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