Monday, January 12, 2009

Annie's First Talk

Just a photo of Ann before her outing to go skiing a couple weeks ago.

In our church members are asked to speak in the meetings. We have an unpaid "lay" ministry. So our Bishop has a regular job and takes on the job of Bishop for about 5 years before another person is asked to take the job. Members are asked to provide the "sermons" which we call talks.

This practice of preparing and giving talks before a congregation begins early. Primary children aged 3 and up give talks to other young children in their own meeting. Yesterday Ann Marie gave her first talk all by herself. (I have helped her write and give the talk in the past). 

Her topic was "I am a spirit child of Heavenly Father." I told her to think about what she would tell me about that topic if I didn't know anything about church or Heavenly Father. She went upstairs and wrote the following all by herself. She then read it to all the kids under age 8 yesterday. I thought it was great and wanted to record it and share it. 

I especially love the part where she says, "I like my body." I wish we could all feel like this. Hmmm. I think I have a post brewing on just this subject...

It is great to be a child of God. I love God. He is my father. He sent me down to earth. He made a plan for me. He made my body. I like my body. I am special. So is He. My baby sister is with Him. All of you are children of God like me.  You can pray to talk to Him like me. We are children of God. 
When she finished she just looked at the primary leader. Then she said "That's it." The primary leader then had to remind her finish with "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen" which is how we finish our talks.

Good Job Ann Marie!

17 comments:

Peggy said...

So cute. My own daughter has to give a talk next week on the same subject. I've never had her write her own talk before, but I think I'll have her do it on her own this time so I can see what she comes up with. Thank you for sharing this.

Em said...

Precious! I love being in primary such a pure spirit in there!

bows and more said...

So precious! What a great talk!

Judy said...

There is nothing better than the Spirit that is in Primary I could sit and watch and listen all Sunday! I just want to thank you for your posts! I have been reading off and on for the last 5 months and have left a comment or two! You are so amazing and I am so grateful that you are willing to share your life with other women! I think you would be amazed at how many lives you have touched of people you don't even know! To me you have been an inspiration! Making me want to be a better Mom, Wife, Member of the Church and Community! Thank you!!

julie said...

I know that you don't know me, but what a sweet little talk that she gave. She did do a great job, and I can tell that she is being taught well that she is a daughter of God. How cute. I love that she talked about Camille being with Heavenly Father right now.

Troop 220 said...

Great Talk. I love when my children write their own talks. It always sounds so much better in their own words. Great job Annie!

Lisa R.D. said...

I loved this talk! The first time I let my daughter write her own I had to consciously refrain from making suggestions (making it MY talk rather than hers). I find that so often, pure doctrine comes from children because they are innocent and pure and learn things in basic form. I can't wait to read your post on liking our bodies!

Anonymous said...

Great message and so sweet! I wish I could have seen her give it! And from your last post I know someone already said this but pregnancy dreams are so scary!!! I always have the most vivid and frightening dreams when I am pregnant...not that it makes it any easier but at least you know you're not the only one. Love you!!!

Darleen said...

Good job Annie! That's perfect and so well said. Very impressive for writing it all by herself.

Shanan said...

Great job, Annie!

Amanda said...

Wow, that's really great, go Anne Marie! She's such a smart little girl.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for blogging about these things, it is such a great reminder for me to write down firsts like that. I didn't do that with my first two, but after many years waiting I have been given one more chance. Your blog is inspiring in so many ways. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What a cute ending. :) Well done, Annie!

Kassie said...

I gave my first talk yesterday too!

Sharon said...

That's great! My daughter has to give a talk this coming Sunday and asked me what it means to be a spirit child of God. I think throwing "spirit" in there was throwing her off. She is 11 though and will write her own talk. I can't wait to see what she comes up with.

Marleen said...

That was very sweet and a great reminder. Thanks Annie!

Amber said...

That is really cute. I haven't had much success getting my kids to write their own talks so far. Thanks for the inspiration to try again!