FHE Lesson {Gratitude}

Whilst Thanksgiving isn't celebrated in Australia , November is often known as a thankful month. Good timing to get the children appreciating things before the commercial side of Christmas hits.


Opening Song: I am Glad for Many Things #151


Opening Prayer: Child


Lesson:

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is not just a commandment from the Lord. “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.” (D&C 59:7) It is a commandment with a promise, “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)  { idea from here}


Why is being grateful important?

{it helps us to see the good things in life, it can help us not be sad, we show God that we care for all he has done for us, when we are happy and grateful it makes it easier for us to want to help others. It will help us see all that others do for us, Sometimes because it is our regular life, we can fail to see all the amazing blessings around us because we forget to validate them by writing it down or saying thanks }

Being Grateful can change your life and your outlook. It is a very important thing.
The more we look for to be grateful for .. the more we see. Then our lives are abundant.


Activity:

Get a small Christmas tree {or some branches}.
Write or draw things you are grateful for.
Attach to the tree. {as ornaments or rolled like a scroll}
Tell children for the month of November we will {daily, twice a week, weekly, whatever speed you choose}write down things we are grateful for an attach to our gratitude tree. In a FHE in December or on Christmas Eve, or end of November, meet together and read out all the things you are grateful for. {Idea from 12 Gifts for Christ by Merrilee Boyack a great Christmas book I just read}

Thankful List Printable  (for parents and children who can read/write)
Idea from Chocolate on my Cranium Here

This can also be a good time to talk/make journals and follow Elder Eyring's  Advice
"Have I seen the hand of God in my life or my family's life today?"
Set a challenge to write in your journals more this month.

There is also a Gratitude Tree idea/printable in the November 2013 Friend Magazine.


Closing Song: Count your Blessings #241


Closing Prayer: Child


Treat: Something you are grateful for!!