It's Great to Be 8!

Richie~almost 8!

Last night was Richie's "Great to be 8" program. I was asked to give the Holy Ghost talk. We are three for three now, giving talks at all three of the Great to be 8 programs we have attended thus far. With an average of 6-8 kids per class, one would think our odds wouldn't be so great. I must say though, I gave the best talk yet for myself. I had a lot of comments and didn't even walk out the door w/ my talk b/c the teacher wanted a copy. So I thought I would give you the basics of my talk just in case any of you have a need.

Things you need: a lantern, a gift box w/ 2 magnets per child in it, 3 typed out scriptures

I started out telling a story of a boy walking down a path in the dark, trying to get home to his father. It was so dark that sometimes he would go off the path. Lucky for him there was a lightning storm. Each time the lightning struck he was able to get back onto the path. He had to go very slow so he didn't go off the path too far. He came to a house where they gave him a gift, a lantern (I have a red one that I got from my Grandmas store). They lit it for him and he was able to get home to his father without falling off the path.

I compared this to everyone has moments where they feel the H.G.(burst of lightning). Soon, each of them will receive a gift, just like the boy~The Holy Ghost. Then I explained all the H.G. does for you, very simply, comfort, guide, make you happy, give answers.

"There are a couple of things we all need to do so the H.G. can bless our lives.

1st. We need to learn to listen to the H.G. In a minute I'll have you all close your eyes, when you hear a voice you recognize, raise your hand. BE VERY QUIET so you can hear. Only raise your hand if you know who is speaking." (I then had 3 people read part of a script. quietly at the back of the room~I used a parent, their teacher, prim. pres.)

"The Holy Ghost is someone who loves you, like your parents or teachers. We need to learn to recognize the Holy Ghost just like we do our parents & teachers. When we do, the Holy Ghost can help us whenever we need it.

2nd. We need to make sure we do the things that make us worthy to have the Holy Ghost in our lives. (I then had a present and opened it. It had magnets in it~two for each child but I didn't hand them out until after so they would listen to the Bishop) The Holy Ghost can only be with us if we are doing what is right. One magnet represents you and the other represents the Holy Ghost. When we are doing what is right they stick together (demonstrate). When we are doing things we shouldn't (give examples) then they won't stick together. (turn the magnets so they repel off each other ) The Holy Ghost can't be with you when you are not following the commandments."

I then closed by telling them how precious this gift is to them and to never set it aside....

The kids loved this and came running for the magnets as soon as the closing prayer was said. Richie kept saying how much he loved it all. If you know Richie, this is very unlike him. I must admit, the internet is such a blessing when we are not creative ourselves.