The theme this week in Primary is The earth was created for Heavenly Father's Children; and The fall was part of God's plan. We are supposed to teach "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." I am excited to talk about all the ways my Heavenly Father shows us he loves us. My awesome sister sent me a video I am excited to share of this song. Sorry I don't know how to share it here! Thanks K!!!!
In my home, Valentines day is more than just for couples in love. It is a time to make something special and share it with others by leaving treats on the doorstep and running... trying not to get caught! Then the receiver, is supposed to run and try to catch the person leaving the Valentine, and kissing them when caught! We have lost this in our world of selfish busyness. Isn't that what our Heavenly Father does for us everyday? He created this beautiful world for us, right in front of our eyes, and he waits, hoping we will chase Him and tell Him thank you, kissing him and showing our appreciation for Him!?
I am taking these beautiful round visuals representing each part of the song, and cut larger hearts on my silhouette. They are valentines from our Heavenly Parents. I 'll have the kids put them in order, singing the song a couple times to get there correctly. Reminds me of this "Letter from a Friend" I was first introduced to as a young girl at Oakcrest girls camp:
Letter From A Friend
I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too. So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you. I waited - you never called - I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face - trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn't even think of Me; I wanted so much to comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into glorious morning for you. But you woke up late and rushed off to work - you didn't even notice. My sky became cloudy and my tears were the rain.
I love you. Oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you. I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky. The wind whispers my love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of all the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and compose love songs for birds to sing for you. I warm you with the clothing of my sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent. My love for you is deeper than any ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care.
My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him - He cares, too. Fathers are just that way. So, please call on Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait - because I love you.
Your Friend,
Jesus
Then I am taking a unfrosted suger cookie (these are a family favorite lately http://www.justapinch.com/
Then we'll sing Nephi's Courage, and I Will follow God's Plan (with a clapping rhythm).
I also did a cute flipchart for "I have 2 ears" with pictures of our ward kids.
I'm making sugar cookies for after, I'll invite them to decorate their own! I also have this valentine for each of them reminding them to notice all the ways Heavenly Father sends His Love! I am thinking I will print and fold each one, but then just draw the half heart on the back side, and encourage them to go home and cut it to see what appears! (an extension of the "I do it!") I will not pass these out until after primary in the parking lot (because I live in warm and can do this part outside!) For a picture of what the paper without printing will look like, see the accordion folded hearts on this blog.
In my home, Valentines day is more than just for couples in love. It is a time to make something special and share it with others by leaving treats on the doorstep and running... trying not to get caught! Then the receiver, is supposed to run and try to catch the person leaving the Valentine, and kissing them when caught! We have lost this in our world of selfish busyness. Isn't that what our Heavenly Father does for us everyday? He created this beautiful world for us, right in front of our eyes, and he waits, hoping we will chase Him and tell Him thank you, kissing him and showing our appreciation for Him!?
I am taking these beautiful round visuals representing each part of the song, and cut larger hearts on my silhouette. They are valentines from our Heavenly Parents. I 'll have the kids put them in order, singing the song a couple times to get there correctly. Reminds me of this "Letter from a Friend" I was first introduced to as a young girl at Oakcrest girls camp:
Letter From A Friend
I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too. So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you. I waited - you never called - I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face - trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn't even think of Me; I wanted so much to comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into glorious morning for you. But you woke up late and rushed off to work - you didn't even notice. My sky became cloudy and my tears were the rain.
I love you. Oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you. I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky. The wind whispers my love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of all the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and compose love songs for birds to sing for you. I warm you with the clothing of my sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent. My love for you is deeper than any ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care.
My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him - He cares, too. Fathers are just that way. So, please call on Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait - because I love you.
Your Friend,
Jesus
Then I am taking a unfrosted suger cookie (these are a family favorite lately http://www.justapinch.com/
Then we'll sing Nephi's Courage, and I Will follow God's Plan (with a clapping rhythm).
I also did a cute flipchart for "I have 2 ears" with pictures of our ward kids.
I'm making sugar cookies for after, I'll invite them to decorate their own! I also have this valentine for each of them reminding them to notice all the ways Heavenly Father sends His Love! I am thinking I will print and fold each one, but then just draw the half heart on the back side, and encourage them to go home and cut it to see what appears! (an extension of the "I do it!") I will not pass these out until after primary in the parking lot (because I live in warm and can do this part outside!) For a picture of what the paper without printing will look like, see the accordion folded hearts on this blog.
I am grateful for a great team to play with! Today we went for a fun hike from Highway 18 down to Scout Cave and came out in the neighborhood above the fishing ponds called the Gila trail. It was neat to watch the snow coming towards us. We prayed it away, and it did, it turned and headed North after dropping just a few snow pellets on us. Beautiful memories together! I'll post pictures :)