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