Thanks Mom!

My wonderful mother used to teach seminary in Glendale Stake. When I got my calling, she hooked me up with a huge box of lesson plans, games, and other goodies. It has been invaluable.

Today I used a scripture mastery game she made to get the kids out of their chairs. They chose partners and worked together to assemble the words of the verse in order. To make things interesting, I had them play for prizes ($5 in Mormon Money and a treat from the jar). I also played our 1 Ne 3:7 song over and over in the background. It seemed to be a success.

We also talked about 1 Ne 1:20 being a thesis statement for the Book of Mormon. I shared excerpts from Elder David A. Bednar's talk, The Tender Mercies of the Lord. I went on to describe some of the tender mercies I've experienced that prepared me for my seminary calling:

*My parents came out for a visit the week I was to be set apart for seminary. It was such a blessing to have them there. Also, my mom was able to give me "the box".

*My visiting teacher used to teach seminary before me and has shared tons of great advice and materials.

*I was able to finish my teaching degree and get some experience under my belt before moving to Ohio (and receiving this calling).

*I had an impression prior to receiving the call so that I had time to adjust to the idea and pray about it.

*In my preparations over the summer, I started listening to the Roundtable Discussions on the Book of Mormon. One of the professors that frequented the program used to be my Book of Mormon teacher at BYU. It was neat to here him teach again and be able to recall what I learned from his class 14 years before.

*This is a little silly...In January 2009 I started to teach the 5:30 a.m. aerobics class at the Y, proving to myself that I actually could get up early on a consistent basis.

All of these things sound like nice coincidences, but I know that they were tender mercies from the Lord given to me so that I "may accomplish the thing which he commandeth" me.