Out With the Old...

In every calling in our church you know that it isn't a life-time position (except Apostle, and I don't have to worry about that!) So you know, going in, that you will likely only be in that calling 3 years, then it is time for change.

That change came today. We were released as a Primary presidency. I love these good, dear women that I've been able to serve with. I LOVE the children!

I've spent most of my adult life serving in the Primary AND I LOVE IT!

Last time I served in a Primary presidency, at least 15 years ago, I didn't see the release coming and burst into tears! I spent several years in Young Women's, then we moved here and I had a chance to learn that Relief Society is a safe place- with sisters who love me rather than judge me. It was a wonderful change.

JUNIOR PRIMARY

These children have been particularly dear to me. They are outstanding. I told them today that the are absolutely the best Primary I've every had. I told them to expect me to still want to give them loves when I see them.

SENIOR PRIMARY

The most wonderful thing with this group is I tell them what my expectations are, I tell them I KNOW they can do it and they never let me down!

I know that the new Presidency will be fantastic! They are all power-house women.

But I suspect that several times in the coming months I will sneak into the back and just be with these children I love.

Scripture Power

This is one of those times when I know that I just have to sit down and write while it is fresh in my mind... now that the dust has settled.

Today was our Primary Sacrament meeting presentation. We worked for the first 8 1/2 months of the year towards this goal. As the 1st counselor in the Primary presidency it is my responsibility to *write* the script... but actually I just organize it... the children all write their own parts. We have monthly themes and during the year, as they give their talks in sharing time, I save their talks and that becomes their part in the Sacrament meeting presentation.

But the *meat and potatoes* of the presentation is ALWAYS the music. These wonderful songs will stay in their hearts for the rest of their lives, recalling the wonderful words of testimony.

The theme this year is *I Know the Scriptures are True*. We are given an outline from the General Primary, with a topic and song each month, but we are also given some discretion in adding songs. I knew that we needed to add *Scripture Power*. I love that song, mostly because it describes how the scriptures have blessed MY life.

I love the symbols of the *Sword of Truth* and the *Shield of Faith*. As I walked and sang last January I knew I NEEDED to get a *for real* sword of truth and shield of faith to use each time we sang the song. (they just so happen to sell them at Walmart! OK... I did add the lettering!)

A couple of weeks ago Brother Paul Bartholomew came and took photos of the children for our program cover. I then took the PDF file that I used to make the bulletin boards at the beginning of the year and cut and pasted all of the individual letters onto a digital ribbon to make tiny banners like we have in the primary room. (I spent one whole Sunday afternoon doing this)

The Junior Primary

The Senior Primary

Because I know the limitations of my little-girl-brain I always start early and have everything written and organized so that at the last minute I can just go on auto-pilot. I'm so grateful that I've learned how to deal with my learning/processing handicaps. I always make sure the children know that Primary is a safe place. We don't want anyone to feel stressed, anxious or uncomfortable. Each year we have children who struggle, just like little-Joanie used to, and I want them to know that I have their backs.

AND THE CHILDREN BLOOM AND SHINE

I'm so grateful to be with these wonderful children in Primary! They were wonderful, not only today, during the presentation, but during the two practices we had this last week. I'm blessed to work with wonderful sisters (and brothers) who love and teach these sweet spirits.

Traditionally Primary presidencies are call to serve for 3 years. Sadly, it was three years ago this week that we were called. Of course, nothing is set in stone but I am sad at the thought that I might not be with the children and that, likely, this was my last program.

I've set the bar high. I expect them to be reverent, to do their best and sing their hearts out... and you know what? They always do!

But here's the other thing... I will love to serve where ever the Lord needs me... because He's always right there with me.

Primary Sharing Time Jan- week 2

I always feel like I want to share any ideas I have with others. Today's post may be too late to help many folks, but since I was sick most of the week this is when you get it.

My responsibility as Primary 1st counselor is to not only write the Sacrament meeting program but to do the 2nd week sharing time. I'm frequently at a loss with the small amount of help from the 2015 outline so I have to search for other ideas.

I hope this can help others in their calling.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God

I will follow the outline in the Primary sharing time booklet for week 2.

For Jr Primary I will have additional pictures of Jesus displayed. We will talk about Jesus, who is the Son of God and read the scriptures outlined. Then sing Tell Me The Stories of Jesus.

I will pass out these small coloring books to the children and let them draw their own pictures of their favorite stories of Jesus.

You should be able to right click the image and do a save as. Then print on your computer. I printed mine on 8.5 x 11.  Then added one blank sheet of paper and  cut both papers in thirds horizontally, fold in half and staple on the fold.

Primary Breakfast

Today was the annual *meet-your-new-Primary-teacher-come-in-your-jammies breakfast*.

Bob-viously, the kids met their teachers on Sunday, but this was the first Saturday in the new year that we could use the chapel! Since this is an annual event and previous Primary presidencies have kept meticulous notes we didn't have to make it up as we went. There was lots of direction on how much to buy, how much was used and what to do after the eating was finished.

Tradition is that the Bishopric cooks the pancake-ree-ous-es for the group. We are so blessed with our new Bishopric. They jumped in just like they were old pros! I suspect that years of Scouting taught them a lot about flippin' flap-jacks.

Brother Hicken, Bishop Bown and Sister Witney

I witnessed one of the sweetest things. All of the children have just moved up a class, but when Sister Hancock came into the cultural hall her *last year's* class mobbed her with hugs and love. They honestly KNEW that they are loved by the Hancocks!

After the children were all served and had mostly finished Bro Hicken motioned for me to come over.

He'd made me my very own Mickey pancakereeous! Yum!

Sister Emily Lewis organized an activity for the kids to do when they were finished eating. She had a coloring sheet for the younger classes and a word search and crossword puzzle for the older kids.

Sister Crook told the children that she had treats for those children who were sitting and finishing their activity sheets.

Have I mentioned how much I love working with these ladies?

I am so grateful to be serving in Primary again! What's not to love when you get to be with darling children like little Jack, who wanted his picture taken?