A Tribute to A Primary Teacher

Well, this entry is dedicated to my primary teacher, Sister Madsen, in Lincoln, Nebraska. When I was 8, I had the greatest primary teacher in the whole world. Sister Madsen is still an inspiration to me today. When I taught sunbeams for 2 years with Amy, I often thought back to her and wondered how she would have approached each day. I fell far short of her effort, but I did find moments of improvement because of her inspiration.

Each Sunday, Sister Madsen would have a very well prepared lesson about the New Testament. I particularly remember the lessons about the journeys and writings of Paul the apostle. Sister Madsen had maps, scriptures, pictures, and more all organized. Somehow she was able to excite us about our lessons and learn. I remember how intensely everyone in the room listened (at least as far as I can remember). She gave us "homework" each week and rewarded us when we accomplished it. I learned an amazing amount about each subject for the age I was. She didn't aim too low with us, but expected much more of us than most primary teachers would for that age group. I don't actually remember a lot about the specific lessons, but the feelings of excitement and commitment that she instilled in me concerning the scriptures still stirs my heart today. I believe that Sister Madsen new how to help us newly baptized children, feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and today I can look back and recognize the feelings I had in those classes as the Holy Ghost. That is a sweet memory.

I am not sure if I am correct, but I keep thinking that she was this really small woman and her husband was pretty big. Anyone remember? Well, no matter her size, she surely was a spiritual giant to me. After all these years, she still impacts my life. This is how I hope to be for others, regardless of where that may be - in a small classroom with children, or in my Elder's Quorum each week I teach, or in the home of someone I hometeach. Sister madsen magnified her calling and inspired the heart of at least one small boy. I am grateful for her example.

A Dark and Cold First Night

Jason mentioned (in his comment) our first night in Nebraska. I actually do have a little memory about it. I don't remember anything once we got inside or anything about the ride there, but I do have this clear memory of being pulled out of the vehicle and carried into the house. I am not sure if this is true, but it seems in my mind that I have always remembered the sky to be black and clear with some moonlight, making the snow glow. I just know that I felt safe and comfortable in the arms of my parents. I also keep thinking I was wearing soft, yellow zip-up PJs. Is that true? Anyone remember?

Anyway, It's nice to have a memory like that. My parents have always kind of carried me even when I kicked and fought it. And what I didn't know most of the time was the cold and dark that lay around me because they braved much of it for me while they protected me. Thanks to all people in my life who have carried me.

That was our first night in Nebraska. I don't remember the cold or the deep snow or any bad conditions on the road. Just a memory of being safely carried home. I am grateful for Jason's additions to it. It is the first of many, many good memories of Nebraska. Those will be fun to tell.