light"

Each week you shine brightly for all of the children to see. They are so blessed to have loving teachers and leaders who pray for them, love them and teach them the gospel. Our call to guide these young sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father is a big responsibility. Your unique talents, qualities, insights and even struggles are what is needed at "such a time as this." Let your light shine! It is so beautiful.

Thanks,
Elise Simbeck
Arlington Stake Primary
First Counselor

The Parable of the Spoon

The Parable of the Spoon:

One day a man said to God, “God, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.”

God showed the man two doors. Inside the first one, in the middle of the room, was a large round table with a large pot of stew. It smelled delicious and made the man’s mouth water, but the people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. God said, "You have seen Hell."

Behind the second door, the room appeared exactly the same. There was the large round table with the large pot of wonderful stew that made the man's mouth water. The people had the same long-handled spoons, but they were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The man said, "I don't understand."

God smiled. “It is simple,” He said, “Love only requires one skill. These people learned early to feed one another."

To paraphrase from at talk given today in Stake Conference: We should not seek for happiness, but seek to serve. Happiness is the byproduct of selfless service.

Elise Simbeck
Arlington Stake Primary
First Counselor

We can teach, share love, and testify of the Savior

"The world will teach our children if we do not, and children are capable of learning all the world will teach them at a very young age. What we want them to know five years from now needs to be part of our conversation with them today. Teach them in every circumstance; let every dilemma, every consequence, every trial that they may face provide an opportunity to teach them how to hold on to gospel truths.

For children all over the world, we say: “Take my hand. Hold on tight. We will stay on the path together back to our Heavenly Father.”

Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, Primary leaders—each of us can reach out to hold on to the children. We can stop, kneel down, and look into their eyes and feel of their innate desire to follow the Savior. Take hold of their hands. Walk with them. It is our chance to anchor them on the path of faith." 

Rosemary Wixom Primary General President

Many children today do not have parents teaching them right from wrong.  They do not have a home where there is love and tenderness.  They do not know Heavenly Father or Jesus.  But, we do, and we can teach, share love, and testify of the Savior.  Live so that you have the Holy spirit with you at all times so, you are ready to give that light to all you come in contact with.  Children are capable of so much.  I see it daily.  I have a kid in my first grade class on a daily basis that says nobody loves him.  I see children hug him and give him notes to fill his heart with love.  Children want to do good things.  They can and will if they are taught.  Parents and teachers are extremely important.  Don't stop telling the children who they are and where they come from.  The world will never be enough.  Children need to know there is a God that loves them and that they can hold on and trust in him.

Autumn McClellan 

Arlington Stake Primary President

Strength Through Christ

Today, I was reminded that all people, including children have weaknesses and limitations.  It also reminded me of the scripture, [If any of you have done it to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.]  I was a painfully shy child and I have a son that struggles with getting in front of people, also.  As I watched Camano Ward practice for their primary program today my heart went out to those children that really struggled to be in the spotlight.  Sometimes they struggle with being shy, sometimes it is a struggle for kids that are not the best readers.  Whatever the issue it helps to know the kids in your primary, so you can help them and be mindful of their struggles.  It may be necessary for some children to read with a group.  It may be necessary to help a child memorize a passage and it may be necessary to listen to a child and determine if they need more time to gain confidence. 

Last year my son took piano lessons for the first time and at the end of the year they have the opportunity to perform in a recital.  He was so nervous about this that he cried and cried and did not want to go.  As I talked with my son I told him how he can pray and ask for Heavenly Father to help give him courage and that with Heavenly Father's help everything always turns out better.  I told him about my experiences as a child and I helped him pray and ask for help.  The next day he preformed at his recital and gained a testimony that Heavenly Father does answer prayers and will help us with our silly limitations.

I  appreciate the loving kindness of adults that love and keep encouraging children with limitations.  Do know this, that those weaknesses through Christ will be made strong.  I know this to be true since I am asked to speak in front of people quite frequently now.  I could never have done this as a child, but as I put my trust in the Lord  year after year I have learned that he helps me say the things He wants others to know.  It is still hard and I still get nervous, but I know He is with me.   Never give up on a child and keep encouraging and inviting.  If they say no, it is okay, but keep asking them to come up and participate.  In time they will surprise you.  Love is always the key!

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Walk as He Walked

I loved the words of President Monson today about  the Savior.  "Works which ye have seen me do, you shall do also".  "What manner of men are you?"  "Walk as He walked."  I was reminded yesterday as I had the opportunity to give away coats to the homeless in Seattle, that everybody has their own path to the Savior.  Some roads are rough and some are easy depending on our opportunities, experience and the choices we make.  Those that find the Savior early are blessed.  I feel glad that I had good parents, teachers, and church leaders that showed me the gospel was the way to true happiness. 

Some are not as fortunate as us.  They do not have the life experience that we do.  The gospel was not handed to them at birth.  They had to fight and fail and overcome much to know God and His son.  I met a man named Cleveland Harmon, that finally, at age 66 has found a love and trust for God.  He knows that what is most important in this life is connections with people and that no matter what the circumstances you are given or, choose, you can be like the Savior.  You can serve and love those around you even when the only possession you have on this earth is a backpack full of journals and short stories you have written about your life.  I was privileged to hear some of his stories yesterday. I was also humbled.   Heavenly Father loves Cleveland Harmon.   There is evidence of this love in His journals.  If the Savior can love this man how great is His love for you, a servant of God.  

President Monson said, "Decisions determine destiny,"  How will you serve His children in primary?  Do you think you make a difference?  When you show up each Sunday, when you prepare, when you testify of Him your slow and steady obedience to the Father will make a difference.  Not just to you, but someone you may never know about.  Heavenly Father looks upon the heart.  It does not matter at what point in life we turn to the Savior as long as we do, but I know that the earlier children know and learn of the Savior the better off they will be.  Peace and joy in this life come from the Savior.  Knowing Him prevents many lost and wandering souls.  Do your best to help the children in primary come to know the Savior in the new year.  I have no doubt you can accomplish this feat because you would not be in this calling if you did not have a mighty testimony of Christ our Savior.  

Love,

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

A Grateful Heart

 "Happiness is a grateful heart" is written on a bookmark I keep in my scriptures.  I love that!  It  is so very true.  Today I was lucky enough to attend the Firetrail Ward primary program and was so grateful for the words and songs that were shared.  I don't think it's possible not to be happy listening to sweet little children share gospel truths and sing their  hearts out while waving to family and friends and sometimes dancing around.  It was adorable!  The Holy Ghost confirmed the truthfulness of what they shared and I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father loves me, my family can be together forever, and living the gospel is what really brings happiness. 

     It sounds so simple...Although all of that is true, life often seems hard and frustrating! So many things are pulling us in different directions we can feel overwhelmed and underappreciated.  Trials weigh us down and it's hard to look around and see all of our blessings.  Maybe we can all try something new.  The next time feelings of despair, anger, hurt, sadness or whatever negative emotion bombards us, let us be grateful.  Remember something good in life.  The sunshine, your child's giggle, a sweet word from a friend, your spouse who helped out in some everyday way, anything!  When we are grateful we find happiness.  Burdens are lightened and life just seems easier.  Make the choice to be grateful, express thanks to Heavenly Father and those around you and enjoy the blessings of a happy heart!

     Here's a poem that sums it up much better than I ever could:

                 Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary

Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are

also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles

and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

Lauri Ferguson

Arlington Stake Primary

2nd Counselor

Motivate and Inspire

    Every year as the kids head back to school I always love to see their excitement!  Sure they may grumble a little about having to go back to school and sit around and learn all day but really anyone can see that they are actually looking forward to it!  Days filled with friends, structure, new ideas and opportunities.  The teachers generally are sweet, welcoming and patiently listen and answer them.

     As I watched and pondered the whole back to school process I realized that as a parent, neighbor, friend and leader to those around me, I need to step it up!  All of us as teachers have so many opportunities to motivate and inspire.   Sometimes it's easy to fall into the same old routine and think that what we say or do doesn't make much of a difference.  I promise you, it does!! Get excited about something, think of a new way to teach it.  Be silly, make a game, laugh at yourself, laugh with others, have fun...be like a child.  Children have a beautiful talent for making any activity fun.  They don't care how they look, who's watching, if it's performed exactly as imagined, they are more concerned of figuring out ways to accomplish the task, how they can involve their friends and find joy in the process. 

     I challenge everyone, myself included, to find a way to get those around us excited abut the gospel!  Show the children that the scriptures are an amazing tool to help us find answers to our questions and learn about some really cool people.  Teach them how our Heavenly Father is there, waiting for us to come to Him and strengthen our relationship.  Help them know that He will answer our prayers and give us strength in times of trials, always...  Sometimes we just have to humble ourselves and ask for that help.  Let us be patient and loving as the Savior always is with us.  And remember that we are never alone, we are all in this together and we can strengthen and help those around us by letting our light shine.  Be sweet, be kind, have fun, rely on Heavenly Father and relax...you've got this.  You're making a difference to those around you and it is appreciated!!!

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance...

Alma 36:3...Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

Lauri Ferguson

Arlington Stake Primary

2nd Counselor

Five Reasons

Today, I thought about five reasons why I love my calling!   

I love my calling because…

1.     I get to learn!  My calling requires me to study the scriptures, manuals, conference addresses, trainings and more.  To fulfill my calling, I must study and learn. 

2.     Because I am so busy!  I am asked to do many things and go to many places and to do it cheerfully!  I learn to rely on Him. I learn to be happy about it, too!

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.”  Philippians 4:13"for God loveth a cheerful giver."  2 Corinthians 9:7

3.     I have to do things I don’t want to do!  My talents and experiences grow.  I overcome my fears and anxieties.  I learn more about myself and become a better person as I do the things I really would rather not do. I become a better servant for the Lord.

“I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea;

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what you want me to be.”

            -Hymn #270

4.     It leads me to the temple.  As I learn of the gospel and give cheerful service, my heart turns to the Lord.  It makes me want to go to the Temple more often.

5.     I have been humbled. The more I understand through study, the more I give through service, the more I learn through doing hard things, the more I attend the temple, the more I understand what an honor it truly is to teach and serve the little children.  I am humbled by Heavenly Father’s confidence in me that He wants me, imperfect and flawed, to serve His children.

“No greater responsibility can rest upon man than to be a teacher of God’s children.”    

                           -Teaching, No Greater Call Lesson 1

Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

First Counselor

Excited to Learn

Yesterday afternoon as I finished up my yard work and went into the house to fix dinner, I reminded my children to get their church clothes and shoes ready for Sunday.  My 13 year old daughter insisted it was only Friday.  As she and I discussed what day of the week it really was, my younger boys quickly started to make plans for their extra "Saturday". I ended the discussion by going to the computer to prove that it really was Saturday.  They admitted defeat and got their clothes ready for Sunday.

 

This morning as I woke up and realized it was indeed Sunday, I was so very happy.  I thought about my children's disappointment when they realized it would be Sunday and not Saturday.  How could anyone not be excited for Sunday?  I took a minute to see if I could find a scripture that would describe or explain what I was feeling.  Here's what I found:

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118: 24

 

Sunday is a day of learning and worship.  Doctrine and Covenants 19: 23 reads "Learn of me, and listen to my words."  Our homes, church and the temple are places that we learn of Him.  We have DVDs, scriptures, LDS.org and more.  We are blessed to have so many opportunities for learning around us!   I suddenly became excited for all our children!  They will get to learn at school soon and as they are learn at school, they also will be preparing themselves to become better scholars of the gospel!  This might be a good time to remind the children and parents that as they prepare for back to school, they can include some discussion of Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 and perhaps sign off  Developing Talents #6.  They could also complete Preparing the for the Priesthood  or Young Women #4 in their Faith in God book!

 

Thanks,
Elise Simbeck

The Theme of Primary

The theme of Primary:

                      “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children” (3 Nephi 22:13).

The purposes of Primary are to help children:

1. Feel Heavenly Father’s love for them.
2. Learn and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. Feel and recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost.
4. Prepare to make and keep sacred covenants.

How do you accomplish this in your Primary?  The same as you have been doing each week!  As I visit the Primaries throughout our Stake, I am amazed at all that I see and feel.  I see friendships and feel love.  I see happiness and I smile.  I hear laughter, music and lessons and feel the spirit.  What a blessing it is to be able to visit each primary.  I always leave spiritually fed and uplifted. 

As you prayerfully prepare each week, don’t forget to ask yourself “What will the children DO to learn today.”  Children learn in many ways.   Some learn visually or auditory, but when they can do something as well, it helps their learning.  And it’s fun!  Also, ask yourself “How can I help them FEEL the spirit today?”  There are many things you can do to invite the spirit.  When you do feel the spirit, you can point it out to them.  Nothing teaches better than the spirit! 

 

Thanks,
Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

First Counselor

Teaching with Inspiration

Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “Power comes when a teacher has done all that he can to prepare, not just the individual lesson, but in keeping his life in tune with the Spirit. If he will learn to rely on the Spirit for inspiration, he can go before his class … secure in the knowledge that he can teach with inspiration” (Teach Ye Diligently, rev. ed. [1991], 358–59).

The Savior taught by example.  His life was in tune with the Spirit constantly and therefore He was able to teach with power and inspiration.  We will never be as perfect as Christ, but we can try our best to live our lives in such a way that we too can be in tune with the Spirit constantly.  We can pray often, we can read the scriptures daily, we can go to church and fulfill our callings to the best of our ability.  We can be baptized, take the sacrament and go to the temple as much as possible.  Others will see your acts.  They will want to know Christ because they know you.  You will be able to teach them about Christ with inspiration and power because you will be like Him.  You will teach your family, the primary children, and others by example.  

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Teaching Like the Savior

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/familiar?lang=eng

Primary children love to hear stories. If you want to teach like the Savior try and use personal stories. They are most effective and deliver the spirit. I love the stories you share in primary and have been touched very deeply from time to time through the stories you share. I know the children feel the Holy Ghost as you speak from the heart.

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Effective Teaching

Stake leaders have been asked to think about effective teaching practices.  We have been encouraged to teach like the Savior.  I would encourage you to study more about the Savior and His way of teaching.  Understand that whatever your abilities there is always room for improvement.  Please stop by some of your classrooms in the next couple of months and see how effective the teaching is.  Observe. Bring a thank you to the teacher.  See where you can help and if there are any needs that can be met through training.  

Study Handbook 2 Section 1.2.2, 1.4, and 1.4.1

In the Ensign this month there is an article on page 10 called, "We Teach By The Power Of The Holy Ghost".  

In this article it states that effective teachers love, teach by the Spirit, teach doctrine, and invite discussion.  To be effective we must prepare early and study more than we need.  We need to know and love those we teach so we will use the proper methods to meet the needs and get results from our students.  In 2Nephi 33:1 it says, "When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it to the hearts of the children of men." In D&C 42:14 it says, "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by prayer and faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."  We have to pray and ask for the Spirit to be with us when we teach.  We have to ask that we will say what Heavenly Father wants our students to know.  We have to ask that our students will feel the Spirit when we teach.  We then must have faith that the Holy Ghost will deliver.  When we testify the Spirit will come.  Use the scriptures and church approved materials.  Have students interact. Ask yourself, "What will the children do to learn today and how can I help them feel the Spirit?" That means, ask questions, discuss, and have students apply what they have learned.  Invite them to do something and then follow-up the next week.  It could be as simple as asking students to find one way to help a family member that week and then ask them what they did the next Sunday.  Even children are responsible for their own learning.  Help them, give them an opportunity to apply a gospel principle.  

In this article President Hinckley was quoted, he said "Eternal life will come only as men and women are taught with such effectiveness that they change and discipline their lives.  They cannot be coerced into righteousness or into heaven.  They must be led, and that means teaching".

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Teaching With Symbols

For this week's teaching, I would like to bring a new resource to your attention (at least new to me!):

https://www.lds.org/callings/primary/leader-resources/teaching-children/symbols?lang=eng

Found on lds.org, this page talks about Teaching with Symbols. Symbols are good to use because they can hold the attention of all ages and abilities. One of my favorite suggestions on this page is using symbols to post a nursery or sharing time schedule. One of my first experiences in primary gave my an opportunity to see a schedule in action. She would review the schedule at the beginning of each day, and she was consistent with bringing the children's attention to the progress through the schedule.

Giving children routines and expectations can give them peace. This can contribute to the reverence in your Primaries and open testimony-sharing opportunities.

I encourage you to review this page and discuss with your presidency if adding symbols or a schedule would enhance your Primary experiences.

Sara Hammond

Arlington Stake Primary

Music and Nursery Specialist

Cub Scout Den Doodle

How do you encourage Cub Scouts to wear their uniforms, bring their books, to be on time or bringing their families to pack meetings? 

A den doodle could be the answer.

 

Den Doodles are used to recognize Cub Scouts for participation in activities and any other behavior which needs encouragement.

Den doodles can be used as a continual incentive for Cub Scouts. A den doodle is an emblem - a figure chosen by the den and placed on a stand or hung on a wall to show each boy's advancement and participation status.  The doodle is then given to the boy as he crosses over into Boy Scouts.

 

Make your own doodles -

Den doodles are simple to make. It is just a leather or craft string, shoelaces or other lacing attached to circles of cardboard, wood, tin, or other devices.  These "doodles" are hung from a coat hanger or wooden or PVC pipe stand.  Beads are awarded for various things and added to the string each week.  A doodle stick dates back to the Indian coup stick and totem pole.  Cub Scouts will like to make den doodles and watch their string of conquests grow. Boys falling behind take notice of their bare strings and work harder for their advancement. Den doodles should be on display each week and at each pack meeting.

 

Beads could be awarded for:

1. Being on time. 

2. Wearing their Cub Scout Shirt TUCKED IN.

3. Bringing their Book

4. Passing off something during the week at home with their parents. 

5.  For extra helping or good behavior during the meeting

6. Faith in God requirements

7.  Doing a good deed

8.  Bruises, scrapes and other injuries or lost teeth (a favorite with Cubs!)

9.  Bringing family to the Pack Meetings

  

Pack 182 has an amazing Doodle that they use for the entire Pack.  I've attached pictures.  You can google "Den Doodles" and see what others have done.

 

Thanks,
Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

First Counselor

The Science of Happiness

 I’m taking my Girl Scouts on a 20 mile hike at the end of June. I thought it might be nice to give each girl a disposable camera and a notebook so she can take some pictures and journal or sketch along the trail. Then I wondered if she could earn a badge for this.  I checked out the requirements for several badges and discovered the Science of Happiness Badge would fit perfectly.  Here are some of the activities they will be doing:

 

    1.  Gratitude Log—the girls will write down things they are grateful for or the things that made them “stop to smell the roses” each day.   The badge pamphlet says that people who acknowledge their blessings are a happier than those who do not.

   2.Thinking Differently about happiness-- Sometimes you can’t change what happens in your day, but you can change how you react to it. The girls will try to find the good side to each situation that day. Scientists say that people who stay positive, or are “optimistic,” are happier, even if more bad things happen to them.

   3. Getting Happy through Others—I’ll encourage the girls to try to help each other along the way. The pamphlet says that a good way for you to be happy on the inside is to care about others and focus on relationships with people on the outside.  

 

It seems to me that this Girl Scout badge teaches gratitude, hope and service.  These are the same things the Church has been teaching us since the beginning!

 

    1.  Gratitude-- Pg 192 of the Family Home Evening Manual states “An increased spirit of gratitude will bring increased joy into our lives.”  

    2.  Hope-- Alma 34:41, “But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.” 

    3. Service-- President George Albert Smith said of ministering to others: “Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others."

 

It’s kind of fun to see how science and religion match up!  I challenge you to try one of the activities from the Girl Scout Pamphlet and see if you can increase your happiness!  

 

Thanks,
Elise Simbeck

Arlington State Primary Presidency

First Counselor

Six Thank You's

Last week, Sister McClellan gave a challenge to each of us, in her Teaching Moment, to write a letter of gratitude and read it to the person we were thanking. At a church meeting this week, the question was asked "How do our children feel about their church teachers?" So, I combined the two and made my children write a thank you note to a teacher of their choice. Here are their letters:

Dear Br. (Matthew G.) Williams,

Thank you for being my teacher. I liked the treats you brought each week. They were yummy. It was fun to goof around after class.

Thanks,

Brian, age 9

Dear Sister (Brittany) Glenn,

Thank you for being my music teacher. I really enjoyed the pizza party after we sang in Sacrament Meeting at Thanksgiving. It was easy to learn the songs because you explain them so well. You made singing time fun.

Your Friend,

Aaron, age 11

Dear Brother (Brian)and Sister (Mary) Murray,

Thank you for being my teachers and making class interesting. I loved the fun stories you told us and that you let us teach the lessons too.

Your parties are amazing!

Thank you,

Hallie, age 13

Dear Sister (Jennifer) Fairbanks,

Thank you for being my teacher. I could always feel the spirit when you taught. Your lessons were really meaningful to me and I loved coming to class each week to hear them. I can remember, as a Beehive, there was one lesson I particularly appreciated. It was about family history and temple work. You helped me understand the temple and made things much clearer. Your teaching and strong testimony made me want to do everything I can to make sure my whole family can be together forever. Thank you again for your service. You are a wonderful example of the teacher I want to become.

Thank you,

Grace, age 19

Brother (Shane) Klingonsmith and Brother (Jay) Schilaty were cool. They were the best teachers I've ever had. They were prepared each week to teach the lesson and could answer any question we had...any question we had. They were funny too. I knew they cared about me.

Paul, age 23

Sister (Phylis) Pettersen,

I still remember sitting in the shade of the tree with my beehive class at church that Sunday about 27 years ago.  The day had been too beautiful to stay inside our stuffy classroom, so you suggested we go outside for our lesson. You were so patient and gentle with us. We were not always attentive or appreciative of you.  I don't remember the lesson you taught, but I do remember the drawings you gave us each week.  The pictures were beautiful and matched the lesson perfectly.  I learned that day that you drew them.  The church did not have a copy machine.  You drew the picture 10 times so each girl could have a copy.  I still remember how you looked when you told us that.  I stared at you. I didn't understand what I saw in your face that day.  I couldn't believe that you would spend that much time each week drawing a picture for each of us that we would most likely throw away. I didn't understand why you would do that.  But, I understand now.  I saw love in your eyes that day. You loved us.  That is why you drew the pictures for us and how you could be so patient with us.   Thank you. Thank you for the drawings and for teaching me, by example, how to love like the Savior. 

Thank you with all my heart,

Elise

Before a child can learn in any class, they need to feel comfortable and care about. There needs to be something that the children can take home with them whether it is a piece of knowledge, feeling loved, the spirit or I guess in my children's case food. They don't expect a perfect lesson each week, but they do expect the teacher to be ready to teach because our children are ready to learn. I think these teachers stood out for my children, because they made my them feel special and important. It's all about love. 

Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

First Counselor