Thanksgiving! Rejoice! Be glad!

I hear more often than not people say they can not wait for Thanksgiving to be over just to get away from their family members. How can we be thankful when we are so very sour and not doing what the Lord wants us to do while we are with our families?
Have you ever heard of Pollyanna's father's gladness game? Not the movie , but in the book, she is lovable and adorable.

Oh, yes," nodded Pollyanna, emphatically. He [her father] said he felt better right away, that first day he thought to count 'em. He said if God took the trouble to tell us eight hundred times [in the Bible] to be glad and rejoice, He must want us to do it - SOME.

800 times! To be glad and rejoice.

Oh, yes; the game was to just find something about everything to be glad about—no matter what 'twas
... there is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it.

We do not wanting to focused on ruined food or the naughty family member but what is turning out right ..maybe not in our eyes but in the eyes of the Lord.
We need to see the good in our lives and rejoice about them before we can be grateful and Thankful for them.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/rejoice?lang=eng

Now you have things to be Thankful for as you begin to see more of them. Remember to rejoice and then give Thanks.
Sharing how to do this as you do service with others would be Thanks Giving!

And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.” (D&C 78:19; italics added.)

“Verily I say unto you my friends”—that always moves me, to think of the Lord calling you and me his friends—“Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks.” (D&C 98:1; italics added.)

“If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.” (D&C 136:28; italics added.)

The Dead - Memorialized

Remember your fathers.

When a friend found about a gift I had she posted a meme  that honestly quite shocked me. I wondered if she seriously felt that way about me or if she posted it out of care and concern. I decided to accept the latter because I love her and I hope she feels the same way about me. I was and still am concerned she feels like I am being betrayed or tricked, because she does not feel my gift is from God. The scriptures she used for her explanation were totally used out of context.

Ephesians 6: there was some scripture in there she believed that once someone dies the spirit no longer exists. However when I read the scripture making sure to back track to see the whole meaning in the scripture I got a different impression on what it meant.
What I understood is the people where misbehaving, and this made them stop obeying there parents and the trouble makers began to despise them. This also goes for their Heavenly parents too. The scripture says they forgot their fathers to never see their face again.
Kind of like when Moses was told he could only Gaze upon His Heavenly father's back when his people misbehaved because to see his face would cause him to die.
You can see as the people began to grow in their testimonies with Heavenly Father that they remember their fathers more and memorialize them. Keeping records of them in one way or another but the system gets better as more make it an importance.
What are some misunderstandings people have had about family history, the  dead and baptisms with the spirit of Elijah you have experienced?
what can we do to remember our Fathers' fathers?
Share them with your child and do some role play to prepare them for these chance encounters.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-joy-of-redeeming-the-dead?lang=eng

http://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-july-2016/2016-07-09-abraham-abraham-and-me-eng.pdf

Memorializing the dead is not a new thing. It is done in many cultures for many years. We are told we can adopt traditions that do not interfere with getting close to heavenly fathers and his teachings. Many of the customs and traditions of Allhallowstide was saying prayers and requesting blessings for the dead. How do we do that with our religion?

 Here is some you may want to do to show the dead are not scary but special and important.

http://jennyatdapperhouse.com/2015/10/day-of-the-dead-history-and-free-sugar-skulls-coloring-pages/
Skulls are something Heavenly father made to keep our bodies upright. They are natural and can be beautiful to some people because they meant someones lived a life in it. How would you draw love for someone who passed on one?
You may also want to give a lesson on the skeletal system at another time.

We can sometimes remember people by eating there favorite foods and discussing the memories we have of them while we do.

Candle or lamp lighting- It only takes a spark to get a fire going. It only takes a spark to get a fire glowing. And that's how it is with gods love. once you experience it. to everyone , everywhere, I want to pass it on.

The Christ Book: The Quest of the Wise Men,The Star

http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2010/12/christ-book.html

The Quest of the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1-6

1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5. And they said unto him, in Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

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When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men in the east saw a new star in the sky. They knew this star meant the Messiah had been born, so they traveled to Jerusalem. Hoping to find and worship the young child, the wise men asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?”

King Herod ruled at the time, and when he heard of the wise men’s question, he was disturbed because he didn’t like the suggestion that there was another king of the Jews. He called the chief priests and scribes together and asked them where Christ was to be born. They answered that a prophet had written that Christ would be born “in Bethlehem of Judea”.

Discusion of wise men:
http://lds.org/liahona/2009/12/we-three-kings?lang=eng&query=wise+men

The Star Leads to Bethlehem

Matthew 2:7-12

7. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child ; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
With Wondering Awe

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Herod sent for the wise men and asked them about the star they had followed. He then sent them to Bethlehem and told them to report back to him after they had found the young child, that Herod might worship him also.

The star led the wise men to young Jesus, and they gave him gifts. Because the wise men had received a warning from Heavenly Father in a dream, they did not return to Herod but went by another way to their homeland. Herod did not want to worship Jesus; he intended to kill him.
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

http://grannysuesnews.blogspot.com/2010/12/of-kings-and-wise-men.html

The Christ Book: Shepherds and Angels Song

Shepherds Watching Flocks

http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2010/12/christ-book.html

Stars Were Gleaming Luke 2: 8-9 8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

The Angels Song

Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains The Angels Song Luke 2: 10-14 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The Shepherd’s Response Luke 2: 15-20 15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Joy to the World 

  

The Christ Book: The Birth In a Manger

The Birth in the Manger

http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2010/12/christ-book.html

Once Within a Lowly Stable


Luke 2: 6-7

6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.


Away in a Manger

Once Within a Lowly Stable

Silent Night

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When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, the city was crowded with people who had come to pay taxes. There was not room for Joseph and Mary in the inns, but they were finally allowed to stay in a stable where Mary “brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger”
Birth in Bethlehemhttp://lds.org/liahona/1991/02/in-this-holy-land?lang=eng&query=journey+bethlehem

He chose to the born in Bethlehem, adjoining Jerusalem. Why Bethlehem? Is there symbolic significance in the meaning of the name Bethlehem,which in Hebrew means “house of bread”? The Great Provider declared Himself to be the “bread of life.” (See John 6:48.) How appropriate it was that He, the “bread of life,” was to come from the “house of bread.”
But why among the animals? He, who John declared to be the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), was born during the season of Passover amongst the animals, as were other lambs being prepared for Paschal sacrifice.
At the birth of Him who is called the “good shepherd” (John 10:14), shepherds were the first to receive the announcement of His holy birth. (See Luke 2:8–16.)
At the birth of Him who once identified himself as the “bright and morning star” (Rev. 22:16), a new star appeared in the heavens. (See Matt. 2:2; 3 Ne. 1:21.) Shining brightly over Bethlehem, that star had been placed in orbit far in advance of the foretold event in order that its light could coincide in time and place with His blessed birth.
At the arrival of Him who is called “the light of the world” (John 8:12), darkness was banished as a sign of His holy birth. (See 3 Ne. 1:15, 19.) He was born the Son of God and the son of a virgin mother, as foretold by Isaiah (see Isa. 7:14) and other prophets. (See 1 Ne. 11:13–21; Alma 7:9–10.)
http://lds.org/ensign/1998/12/tasting-the-bread-of-life?lang=eng
As a child I had thought manger was a synonym for crib. I remembered my surprise at learning that a manger is a box made to hold food for animals, a feeding trough! Now, as I sat in Bethlehem, I imagined a manger filled with oats that beasts of burden hungrily devoured. They, like me, would eat and in a few hours want more. No matter how nutritious earthly fare is, it is never enough. The next day, even the next hour, the stomach growls for more.

In my mind’s eye I saw hands brushing away the last few oats. The same hands filled the manger with fresh straw and placed the Babe in the feeding trough. Words leaped to mind: “He that cometh to me shall never hunger” and “He that eateth of this bread shall live for ever” (John 6:35, 58). The heavenly fare offered in the manger was not only eternal but capable of lifting us to God. How fitting that Mary should cradle her son, the Bread of Life, in a manger.

shadow box and silhouette figures

The Christ Book: Journey to Bethlehem

Journey To Bethlehem

http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2010/12/christ-book.html

Luke 2: 1, 3-5

1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

When Joseph Went to Bethlehem


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http://lds.org/ensign/1995/12/the-road-to-bethlehem?lang=eng&query=journey+bethlehem
Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, sent out a decree that everyone in his empire had to be taxed. Each man was to pay taxes in the city of his ancestors, so Joseph and Mary had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was a difficult trip for Mary because her baby was about to be born.

They would probably have made the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem by one of two routes. One would have taken them south across the Jezreel Valley, then through the hills of Samaria into Judaea. This is the more direct route in straight-line distance—but there are two reasons it probably was not the way Joseph and Mary went: It is physically demanding, with constant ups and downs through the hills—and it took the traveler directly through Samaritan country, and “the Jews [had] no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9).

The other possible route is the one Joseph and Mary more likely traveled. It would have taken them southeast across the Jezreel Valley, connecting with the Jordan Valley, then level or slightly down in elevation all the way to Jericho, then up through the Judaean Desert to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Both routes are about ninety-two miles long. Normal walking pace, even with a camel or donkey, is three miles per hour. So a traveler can usually walk between seventeen and twenty-four miles each day. Each route took about thirty hours to walk—seventeen to twenty miles a day for five days.

At that rate, the journey would have taken Joseph and Mary at least four to five days. We wonder where they stayed each night, where and with whom they camped along the way. It would have been a wearying journey for anyone, but especially for a pregnant woman soon to give birth. It was early spring, which can still be very chilly at night in the hill country. However, in the Jordan Valley—which is below sea level—the temperatures would have been mild and pleasant.

The last leg of the eastern route would have been the hardest of all. Jericho is the lowest city on the globe, and Jerusalem and Bethlehem are situated right in the top of the hills. From Jericho’s desert to Bethlehem is an uphill hike of 3,500 feet. How exhausted Mary must have been! How anxious Joseph must have been to find a comfortable room at the inn! Desperate to find adequate shelter, they may have resorted at last to a limestone cave used for a stable.

When Joseph Went to Bethlehem

Bethlehem. The name Bethlehem means “house of bread.” In fulfillment of ancient prophecy, Jesus, who is the “bread of life” (John 6:35, 48), was born in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:4–6; Luke 2:15–16).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TIKNX8/ref=yml_dp

http://lds.org/ensign/1997/12/bangkoks-journey-to-bethlehem?lang=eng&query=journey+bethlehem

http://lds.org/ensign/1971/12/mary?lang=eng&query=journey+bethlehem

The Christ Book: Mary Visits Elisabeth

Mary Visits Elisabeth

http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2010/12/christ-book.html

The angel of the Lord told Mary that her cousin, Elisabeth, who was old and had never had children was also with child and about 6 months along. Elisabeth was married to Zacharias. Mary went to visit Elisabeth. She stayed about three months.



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Luke 1:39-42, 46-48, 56

39. And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40. And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42. And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

46. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call be blessed.

56. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

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Mary Being in her teens Needed Elizabeth as an example and someone she could talk to who would not cut her down for being pregnant. Most likely when the Angel shared that Elizabeth was pregnant Mary strongly felt she could take comfort there.
After Mary left, Elisabeth had her child. It was a son, which they named John. John was to prepare the people for the ministering and teachings of Jesus. He became known as John the Baptist.

http://www.childrenstory.info/biblestoryforchild/chdbblmaryvisitselizabeth.html


http://www.stempublishing.com/magazines/cf/1898/Marys-Visit-to-Elizabeth.html

The Christ Book: The Annunciation

The Annunciation

http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2010/12/christ-book.html

Luke 1: 26-33, 38
26. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

38. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

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Heavenly Father planned for Jesus Christ to be born into an earthly family. Joseph and Mary, the man and woman chosen to love and care for Jesus on earth, loved Heavenly Father and kept His commandments.

Mary was surprised and a little worried when she saw the angel, but she was willing to do whatever Heavenly Father wanted her to do.

Joseph was a righteous man chosen by Heavenly Father to marry Jesus’ mother and love and care for Jesus and give him an earthly family. An angel also visited Joseph before Jesus was born to tell him that Mary would have the Son of God.

The name Jesus means Savior. Jesus Christ would save all of us from our sins and help us return to live with Heavenly Father forever.

1 Nephi 11:13-23
13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.

14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?

15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.


 The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary
Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26–38; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10

http://hopeofglory.net/Sermons/Synopsis005a.pdf

http://www.bible-history.com/jesus/jesusLk_12638.htm

http://urantiabook.org/newbook/papers/p122.htm#paper122section3

The Christ Book: Christ’s Birth Foretold

Christs Birth Foretold

http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2010/12/christ-book.html

The birth of Jesus Christ was an event that was planned and anticipated even before the creation of the Earth. All of the Old Testament prophets predicted the coming of the Savior and His birth into mortality.
Throughout the Old Testament, the practice of sacrifice was diligently followed, and that practice was in anticipation of the Savior’s sacrifice for us at the conclusion of His mortal life.


At the same time the prophets of the Old Testament were predicting the birth of the Savior, prophets in the New World, as reported in the Book of Mormon, also foretold His birth and His mortal mission. One of these prophets was Samuel the Lamanite. Samuel not only prophesied the actual occurrence of His birth, but also told of the signs by which the birth of Jesus in Judea would be made known to the Western world.
Video Samuel prophesies about Jesus being born



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Helaman 14:2-6
2. And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.
3. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.
4. Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.
5. And behold, there shall a new star arise, such as one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.
6. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.

http://www.lds.org/friend/1988/12/samuel-the-lamanite


Make two column headings on the chalkboard: “Signs of Christ’s Birth” and “Signs of Christ’s Death.” Write all of the signs of Jesus Christ’s birth and death that were discussed in this lesson on separate pieces of paper, and mix them up in a small container. Let the children take turns picking one, reading it, and placing it under one of the two columns.
Great lights in heaven
A day and a night and a day as if there were no night
A new star
Many signs and wonders in heaven
Sun, moon, and stars shall be darkened
No light for three days
Thunderings and lightnings for many hours
Earth shall shake and tremble
Solid mass of rocks shall be broken up
Great tempests
Mountains laid low
Valleys become mountains
Highways broken up
Cities become desolate
Graves shall be opened and yield up their dead

SONG:Samuel Tells of The Baby Jesus
1. Said Samuel, “Within five years
A night will be as day,
And Baby Jesus will be born
In a land far, far away.”
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Oh, let us gladly sing.
How blessed that our Lord was born;
Let earth receive her King!
2. Across the sea, in Bethlehem,
Lord Jesus came to earth
As Samuel had prophesied,
And angels sang His birth.
Words: Mabel Jones Gabbott, b. 1910

Music: Grietje Terburg Rowley, b. 1927

Original title: “Christmas in Zarahemla,” © 1985 by Mabel Jones Gabbott and Grietje Terburg Rowley. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.

http://www.jollyjenn.com/SamuelTellsof.pdf
http://www.ldsfamilyfun.com/media/PDFs/church/song%20dec.pdf
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6948
http://www.mormonchannel.org/scripture-stories/25

http://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/magazines/friend/2011/02/fr11feb35_samuel.pdf

http://www.ldssplash.com/fhe/fhe_lessons/samuel.htm

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8740




Please Share any more neat links or stuff I can do to make this fun and exciting to teach to my family.