Thanksgiving Thoughts For My Kids

9 November 2013

Strange thing #1: My mother is writing me a LETTER on paper.

Strange thing: #2: My mother is sending me a BOOK, a real book, on paper. Doesn’t she know I use a tablet?

Strange thing #3: My mother is really sending me a book written by a man who I personally think is a little crazy?

Strange thing #4: You and your children will probably think little on the great people who are celebrated on the holiday of Thanksgiving. Nothing will be said in classrooms. No art projects of Pilgrims and Indians (now a socially unacceptable term) displayed in classrooms. No kindergarteners dressing up like Pilgrims and Indians (oops, there it is again) for a Thanksgiving Day program for their parents. No re-enactments of that day in classrooms. In junior high schools, high schools, and colleges instructors may share insights on the evils of the Pilgrims.

Strange thing #5: Thanksgiving is a National Holiday for people to start Christmas (oops.. Holiday) shopping at ‘early openings’ at 6pm.

Strange thing #6: My mom has really lost it.

Not Strange Things: We know that this country was founded by men who were led here by a loving Heavenly Father who, not wanting us to miss his hand in the work of the Promised Land, gave voice to prophets to prophesy of the events and give us a “heads up”. Don’t miss this.  It is a BIG look into the future.

The book I am sending tells the real story of Thanksgiving. The story, though a fictional time travel for young readers, is based on writings of people who were really there, like William Bradford.

The book is written for the 10-14 year old age group, but is enjoyable and instructive for the entire family. I have listened to the book on CD. It is a 4.5 hour read. I am inspired by the lives of the men and women whose story we learn. The format is wonderful for kids. For families with older kids (Charley, Joseph, Sam, Joshua, Jacob) they can read the book. For all the other kids (Mason, Sam, Clare, Beck, Finn, Knox, Lincoln, Jackson, Anders, Izzy), have family story time. Discuss what they learn. (Some day they will read in 2 Nephi and say; “Wow!!!! This really happened!!!! A prophet knew!)

The book is a work of art. The images are amazing. Did you ever give thought to how the Mayflower was designed? How the trip was? What that first year was like? How many came? Survived? Where they sailed from? Why the Pilgrims came? Really, have you?

We are in a time when our families are under attack. I would even say “trashed”. Our future Bjarnason Family depends today on your teaching your children the importance of families and Heavenly Father’s plan for families. Reading together brings families together in a tight little bundle. Though all your children may not understand, they will feel your love.

We are in a time when  the greatest nation on the earth and in all history is under attack from within and without. In our homes we will teach the goodness of the Promised Land and the principles upon which the inspired Constitution was founded

I love each and every one of you with all my heart. Now that you are all parents, you know that you can love each child with all your heart. You will understand what I am trying to say when I say that.

My third precious gift is my children. (#1 is my testimony, #2 are the covenants Dad and I made over the altar in the temple.)

Love you so much, Mom

PS: Dad baptized me 45 years ago today.