The Miracle of Loving Teachers

from lds.org

In a fireside on January 28, 2011, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke about teachers.  He said that we live in a time when the gospel will be spread unto all the world.  "To accomplish this, we need something even more miraculous than modern technology. We need effective, loving teachers."  He then offered five characteristics of effective teachers:

1. Center all teaching on the Savior
2. Teach truth clearly and with courage
3. Teach by the Spirit
4. Teach from the heart 
5. Testify

President Uchtdorf reminded us, that as members of the church, we will all be teachers.  He said, "That is one of the beauties of this Church . . . The call to teach is an opportunity to follow Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher."  What a wonderful opportunity we have in the Primary to gather the children, as the Savior did, and teach them.  

Portions of this fireside address can be seen at lds.org.

Early Preparation

Ensign February 2011

In Primary we have the charge to assist parents in helping prepare children for what is ahead.  Not only to do we help them prepare to for baptism, the Aaronic priesthood and Young Women, we help them prepare for whatever the world brings into their lives.  Sister Wixom addressed this need in general conference.  She said, "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". Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary General President, "Stay on the Path"  

In addition to this wise counsel there is an article in the February Ensign, "The Power of Early Preparation", by Ronald Errol Bartholomew that gives counsel in this mission of preparing children.  It is well worth the time to review his suggestion.  He quotes Henry B. Eyring, "Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady," "We will need to have developed and nurtured faith in Jesus Christ long before Satan hits us, as he will, with doubts and appeals to our carnal desires and with lying voices saying that good is bad and that there is no sin.  Those spiritual storms are already raging.  . . . Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation"

Let us do all we can by helping each child: 

1. Feel Heavenly Father's love for them.
2. Learn and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. Feel and recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost.
4. Prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. (Handbook 2:Administering the Church, 11.1)

Help from The Friend - February 2011

The Friend February 2011

Faith in God

• "Looking Different", inside front cover
• "Faith in God Challenge", p 13
• "Article of Faith 2", p 22

Activity Days for Girls, Scouting

• "We'll Carry You!: We Served Too", p 3
• "One in a Million", p 7
• "Bulletin Board:  Box of Love", p 12
• "Funstuf: Family History Fun", p 21 
• "Sharing Love with Families Far Away", p 24-25
• "Funstuf: Word Puzzles", p 26
• "Beautiful", p 44-45
• "Friends in the News: Winchester Hills First Ward", p 47
• "Friends in the News: Rochester Second Ward", p 47
• "Bringing Primary Home: The Scriptures Teach of Heavenly Father's Plan", p 40-41 - Remember that these pages do not replace the Outline for Sharing Time.  This article could be used for the girls to prepare a lesson to share in their families for FHE in their own homes. 

 My Gospel Standards

• "Choosing to Choose the Right", p 4-5 

 Music Leaders

• "One in a Million", p 7  
• "I Will Follow God's Plan", p 11 

 Lesson 11: Baptism," Primary 3: Choose the Right 

Lesson 6: The Baptism of Jesus Christ," Primary 7: New Testament

• "Jesus Is Baptized", p 14-15