LDS Greats

Decorating a Primary Room

2011-02-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

As far as decorating goes, I don’t know how you have figured it out in your buildings, but if you share a building with other wards, you will want to coordinate with the other presidencies so that you have a uniform and pleasing look. It turns out that the building that we meet in has three wards and it is the responsibility of the early ward to decorate for the year. Guess what….we are the early ward! The problem is choosing from the many items available to help you get the job done. My councilor and secretary are doing the decorating (they love that sort of thing) and they will incorporate the 2011 Primary Theme 13-Poster Pack (color), the 2011 Primary Monthly Scripture Teaching 13-Poster Pack (B&W) Oversize and two set of Article of Faith Posters. Since the process isn’t complete (First Sunday of January we just kind of tacked things up there), we will see what else we may want to use from the available products.
Know the Scriptures are True - Vinyl Lettering - 4 Feet Wide
2011 "I Know the Scriptures Are True" Border
I’ll keep you updated with perhaps even a photo of the completed room.

Primary Birthdays

2011-01-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

So….birthdays for Primary children. My presidency decided to change it up a bit with a new year and all. We like the 2011 Gift Kit. This includes a wristband, bookmark and pencil with the 2011 Primary Theme: I Know the Scriptures Are True.
If that is more than you want, you could go with any one of these individually. Bookmark, Pencil, Wristband.
Keep in mind the varying sizes to match the size of your kids. We have Sunbeam, Jr. Primary, Senior Primary and Adult sizes. It's nice to have something for the children that reinforces what they are learning.

2011-01-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

As I am sure with many of you, 2011 came fast and now I am busy planning for the year! As a brand new Primary President, I found that I had some immediate needs. Other than the normal “I never realized how much a Primary President” did factor, our presidency (we started on the first Sunday of January) had Birthdays to recognize and a room to decorate. So, this is where I am starting this years’ blog. Of course, you can always visit the main website for ideas if you are serving in other organizations, and I will address some of those ideas in upcoming blog posts. This year, I am leaving my comfort zone and will make this blog a little more personal. In the past I mainly featured products that will help you in your church auxiliary calling or in teaching your families. While I’ll still be featuring products to help you, I am going to mix in some of my experiences. I prefer to stay behind the mask of a blog/product, but if you are anything like me, you like to get ideas and hear what someone else may be experiencing. As an important part of this blog, I welcome your ideas. You have a wealth of experience that can be shared with others worldwide (yes, we have customers all over the world) and we want to know what you do and how you do it. So, feel free to comment…just keep it positive and family friendly!

2009 Youth Theme Wristbands

2009-06-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Youth Theme wristbands ("Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12), are perfect for girls camp, youth conferences, family reunions, scouts or individual gifts. You can order specific colors for your needs:

1. As an indicator of who is really part of your youth conference group, order all the same color for the youth of your stake, ward or branch. Wearing the wristband can be their "ticket" for admittance to dances or other activities that outsiders may "crash."

2. The wristbands can be used to identify various girls camp groups by color, or you can order a variety and allow the girls a color choice (girls like to accessorize, even in the wilderness!).

3. Scouts may feel shy about vocalizing their commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but wearing a wristband with this years theme allows them to communicate with those around them their beliefs.

4. Family reunions can be a great way to inspire our youth. The wristbands can be color coded by family, all the same color, or a variety for the choosing. It's fortifying to know that cousins, aunts and uncles also believe! If cost is a worry, you can sell the wristbands at the family "store" or they can be incorporated into an auction (a very fun activity that our family has used for years).

5. We have had aunts order wristbands for nieces and nephews in faraway places such as Australia or Indonesia to celebrate birthdays or just to stay in touch.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. We would love to hear how you use the wristbands or ideas that others may use!

LDS Greats Team

"Follow" Widget Added

2009-06-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Readers of our blog can now become "followers." This is a google gadget that allows us and others to see who is following our blog. This tool also allows you to tell your friends (if you wish and it's a simple and effective way for us to get the word out) about the products and ideas in a natural way.

Thanks to our friends worldwide...we appreciate all you are doing to serve and uplift those around you. We love feedback, so keep it coming!

LDS Greats Team

2009 Mutual Theme Key Chain

2009-06-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a useful gift for your young women, young men, leaders, nieces or nephews? These themed keychains are colorful, easy to find and an excellent reminder of this years' theme "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

LDS Greats Team

Countdown Calendar

2009-06-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Limited Supply!

Count down to a special day with this customizable countdown calendar! Simply write a thought or paste a picture to fill in the boxes on the included sheet of paper, then insert the sheet in the countdown calendar. The recipient opens one flap each day, similar to an advent calendar. Fun to prepare and receive!

Countdown to: baptism, missionary start date, or other significant event in the life of a loved one.

LDS Greats Team

Looking for a good book on families?

2009-05-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

"Finding Joy in Family Life" by Wally Goddard is an excellent book.
Use the Gospel of Jesus Christ to become a better person, partner, and parent.
To those who know Wally Goddard, through his books, articles or workshops, understand the keen insights he has to family life. Come and sit at the knee of a wise man whose words will inspire you and your family towards joy!

LDS Greats Team

Family Proclamation - With Your Family Photo

2009-05-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Get "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" with your own family photo in the middle. Make the Proclamation a joy to look at by customizing it to your family.

Give as a wedding gift with a picture of the bride & groom or temple in the middle. For an anniversary gift, use your Grandparents' wedding picture to honor them. Great for Aunts and Uncles too!

One recent customer ordered several to celebrate her parent’s anniversary. Each family received their own copy.

This would also make an excellent Father’s day gift.

LDS Greats Team

2009-05-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

Do your primary kids know the 2009 theme?

It’s hard to believe that the year is almost half over! Some primary leaders have been newly called and need ideas or just want to “freshen up” their bulletin boards. The yellow Die Cut Letters that display the 2009 theme may be just the thing you are looking for!

LDS Greats Team

Youth Conference Season is Here!

2009-05-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

We are getting busy with the youth conference season that is approaching quickly. Customizable t-shirts for the youth are a great bargain and an excellent way to keep the conference theme memorable. The display of positive messages gives the youth a voice in a world filled with degrading images and words. Because t-shirts are made to order, please allow sufficient time before your event.

LDS Greats Team

Primary Gifts for Children

2009-05-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

Recently a newly called Primary President called for ideas on reasonably priced gifts that she can give to the primary children as she spotlights them for their birthdays. I suggested the “My Eternal Family” carpenter pencil. This pencil emphasizes the theme and that the children can help “build” their families. The pencil graphite color is red and can be used to mark scriptures.

Girls Camp Craft

2009-05-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Anyone looking for a useful Girl’s Camp craft? Try our Mutual Theme Key Chain Kit. The silicone wristbands come pre-punched (with the 2009 youth theme engraved in them) so that all the girls do is pick/attach their brad, attach the metal ring and it is done. These make great key chains…I have used mine for 2 years and it is cute and makes keys easier to find! If you get a variety of wristband colors and brads, the girls will enjoy using their creativity to put together key chains unique to them.

LDS Greats Team

Family Reunion Idea

2009-04-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Summer is approaching and we all know that many families gather for reunions of all shapes and sizes. This year’s primary theme goes perfectly with family reunions! “My Eternal Family” wristbands worn by each family member are a great way for the children, youth and adults to solidify the concept of family togetherness. The wristbands come in a variety of colors, and when you order you can specify how many of each color you want. A couple of ideas:
1. Purchase unique color for each branch of the family and ask them to wear them during the duration of the reunion. You will always know who belongs to what part of the family (as that can get a little confusing depending on the numbers!).
2. Purchase all one color for the entire reunion and then if you are at a public place (campground, waterpark, beach, themepark) you can easily identify family members (or stragglers that may wander off).
3. Purchase the glow in the dark wristbands (white) for the youth or children that might enjoy night games or a dance. It is fun to swing your arms around…kids can find ways to make this fun!

Have fun with your families!

LDS Greats Team

2009-04-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

With the recent addition a of young women value “virtue” we put together a virtue kit to introduce the idea to young women’s groups. With a poster that says “Return to Virtue” , balloons, napkins with “virtue” stamped in gold and invitations, this package is ready to be used in a variety of ways. One Young Women leader had an evening with the girls and their parents to spotlight the new value and the emphasis it should have in each girl’s life.

We hope this is a useful package for you and we would love to hear how you have used it so we can pass on your success stories to other Young Women's leaders looking for ideas!

LDS Greats Team

2009 Primary Theme Announcement - My Eternal Family

2008-10-18T05:12:00.000-07:00

Each year I wonder what the new theme will be and each year I am amazed at the terrific plan given us by the Primary General Presidency to teach gospel principles in primary. What a beautiful way to help children focus on family more. The times we live in demand a theme that teaches this doctrine: The family is ordained of God. Truly inspired for this year!

The new songs that will be taught - "My Eternal Family" and "The Family Is of God" are catchy. At LDSGreats.com we've posted links to these songs from lds.org and other 2009 planning helps for you, including a sheet listing all the Sundays in 2009.

If you live near a Deseret Book, you may notice that LDS Greats Primary posters (both the scripture teaching pack and the monthly theme color posters) are now available there as well as at LDSGreats.com for your convenience. We are pleased to provide you 2009 Monthly Theme Posters in color and the 2009 Scripture Teaching Posters. Also check out our 2009 "My Eternal Family" Calendar that now includes the weekly gospel principles with the monthly scripture and theme.

Be sure to read the "Message to Primary Presidencies" on page 1 of the 2009 CSMP. It gives a great overview and introduction. A printable file with a GAK matching game for you to use as you introduce the theme is also available on the Primary main page at LDSGreats.com. Primary children reading out loud helps summarize and reinforce what you have just told them. A booklet for the children to make with the same information is available also. Bright, inexpensive, easy 2009 bulletin board ideas too!

October 2008 General Conference Packet for Children

2008-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

You've seen the conference packets that help children stay reverent and busy while they are listening to general conference talks. At the LDSGreats.com General Conference web page there is a link posted for an October 2008 Conference Activity Packet. A great big thanks to the creator.

Conference Reverence Tent

2008-09-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

With general conference only a week or so away, I was so thrilled to read about the idea of a conference reverence tent. What a perfect idea for the children! The Friend magazine is just the best. While we are making the tent we will talk about King Benjamin. This is such a practical and fun idea.

Our family room has often been a tent building site, but this time it will have greater meaning. It just might become our family's newest conference tradition. The children will willingly go along with this suggestion. They can collect a few books, chairs and blankets and build away!

2009 Mutual Theme Announcement

2008-08-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

What an inspired theme! I am very excited about all the ways I can use this scripture as a guide in my home and with my family.

From LDS.org: A noticed dated July 1, 2008, announced the 2009 Mutual theme: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

Young Women leaders are encouraged to read President Thomas S. Monson's address "Be Thou an Example" in the May 2005 Liahona or the May 2005 Ensign, as well as the message from the Young Women general presidency in the January 2009 New Era and Liahona magazines.

Priesthood and auxiliary leaders are invited to counsel together about the issues facing their youth and how to use this theme and the tools of the Young Women program as a means to strengthen youth and increase their worthiness. The following page lists a number of talks on standards that may be helpful in addressing your specific needs: "Church Leaders Speak Out on Standards."

Great 2009 Mutual Theme Gifts, Crafts, Activities and Ideas

April 2008 Conference

2008-04-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend of inspiring messages! I now feel like I know President Monson better. Sometimes it helps me to remember he is a husband and father and that he cherishes those callings. His daughter spoke at a recent devotional at BYUI.

I heard more mention during this conference of the contribution from women in the church, through their worthwhile efforts with their home and families. Being a woman and a mother, I so appreciate it when the apostles talk about their commitment to their wives and families.

Elder Ballard's talk is one I will remember. When he asked children what they could do to help their mothers, I had to smile. I've got to enjoy the doing more and the getting it done a little less. There is wisdom in that line! It reminds me of the "Good, Better, Best" talk by Elder Oaks from last conference.

At this point, I am excited to get the conference issue of the Ensign in my hands so I can start studying and applying the messages. I think Elder Bednar's talk on meaningful prayer will be a great one to start with. I haven't thought before about pledging or committing during prayer much until now, but I do remember one time really desiring God's help and committing to give up something, that I had earlier felt prompted to remove from my life - not a major thing, just something that would be considered less uplifting and more loud laughter.

A friend told me about the General Conference Quiz Game, so my family will play that for family night to extend our memories of the April 2008 Conference. What messages were especially for you? How will you remember the messages (like President Eyring asked) that were meant for you?

LDS Greats Reminders - How To

2007-10-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

LDS Greats Reminders are inspiring visual art prints of scripture verses and quotations.

See the Reminders LDSGreats Reminders

LDS Greats Reminders compliment your gospel lesson or add inspiration, encouragement and focus to your daily life.

Send a LDS Greats Reminder to a friend by ordering them a print or send the link inside your email. E-mail Reminders Page

At your request, Custom Reminders can be designed. Download these scriptures and quotes for FREE and print them for your lessons or order prints at a great price. Changeable frames for prints are available at LDS Distribution.

I have two that I printed myself (one at home and one on glossy paper at the copy shop) hanging in my home that I used for lessons. I am even more excited to be able to send them with my emails.

2008 Primary Theme Helps & Ideas

2007-10-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

I think this year's theme is so memorable.

I Am a Child of God

When I say it, I automatically start reminiscing. If I had a dime for every time I sang that song, I'd be a rich girl. But this theme never gets old! The song even sounds new and fresh to me.

How will you help the children to internalize this message?

2008 Mutual Theme Ideas

2007-10-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

From LDS.org -

"The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have approved the following as the Mutual theme for 2008: 'Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works' (Mosiah 5:15).

"We encourage you to introduce the theme in December 2007. We also ask that you encourage Young Men and Young Women leaders to emphasize the theme in Mutual opening exercises and other youth activities during 2008."

Information will be sent each year from Church headquarters to priesthood leaders suggesting an annual theme for Mutual to be discussed with youth leaders. The theme may be used to provide focus for special Mutual activities such as dances, drama, speeches, sports, music, or service. Preparations for such activities should be made during Mutual. The theme may also be used as a basis for youth talks during Mutual opening exercises.

Does this spawn any ideas for you? Share them here.

LDS Young Women

2007-10-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

What are your challenges serving as a Young Women leader? Tell us what has helped and strengthened you in your calling. What would you share with any newly called Young Women Leader or Teacher?

Blessing Basket

2007-10-02T19:41:00.001-07:00

I was blessed yesterday because my teenager served me, simply by quietly making my bed.

The act was not uncommon, but the loving service was great because it came from a willing heart.

I think this excerpt from Sister Bonnie D. Parkin's talk in the 2007 April General Conference explains why the title of this post is Blessing Basket.

Let me share a sweet story with you. A family was going through a difficult time. It was hard for them not to focus on their challenges. The mother wrote: “Our world had completely crumpled, so we turned to Heavenly Father for guidance. Almost immediately we realized that we were surrounded by goodness and were being cheered on from every side. We began as a family to express our gratitude to each other as well as to the Lord daily. A close friend pointed out to me that our family’s ‘blessing basket’ was overflowing. From that conversation came a sort of game, which my children and I grew to love. Before family prayer each night we would talk about how our day had gone and then share with each other all of the many blessings that had been added to our ‘blessing basket.’ The more we expressed gratitude, the more there was to be grateful for. We felt the love of the Lord in a significant way as opportunities for growth presented themselves.”

What would a “blessing basket” add to your family?

Sister Parkin says, "Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God."

How were you blessed today?

General Conference - October 2007

2007-10-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Do you have a conference tradition in your family? Which talk really touched you? What are your plans to implement the messages we heard?

Some of my favorites from from 2006 and 2007 were The Miracle of the Holy Bible and Tender Mercies.

How about you?

December 2007 Primary Sharing Time

2007-10-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

We've moved this discussion to the Your Comments section at LDSGreats.com. Free Document Files to print are at LDSGreats.com, under Resources, then Primary, then 2007 Sharing Time Helps. Click on the logo in the upper left corner to take you to the main page.

Welcome

2007-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

LDS Greats wants to know what you think is great. Great books for LDS readers, great ideas for LDS families, great ideas for LDS callings, service, fun, gardening, etc... Find something great that you want to share with others. Is there something your family does to stay organized and on track? Share it here. We'll review it and post it at http://www.ldsgreats.com.