Primary in Bloom

Tonight we finished our stake primary training for the year. It was amazing. My favorite part was definitely listening to all of the wards present. Everyone is so full of great ideas and there was something for everyone. It was a wonderful blend of spiritual and entertaining...just as it feels when teaching children.

Our Stake Primary President, Mollie, of course did an outstanding job reiterating the influence primary has on our children and the gratitude we have for the leaders called to serve there. President Dixon also did a wonderful job helping the leaders remember that they are called of God. Just that information alone can bring strength and meaning to our callings.

The theme of "TULIPS" was meant to parallel the lives of our primary children. Often we plant bulbs in the winter to see it bloom later in the spring. In primary we hope to plant seeds and lay a rich soil that they can plant their testimonies in. Each letter it the TULIP acronym should help the teachers and leaders remember the purposes of primary as outlined in the church handbook. How this acronym came to our presidency was truly inspired.

The T helps us all to remember how we need to constantly Teach with the Spirit. (D&C 42:14). The U inspires us to help the children Understand Heavenly Father's love for them (1 John 4: 16). The L reminds us to help children Learn to recognize and feel the Holy Ghost (Galations 5:22). The I reminds us to encourage the children to Instill faith and testimony in Jesus Christ. The P pushes us to help children Prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. And the S, which we didn't see in the handbook under purposes of primary but feel is equally important, is to remind us to Seek out his lost sheep. Each ward presented what they did to makes these themes successful in their Primary. It seemed as though it had been scripted; it so perfectly blended together. I Think the Spirit really directed the presidencies.

I always feel so blessed to have my mother help me with projects and callings. I value her opinion and she was a real lifesaver when it came to taking care of my responsibilities for this event. It was hours and hours of planning and preparing, but I think worth it in the end.

And I will never look at a tulip the same again.