A True Story

One thing that Ally likes to do is write down stories. She will scribble letters and dictate what she's writing. Earlier this week, I overheard her write this story.

" I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I know that he is very nice. Jesus is nice too. Is this a good deal? This is a good story. The end."

It made me smile that she likes to write down what she "knows" or is learning.

Following Jesus

For the past week and a half, Ally has become obsessed with the idea of being baby Jesus. She'll drag a monstrous blanket to where I am standing and ask to be swaddled like baby Jesus. When that's done, she'll lie on the floor/couch/bed and say, "Momma, I'm baby Jesus!" It's interesting to me that even at this young age she is trying to be like our Savior. Granted, she is trying to be like him as a baby, but what a great age to imitate. Our Savior put off his glory and power to come to the earth in a much more humble way: as a baby.

I Love Jesus Because...

In our preschool group we are getting ready for our Christmas activities. One such activity includes a visit to some elderly women in our ward. We made cards for them and I asked each child why they love Jesus. They aren't so spiritually based, but I think there are principles and 3-year understanding of Jesus in each answer. And, they are pretty darn cute and funny.

I love Jesus because.....

~ He is so bright!

~ He made outside for me to play.

~ I'm friends with him.

~ when I am bad it makes him sad.

~ No! I'm grumpy! (that one made me laugh)

Obviously, we have wonderful families in our ward who take the time to teach their children about Christ. And, it's plain to see that they understand who He is in their own 3-year old way.

Jesus is our friend

Every morning at breakfast, I read an article to the kids from the Friend. It's a good way to make sure we get something in about the gospel before the day starts and they like the stories. A couple of weeks ago we read President Eyring's story about being a faithful friend, specifically to Jesus Christ. Ally seemed to kind of struggle with the concept that being a good example is one way we are Jesus' friend. Well, yesterday, as Ally was doing some of her "imaginative play" with toys, blankets, pillows, etc. I overheard this little conversation: "Jesus, you are my friend. Do you want to help me make a bed for Jessie? We like to be nice to our friends Jesus." It made me smile to see that Ally understands what a friend is at her level. For her, He is someone that will play with you and help others. Jesus did love children and I think Ally knows that.

Jesus Loves Everyone

Today while eating breakfast I read Pres. Eyring's message in The Friend to the kids. It was about becoming Christ's friend and how He is our friend. I was explaining to them that Jesus loves everyone. I told them how Jesus loves good and bad people no matter what they do, but that he wants us to make the best choices we can. Ally then looked at me, and in a very matter-of-fact manner, stated, "Jesus loves Thaddeus (our 4-foot giant teddy bear). And Jesus loves chocolate milk." So, while she hasn't quite caught the concept that He loves all people, she definitely understand that He loves. And knowing that He is loving is an important thing to know.

Atonement

Our FHE lesson yesterday was on the atonement. Eric took us to the seminary building to give us a great white board lesson and then to watch a portion of "The Testaments" on the big screen. It was a very powerful lesson and we really learned a lot. While we were watching the movie Viana and Brooke were gathered around Eric's knees. The resurrected Savior came to the Nephites and called the little children to him to bless. When this happened both Viana and Brooke started in with comments like, "I want to feel Jesus' hands." "Jesus will bless me" "I want Jesus to give me a blessing" "Jesus loves the little children most". It was so neat to see how touched they were by the spirit and the love that they could feel for their Savior.
This is exactly why this blog exists.