A Year of Purpose

Happy New Year!!  Usually the new year brings goal setting to mind.  In your next presidency meeting ask yourselves some questions.  What was your favorite memory during primary last year?  Did you accomplish your goals?  What goals can you make for your primary this year?  Who will be getting baptized?  Who will be leaving to YM/YW? How can you help these families with these important ordinances? What families are struggling and could use a little extra attention?  Which family have you not seen at church in the last couple of months?  Are their some family names you could take to ward council?  We are blessed to be able to study about the Savior this year.  You get to testify of Him.  You get to help the children in your ward gain a testimony that the Savior lives and loves them.  I am excited to get to know the Savior better this year through my personal study.  Make it a meaningful year.  Start 2015 with a purpose.  You will be blessed in your efforts.  

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Choices

Everyday we make hundreds of choices. Lots of them we don't have to think about, they're just habits, like brushing our teeth. But others require us to ponder and give serious thought to how these choices will impact us and those around us. On one hand this allows us awesome opportunities for growth and new experiences. We are responsible for our happiness and our attitude can brighten the day and lighten the loads of those we interact with. On the other hand, it can be scary making choices. What we choose determines what course our life takes.

As we make choices I hope that we remember that we are NEVER alone! Heavenly Father and Jesus are there, waiting for us to come to them and seek their help. Our dear Father knows what is best for us and those we serve. Our Savior showed us how to live and gave His life in our behalf and will help us. In 3 Nephi 27:27-29, the question is asked..."what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am... Whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father in my name shall be given unto you. Therefore, ask and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened."

What a great promise! We can receive divine help if we just humble ourselves and ask for it. Let's do it! We need to remember that we are capable of anything with Heavenly Father's help. We were sent here to succeed and we have the tools to be amazing! Remember who you are and ask for help. Try your best...Whatever shortcomings you have won't matter, the Lord makes up the difference and your best is good enough. He loves you and will always help. Sometimes not in the way you expect but He will be there and will strengthen you so that you can go and be the person He needs you to be for those you work with.

Thank you for all you do! Thanks for the smiles, lessons, preparations, prayers and everything else. You are amazing, you are loved and you are needed! Thank you.

Love,
Lauri Ferguson
Arlington Stake Primary
2nd Counselor

Gifts from the Heart

 The Christmas season is in full swing, only 9 days left until the big day...Are you ready or still looking for those last few presents?  Here are a few ideas for gifts from the heart, that will bring you and the recipient closer to our Savior this special time of year. 

     These ideas are from lds.org, such a great resource and inspiration, if you haven't looked it over recently, I strongly recommend checking it out.

1. Give the gift of His life. Provide you and your loved ones with a new and meaningful way to learn about Jesus Christ.  Watch the nativity and other scenes from the Savior’s life, these videos will provide you and your loved ones with a new and meaningful way to learn about Jesus Christ.

2. Give the gift of His ministry.

Give someone a “Day of Service Coupon,” which they may redeem at any time and for any project, or you can just show up and do something you know someone needs.

3. Give the gift of His word.

The scriptures are where we learn of Christ.  Write your testimonies inside and give them to friends, family, neighbors, or anybody who would appreciate the chance to read about the Savior during this special season.

4. Give the gift of His birth.

Act out the nativity this year as a gift to your family and friends—but keep it simple. Nothing was overdone or extravagant that night long, long ago. It was just a stable, a manger, and a group of faithful people gathered together to celebrate the miracle of the world. Read in Luke 2:1–16 and use “The First Christmas” program from The Friend

5. Give the gift of His love.

Create a Scripture Service Chain with your family. Every day you can read a Christmas scripture, sing a Christmas song, or do a Christmas action. This fun activity will inspire you and your family to remember the true meaning of Christmas and share His love all season long.

Love,
Lauri Ferguson
2nd counselor Stake primary presidency

The Christmas Season

The Christmas season is upon us and with that comes so many opportunities to draw closer to our Savior as we remember Him and serve others in efforts to be more like Him. This time of year can bring so much happiness and joy but also tends to bring feelings of stress and frustrations to many. There is much to do from the shopping, cooking, baking, entertaining, kids are out of school, families and friends are stopping by and maybe even staying with us! The world is pushing commercialism and we are trying to focus on our Savior. It can be a bit much and even the biggest optimist can have feelings of doubt and inadequacy.

If you have some of those feelings, relax! You are normal. It happens. Take a deep breath, say a prayer and know this.... Heavenly Father loves you and you are amazing and making a difference. You've got this! Stay positive, take a moment for yourself, it will be ok.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said this, "You did not come into the world to fail. You came into the world to succeed. You have accomplished much so far. It is only the beginning. As you move forward on the trail of life, keep the banner of faith in self ever before you. You may not be a genius. You may not be exceptionally smart. But you can be good and you can try. And you will be amazed at what might happen when in faith you take a step forward."

So have a wonderful December. Take the time to really notice the miracles all around you and love the people you are with! Keep trying your best and know that it matters. You are making a difference and that is the greatest gift you can give.

Love, Lauri Ferguson
Stake Primary Presidency
2nd Counselor

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