Take from the Rich

There were quite a few 'funnies' at church today. Our lesson for the 7 year olds was on preparing for baptism. I asked the bishop to come in and talk to the kids about baptism and a little about what to expect at their interview. What followed was a pretty entertaining discussion with the present 7 year olds. At one point the bishop talked about being honest and never commiting crimes. He asked if anyone had been to jail. Somehow the conversation turned when one of the girl's hands shot up in the air and said "Well sometimes it is ok like if you take from the rich to give to the poor." Bishop talked about how we shouldn't steal from anyone, but the girl stayed firm in her love of Robin Hood. The other one took place in sacrament. A couple talked about faith and both mentioned that they will be getting sealed in the temple this year. The girl got teary because she was so happy. Her counterpart mentioned it as follows: "Like my wife mentioned, we will be getting sealed for time and all eternity later this year......That's like......long."

Baptism

JD and I have the awesome calling of teaching the 7-8 year olds in primary. Part of this calling includes attending the baptisms of our kids. Poor Averee has watched all year as everyone else was baptized, but had to wait since her birthday was after Christmas. Today it was finally her turn. The Spirit was so strong in the meeting as her uncle baptized her and her great grandfather gave her the Holy Ghost. I am thankful for the Gospel, for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and for a loving Savior who has showed the way, through example, of what I need to do to return home.

Individulality

We taught a lesson in primary about taking care of your things and people's things (not stealing, return things you borrow etc). Part of the lesson involved making something that you prize with salt dough. JD and I were absolutely amazed by what one of our kids was able to do. While the others made such things as a blanket and a taco (she really likes tacos-so she says), Ammon was constructing a work of art.

To put things into perspective: he is not the neatest or most peaceful of colorers. Usually the first thing he does with a coloring page is scribble all over the people in black or grey. One day he was actually coloring, to our great surprise, however it turned out he was adding cuts and bruises to the already battered traveler in a Good Samaritan picture.

This time it was different: he had indivdual legs, and was done before even the blanket maker was, so while he was waiting he proceded to add toes and scales. The other kids were impressed too.

It just goes to show that everyone has very different talents and you will never know what they are capable of until you give them a try.

Primary

JD and I have had Primary callings pretty much since we got married. We have taught 10 year olds, 9 year olds, and we are currently teaching the 7 year olds. Primary is definately one of my favorite places to be. This year particularly has been hilarious being with the junior primary classes. A few of the fun things that we have been taught lately or experienced with the kids include:
During an object lesson a presidency member had a candy bar and asked if she could just eat the candy (getting at the point you needed to open the wrapper first), a sunbeam piped up from the front row: Oh no! You have to ask your mom or dad first!
Same day, same sun beam: after singing a song the primary chorister asked if everyone had been singing, his response: I wasn't! I just don't know any of those words!
We asked our primary class what the Holy Ghost was a member of (getting at Godhead) the answer: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
While singing Follow the Prophet kids were called up to do something for kids to follow during the chorus (wave hands, clap, spin around etc). For Jonah one of our class members was called on, once the chorus started he bared his teeth made claw hands and started growling (to be the whale) we had a primary full of monsters throughout the chorus.
When an 8 year old was asked in a sharing time lesson how he felt after he repented: "Heartly.....it's a new emotion"