Our Primary Sacrament Meeting Program was today. It turned out wonderful.I left for Ward Council bright and early, but definitely with butterflies in my tummy. The kids were sooooo ready, but I always get nervous before the program. As with all little ones, you just never know what will happen!
After WC, went in to the chapel and my 'fearless fellow leaders' of the presidency were already busy at work getting the 'stand' area put together and the back of the cultural hall set up. I went in to the primary room and got that ready for junior and senior sharing times.
I was so impressed that almost every single child was early and in their seat in the back of the cultural hall! When we were all in place and the prelude music was playing, I gave a little pep talk, went over proper reverence for sitting alone in the back (but with their teachers...) and then called on someone to give a prayer. I reminded them that they had practiced very hard and now we would ask Heavenly Father to be with us and help us while we presented our program. They gave the most simple, beautiful prayer! It brought such a spirit to us before we even started. Even the Bishop commented on it from the podium. I don't think he even knew we had offered that prayer together.
Prior to that, we as a presidency prayed together in the Primary Room. We have done that every year and then have a 'group hug'. After most of a year preparing, teaching concepts/doctrine, reinforcing with music, quarterly activities, cubs, girls activity days, this is IT! The culmination of the work we have been trusted to do: the children bearing testimony of what they have learned. It is so humbling and so powerful all at the same time.
The music began and we marched up to the stand humming, "I'll Follow Him In Faith", stood standing and then sang the song strongly. You could immediately feel the spirit. I was sitting with one of the CTR 4 classes. This particular group has a unique blend of personalities and their teacher needed some support. Of course, the little ones are right in the front! Little Mark Steinert was having a melt down of big proportions and I finally put him on my lap where he promptly fell asleep in my arms. So there we sat for the whole program and it was heaven.
The children did such a good job. Those who accompanied on the piano did great, the chimes were beautiful and all the extra practicing truly paid off. They added so much to the song. It was a good investment for the primary. We have used them for 2 programs now and during the year. Sign language perfect. When we sang the closing song, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and the organ and congregation joined in for the remaining verses, it just gave you goose bumps. It was quite strong.
We had many non-members come. We always give the children invitations to give to their neighbors and teachers and friends. They love to invite and the people come to this for some reason. This is GOOD!
After, we sat on blankets on the floor in the primary room. We took care of 'business' like the mail box (for talks, prayers, and scriptures, and special notes), birthdays, etc. Then we talked about how they 'felt' during the program. We have been working on teaching them to 'feel' and think through what they are 'feeling' and that this is listening to the Holy Ghost teaching and testifying to them: growing and building their testimony. Then we knelt and had a prayer to thank Heavenly Father for being with us and helping us with our program. Such tender moments I will never forget.
Each year we prepare cards and select certain members to write a note to the primary and we read them during sharing time. This year one of my counselors suggested we give them to the ushers and pass out to everyone. What a great idea it turned out to be! Sarah, the secretary, made the cutest 3X5 cards with a label message at the top and stamped each one at the bottom with a "I Am A Child of God" stamp from Stampin' Up. The ushers passed them out with each program, and then we had a basket at each door that the members returned them in.
We passed out a treat (popcorn) and some cool water to all the children and I read the cards. They were so complimentary and the kids just soaked up the praise. We had some annonymous ones, and even a cute poem. When we finished that, we showed a movie about Christ.(Corp. of the President approved...) The kids were really into it.
Then we closed. Along with working on 'teaching ' proper testimony, we have also been working all year on proper prayer. Prayer language, how to begin, end, thank, ask. Difference of private, personal prayer, and being the voice for a group. So we always review this before the prayer and the children come up with 3 things that we are thankful for as a primary, and 3 things we would like to ask for as a primary (with going home in safety a given). Then the child who offers the prayer, includes these things along with anything else they feel prompted with. It has made a difference with how the children pray. It is working.
I kept it all together until the drive home. Duff and Christine left together and I had time to myself. I cried all the way home. They were good, happy tears. I love those children so much. How can I ever get released from this calling?????
( Some side notes: Had a great experience with Tony Carnesi today. He is 8 and was just baptized a month ago. Tony's parents divorced about 2 years ago and hasn't really seen his dad since. He is a great kid facing big challenges so young in his life. This translates into wiggles, stubbornness, irreverence, etc. He has a good heart and his behavior is so often misunderstood. We decided that I should sit by him during the program. Then Sister Bouslog needed help with her class, the 3-4 year olds. How was this going to work???? When the meeting started the thought popped into my head that I didn't have a program. I turned to Tony and told him I had something VERY important for him to do. Could he reverently go to the front side doors and get a program for me? He would have to walk, fold his arms, etc. Could he do this important thing? He agreed to try. I sent him on his 'task'. He started to run. Then quickly remembered and recovered! Brought me back a program from the 2nd door. I told him how much that meant to me and what a good job he did and that I loved him. He was so pleased with himself. He was as good as gold the whole program. Amazing what love and praise will do for a child. Well, all of us!We had a great tri-tip roast beef dinner. When Dodie got in ever so briefly last Thursday, she pulled everything out of her deep freeze and brought it here. Some of it was still frozen, but some of it was thawing, so we have been trying to use it up so it won't go to waste. All in all a good day!)
Once upon a time, I was a ballroom dancer! I took lessons growing up and I danced in every dance festival the church ever put on that I could participate in. I was even on the BYU Ballroon Dance team for 2 years! I have awards and medals from competing and testing. I looked for a picture of me dancing at the Y, but couldn't find them. I think my mom and dad must have them. Alas, I married a non-dancer, but that's okay. He's my prince charming anyway. He did take a social dance class his very last semester of college for my benefit and I give him kudos for that!
Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough.
Jenny Garth and Derek Hough dancing the mambo.
