Primary In-Service for May

The Primary In-Service Lesson for May was held on Sunday, May 25, 2008. Today we reflected upon preparation which, according to Elder Dallin H. Oaks, ". . . is a prerequisite to teaching by the Spirit." We discussed the Six P's of Preparing a Lesson, which are plan, pray, purpose, principles, prepare and present. We emphasised the importance of using the scriptures and read 1 Nephi 19:23 "...for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." Teachers were encouraged to read from their scriptures during every lesson so that children will become comfortable with the scriptures and by their teacher's example, learn to use the scriptures in their own lives. We played a game which can be used for behavior management. It was a scripture search game to help children become familiar with the names and order of books in the scriptures as well as a tool to manage behavior. Dramatization was the teaching method we modeled. Children can gain a greater understanding of gospel principles by dramatizing stories from the lesson. We used the Pair-Share activity to review and conclude the in-service lesson. All Primary teachers are encouraged the review the lesson by reading and studying the following: pages 13-15 in Teaching Guidebook; page 166 in Teaching, no Greater Call and 1Nephi:19:23. "We are so grateful to all who teach. We love you and appreciate you more than we can say," Jeffrey R. Holland.

Relief Society Book Club - May

The Relief Society Book Club met on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. We discussed the book, THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards. Everyone liked the book very much. This book has the capacity to evoke a lot of emotions in the reader. The relationship between the main character and his wife dredged up quite a few unpleasant memories of events from my marriage that I thought I had forgotten. In a way this was a healing experience for me. Not everyone in the group had such a reaction though. We spent a lot of time talking about the behavior of the main characters, whether they did the right thing or not and what we would do in their situation. Read this book. I give it 4 stars. Our book for June is THE DEVIL'S ARITHMETIC by Jane Yolen. Keep on reading.

Orlando Temple

Photo (c) 2004 Michael Provard

Latest News From Lake Panasoffkee

Nothing much is new in Lake Panasoffkee. . . except that I'll be going there in about five weeks. My parents are looking forward to my visit. My brother is looking forward to my visit as well because he and his wife always take their vacation in the summer when I can stay with our parents. As for me I'm recovering from an injury to the ligament in my leg. I try to walk as little as possible at work and then every evening I sit with a bag of ice on my leg, which really helps. My leg feels a little better each day. My cat, Star, is doing fine. Now that she's recovered from her urinary tract infection, I'm going to continue training her to do tricks. Yes, tricks. Cats can learn to do tricks. Sometimes they will only learn the tricks they want to learn and sometimes they will only do the tricks they want to do, but they can learn tricks.

Well . . that's about all the news from Lake Panasoffkee. Enjoy the picture of the hummingbird! I'm looking forward to seeing many of them this summer.

Our Sunday School Lesson

"God Himself . . . Shall Redeem His People." Mosiah 12-17

One big question of the lesson was Did Abinadi die without being aware of any converts?

Well, we know from Mosiah 17:1,2 that Abinadi heard the plea of Alma to spare his life. We aren't told what Abinadi was thinking but he probably did believe some good would come of his mission. Ted L. Gibbons has written in his Book of Mormon Lessons "that as a direct result of the ministry of Abinadi which was carried on by Alma the Elder and his descendants, 23,707 people united with the Church, and in addition to this, thirteen other large groups of people were converted."

Abinadi indeed had a most difficult mission: to share a most important message with everyone. It wasn't easy. His message was about peace, redemption and salvation. He was asked in the court of Noah to retract his statements or be put to death. Abinadi responded in Mosiah 17:9,10, by saying, I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you.

I know that Abinadi preached the truth. He loved the Lord and was faithful and steadfast to the end of his life. I am so grateful that we have these lessons from the Book of Mormon. The great example of Abinadi is precious to me.

The Second Primary In-Service Lesson

And I give you a commandment that you shall teach

one another the doctrine of the kingdom. D&C 88:77

The second Primary in-service lesson was held on Sunday, April 26, 2008 at the Palm Springs Ward. Attendance was great! In the first session we almost ran out of chairs. The lesson centered around teaching with the guidance of the Holy Ghost. In fact, the Holy Ghost is necessary in order to teach the principles and truths of the gospel. So we shared the six things a teacher needs to do in order to teach with the guidance of the Holy Ghost. (See Teaching Guidebook, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pages 2,3.) There were several suggestions for classroom behavior management (Read "Helping Those Who Become Disruptive," from Teaching, No Greater Call, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pages 84-87.) and I shared an object lesson about Joseph Smith from http://www.eprimary.dk/ . The best lesson ideas of the month (dressing up like a character from the Book of Mormon) came from http://www.sugardoodle.net/. I hope you will visit these sites. And, as you read this blog, of course, leave comments for me and your fellow Primary teachers! We ended the lesson with a "pair-share" teaching strategy. Again, I must say that the Primary teachers in our ward are caring, hard-working AND dedicated. In the words of Jeffrey R. Holland, "We are so grateful to all who teach. We love you and appreciate you more than we can say."

The Latest From Lake Panasoffkee

Yes, it has been a long time since I've written. However, a few things have kept me busy. I've had a sick cat. Star had a urinary tract infection. She is doing OK now, but for about two weeks she was not feeling well. (And when my cat feels bad, I feel bad.) The hardest part was getting her to take her medicine, which she did not like to do at all. Then there was her constant desire to go outside and then inside, etc., all of the time. Finally, as the medicine started to take effect, she settled down and did a lot of sleeping. Now, she's her old, playful self. She still wakes me up at 5:00 AM, an hour earlier for me, because she doesn't understand that we made a time change awhile back. Then there was my mom who fell and broke three ribs. She is better now, but what a scare for us. I can't blame her for wanting to stay active and busy, but she doesn't realize how fragile she is. I'll be visiting her during the summer, so maybe I'll be able to get her to slow down a little bit. And last, work has been super busy. I've had three major projects to complete - all at the same time and I don't like to do three things at once, especially without clerical help. Anyway, as per Friday, the worst is over (hopefully) and I'm back to a normal life.

Celebrate Earth Day

Heavenly Father has blessed us with this beautiful planet, and it's up to us to take good care of it. We all share a responsibility for this green earth, yet sometimes I forget that and abuse its resources. So I've decided to do my small, humble part to help keep our planet safer and ensure a decent place for our future children by using reusable "green" bags for bagging groceries whenever I shop. I purchased the green bags at Publix and keep them in my car. So, when I go through the grocery store checkout line, its paper: NO, plastic: NO, reusable green bag: YES! The bags are much easier to carry and hold more items than plastic.




Plastic bags don't biodegrade, they photo degrade-breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidentally ingest. Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die every year from eating discarded plastic bags mistaken for food.

Consider changing from single use plastic bags to reusable bags. Each reusable shopping bag that is used has the potential to eliminate hundreds, if not thousands, of plastic bags over its lifetime. Do your part . . .green bag it . . .think about it . . .

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has! -Margaret Meade

Relief Society Book Club - April

The R. S. Book Club met again! We discussed the book Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. While reading this book I learned some interesting things about seventeenth century Dutch painting and customs. It is said that Vermeer's portrait, Girl With a Pearl Earring, is called the "Dutch Mona Lisa." We talked about the role of women and the choices Griet, the main character, had to make in order to survive. The author blended fiction and history to create a well-written, interesting story which I highly recommend. I rate this book 4 stars. Our May book will be The Memory Keeper's Daughter. Keep on reading!

The Allegory of the Olive Trees Jacob 5 - 7

I cannot begin to properly explain this allegory from the Book of Mormon so I'll take the explanation from Monte S. Nyman, publisher and author. The prophet Zenos tells a story in Jacob 5, in which he likens the House of Israel to a tame Olive Tree that was planted, grew mature, and started to decay. The Master of the Vineyard (Jesus Christ) and his servants (the prophets) saw it, pruned it, and nourished it. Some natural branches were cast off and wild ones grafted in. When that didn't work, the Master left the location of the tame Olive Tree roots (the blood of Israel among the Gentiles) and took some tender young natural branches to the nethermost part of the vineyard and grafted them in to wild olive trees (the Gentiles). This story goes on to span the history of the House of Israel until the end of the earth. [Monte S. Nyman, An Ensign to All People, pp. 35, 36]. The part that impressed me the most was the word nourish. I was told that some form of this word shows up 20 times in Jacob 5. I definitely have a need to be spiritually nourished. Moroni 6:4 speaks of our need to be "nourished by the good word of God..." We are told in Jacob 6:5-8 that God nourishes us all the time '...And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day ... For behold ye have been nourished by the good word of God all the day long..." I am very grateful for the concern the Lord shows for us. He is always concerned about our welfare and He is always there to help us and protect us and to bless us. I know that these words in the Book of Mormon are true. I know that the Lord's suffering and teachings and examples are real. He wants to help us have a fullness of joy, if we just remember "the plain and simple truths" of the Gospel.

Relief Society Book Club - April

The R. S. Book Club will meet Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 7:30 PM at the same home we have used the last few times. Review the discussion questions in advance. Wear pearl earrings if you wish. To look at paintings from the book go to http://www.tchevalier.com/gwape/paintings/index.html

Above: My favorite picture by Vermeer

Girl With a Pearl Earring
by Tracy Chevalier

Discussion Questions
How did Chevalier bring to life 17th century Delft? What did you learn about everyday life during this time? How is it different than life now? How is it the same?
Describe Griet's relationship with her family. How did it change throughout the story? In what ways was she similar and different from her mother, father, and Frans?
Why did Griet feel so torn between her new life and old life? What did she enjoy about her new life in Vermeer's household? What did she miss about her old life?
Discuss Griet's relationships with different children, Maria Thins, Catharina, and Tanneke. What are the dynamics of the household?
Why was Griet so drawn to Vermeer?
Do you think Vermeer truly cared about Griet, or was he only concerned with the painting? Were his feelings toward her defined by passion, love, lust, paternal instincts, camaraderie? What about her feelings toward him?
Why did Griet hide her hair? Why did she feel so revealed once Vermeer saw her hair, that "it no longer mattered what I did and did not do?" Why do you think she went to Pieter that night?
What was the significance of Griet wearing the pearl? Why did Vermeer force her to wear both earrings even though only one would appear in the painting? How was his piercing her ears symbolic?
Why was Catharina so upset by the painting? Do you think Vermeer betrayed his wife? Did he love her? What was the nature of their relationship?
Do you think Griet made the right decision in marrying Pieter the butcher? Were the other options she considered while standing in the star at the town's center feasible?
What affect did Chevalier produce by dividing the book into years rather than chapters?
* From about.com:bestsellers

Back to the Grind

Spring Break is over and I'm back home. The time flew by while I was at Lake Panasoffkee. I am happy to say that I completed almost everything on my list of things to do. I bought a new hummingbird feeder for my dad and he filled it and put it up outside. The hummingbirds started feeding immediately. Everyday I fed peanuts to the squirrels. One would take the peanut from my hand. My cat, Star, tried to chase and catch the squirrels but she never had a chance. I think the squirrels spent most of their time hanging out in the trees laughing at her trying to catch them. Blackie, my parent's cat, was tolerant of Star. They have a pretty good relationship: when Star comes inside, Blackie goes outside and when Blackie comes in, Star goes out. While I was there I baked two cakes, a pineapple upsidedown cake and a spice cake with cream cheese frosting. I visited with my brother and his wife and their new dog. They call her Baby. I'm not sure what breed she is but she looks just like the dog Toto from "The Wizard of Oz." I finished reading the book Girl With a Pearl Earring. More about that later. I cleaned out my mother's rose bed and put fertilizer on the grass. Yes, I went shopping at my favorite store Bealls. I allowed myself to buy two pairs of shoes, and some skirts and blouses. I had a great time, I was always busy and I enjoyed every moment of it. Nine more weeks until summer vacation. I can't wait!

A Proverb From Maritza

If you are planning for a year ... plant rice. If you are planning for a decade ... plant a tree.
If you are planning for a lifetime ... educate a child. --Chinese Proverb

Have a Wonderful Spring Break

On Saturday I'll be traveling to visit my parents at their home at Lake Panasoffkee. During my week's stay I'm looking forward to the following:

My mother making grits for breakfast,

Spending a lot of time visiting with my parents,

Enjoying some cool weather,

Going shopping for clothes at Bealls,

Working in Mom's flower garden,

Eating dinner at my brother's new house and

Looking at homes for my future retirement.

I hope that you and your family have a great Spring Break. Let me hear from you!

Karla

Primary Inservice

An inservice was held for Primary teachers on March 16, 2008. It was a great pleasure to meet the Primary teachers in our ward! Our Primary teachers are caring, hard-working AND dedicated. I am looking forward to serving as their Inservice Leader.

At our meeting the teachers were challenged to contact at least one child who has not been attending Primary. Each teacher agreed to make contact and report back in April. Also, I mentioned that the only time food should be provided during Sunday Primary is when it is included as part of a lesson.

The Junior teachers shared their inservice needs. They would like to receive ideas and suggestions about their lessons in advance. They would like specific suggestions about how to tie in object lessons as they teach and how to teach to a specific age group. Behaviour management for the younger children was mentioned. They were interested in helpful web sites as well as a way to open up communication among teaches via e-mail. (Hopefully this blog will encourage dialogue among Primary teachers.)

The Senior teachers wanted suggestions on how to maintain a smooth transition from the large group setting to the classroom. They want ideas for classroom management so that their focus will be on the lesson and not management.

Speaking in general conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, "We are so grateful to all who teach. We love you and appreciate you more than we can say. We have great confidence in you." I completely agree with Elder Holland. And again, I am looking forward to this calling. Our Primary teachers are wonderful!

Relief Society Book Club - March

THREE TICKETS TO PEORIA by Nancy Anderson , Lael Littke, and Carroll Morris was the book for March. It's the second book in a trilogy about three LDS women who become close friends while at a BYU Education Week. Their friendship lasts many years as they provide support and comfort for one another through the many trials and tribulations of being a Mormon wife and mother. Of course, we had a great discussion! Some of the topics were: What are the consequences of keeping secrets? How would you respond if your teenager wanted to investigate another faith? What were the strengths and failings of the husbands in the book? I gave the book two stars. Well...for me one of the best parts of this month's meeting was the delicious meal we had at Sal's Italian Restaurant in Miramar. Yummm! Please join the group in April for the book GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING by Tracy Chevalier. Keep on reading!

Relief Society Book Club - February

Last night the Relief Society book club met and discussed the book UNSHAKEN by Francine Rivers. I really liked this book and it was my choice for Feb. (Each month we take turns choosing a book.) UNSHAKEN is the story of Ruth, her dedication to Naomi and her marriage to Boaz. Ruth is a couragous risk-taker and her testimony is strengthened as the story moves along. Francine Rivers is not LDS but, after reading this book, one might think so. We had a warm discussion and especially enjoyed talking about the geneology of Jesus Christ, found at the back of the book. (Ruth is the great-grandmother of King David.) I highly recommend this book. I give it four stars.

Our March book is THREE TICKETS TO PEORIA by Nancy Anderson, Lael Littke and Carol Morris. I'll tell you about it in March. Keep on reading!

Home in Florida

Welcome to my blog. I'm a native Floridian, who enjoys living in South Florida. I'm an LDS single sister.