Hi ____!
I hope you are happy, healthy, safe, learning in school, and loving Jesus. I pray for you and your ability to make good choices. What things are you doing lately for fun? What is your favorite thing to study at school? Do you like snow?
For weeks now, a ruby-throated humming bird sits in our grapefruit tree and watches us outdoors. He's become our mascot, so we bought a couple hummingbird feeders. One is right outside the breakfast nook window; the other is near the grapefruit tree. Our hummingbird prefers the one by the breakfast nook. Sometimes he hovers and looks in at us after taking a drink. As is inevitable with any sort of bird feeder, it now attracts lots of hummingbirds. Yesterday, two large birds that might be yellow-bellied sap suckers were sipping there, too. Since the hummingbirds are afraid of them, I chased them off.
The new Phoenix temple was dedicated two Sundays ago, so we were able to go there this week. It is so beautiful, but that's not why I love the temple. Temples are special, because they seal families together forever and for always. In the past couple weeks, I found information about my step-grandmas and will have them sealed to our family. When I was a little girl, each in turn was good and kind to me. I loved those sweet ladies and don't think our family complete without them. I'm not sure how every family relation will work out in the next life, but I believe Heavenly Father will keep everyone together that wants to be together if they are sealed. But...since Heavenly Father is in charge of the details, I'm not going to worry about it past doing family history and temple work for my loved ones.
A couple months after Christmas, you will celebrate your sixth birthday. That's not too far away. Your six and seven-year-old years are important times to prepare for your coming baptism. Pay special attention in Primary and during Family Home Evening. Learning the words and meanings of the Primary songs will go a long way in teaching you the gospel of Jesus Christ, too. Plus, you probably have a nice singing voice like your mother, so make sure to sing loud (not yelling) and clear during Primary singing time. Primary is so much fun, when we know the words to the songs. Learn what it means to take Jesus name upon you, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him until the end. It's not hard to understand, especially if you remember that the commandments only lead you to do good; they will never lead you to hurt, anger, lie, steal, or any other bad thing. Baptism day is much more special if you understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. Many people don't learn all this until later. That's ok, too, because you will have time to learn more about the gospel line upon line and precept on precept all the days of your life. Still, the scriptures tell us to learn wisdom during your young years. The gospel of Jesus Christ is an exciting adventure and the only one to bring you true happiness upon Earth and joy during eternity.
Well, my dear Claire, remember the way to be happy. President Hinckley told children all about it during a special Primary General Meeting, when Uncle ___ was a Primary Boy. Be Smart
means to work hard in school, learn all you can about the gospel, and do what you know is good and right. Be True means to cherish the faith your parents teach you as well as be loyal to your family and God's commandments. Be Prayerful means to pray often even in your thoughts during the day. Be Grateful means to be thankful for and think about what God and other people do for you instead of all the things you want. Be Clean means to stay away from bad language, sloppy dress, rude behavior, and naughty entertainment. Be Humble means to let God, parents, and leaders teach you instead of being sullen or a know-it-all. It's not that hard to choose to be good. Like President Kimball said, you just need to decide that's the kind of person you want to be and do it.
We love you more than you will ever know, that is until you have grandchildren in 40 years or so. You are a ray of sunshine, when you smile your beautiful smile. You should smile all the time, because your smile has the ability to make others feel better. If someone doesn't feel happy after seeing you smile, there is something seriously wrong with them.
God Be With You Until We Meet Again...
Love Ya Lots!
P&G
