I Am a Child of God

The primary in our branch has been working really hard learning the words to "I Am a Child of God" in English and also in the Chuukese language. They sound really good right now. I have been teaching them what the words mean and each week I ask them, "who are you"? They answer, "I am a child of God". Then I ask what does that mean?

These are the words

I am a Child of God, and he has sent me here Has given me an earthly home With parents kind and dear.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me. Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday.

I am a child of God, And so my needs are great. Help me to understand his words, before it grows too late "Chorus"

I am a child of God, rich blessings are in store; If I but learn to do his will, I'll live with him once more. "Chorus"

I am very proud of all of them. We will be having a party at the end of November for them and they will sing it in December at our District Conference. It will be very special for the parents to see what lovely children they have.

Last week when practicing, a lot of kids were busy bodies and it was difficult to keep them focused. Now kids will be kids. After teaching the lesson and settling the children down to color a picture. The children really love to color and it keeps them busy for quit sometime.

I then went into a private room and said a prayer. In D&C 19:38 it says, "pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing". I know that the Lord hears our prayers and is waiting for us to call upon him for direction. At this moment I really needed some direction because I was frustrated, angry, disappointed, then just completely lost. I have come to love the Chuukese people very much and want the very best for them. I never want to hurt or offend anyone. We are all Children of God.

I was suppose to teach in Relief Society about teaching children reverence and really needed some help to teach on that subject after leaving primary. When I first arrived in the Relief Society, I felt a little lost so I just waited, silently praying about what am I suppose to say to help these lovely ladies. I began telling them about what we are teaching in primary and how much I loved their children. Then I told them about the song, "I am a child of God", and that each week I ask the children the question, Who are you? Then I said to them, I would like to ask you, the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, Who are you?

I went on to explain that I knew we come from different cultures and that I come from another country. But I also know that we are a lot more alike than we are different. I know that we are all children of God. I asked them why do we come to church? Is it to learn about our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? I asked them that we (Primary leaders) needed them to support and help us teach the children to be reverent. I then asked the question, if Jesus Christ walked in the door right now would he be happy with us? I read from the teachings of the apostles and I explained that the Lord has commanded parents to “bring up [their] children in light and truth”. Good parenting, while very challenging at times, offers great potential for happiness. Mothers can experience great joy by building a strong, loving home environment and teaching gospel principles, which can help their children lead righteous, happy, and productive lives.

We have the responsibility to see individuals not as they are but rather as they can become.

This is another version of the song, "I am a child of God", that I really feel is fitting

I am a child of God that's only half the view, If I don't shed the natural man I'm sunk and so are you. Lead me, guide me, reconcile me, chasten me on earth, Help me over come the fall, grant me second birth.

I am a child of God that doesn't clear the slate, I'm carnal, sensual devilish, in a lost and fallen state. Save me, change me, rearrange me, gracious God above, Cleave unto a broken heart bestow redeeming love.

I am a child of God, yet I become his child, thru faith in his beloveth Son, redeemeth Son undefiled. Lead me, Guide me, Justify me, cleanse me make pure, Help me love as thou has loved or I cannot endure."

We all have something we are going through and working on. We need to learn how to live so that a weakness that is mortal will not prevent us from achieving the goal that is eternal.

I pray that we will have the courage to extend the hand of fellowship, the tenacity to try and try again, and the humility needed to seek guidance from our Father. I know the responsibility is upon me, as a missionary and a sister of Jesus Christ. I love the Chuukese people and am thankful for the opportunity to serve them and learn from each other.