The Nativity Story

I picked up the movie "The Nativity Story" from the library this past week and we watched it today. We are sick today and so this movie was kind of church for us. I was fascinated by the politics, realistic settings, and portrayal of the customs of the time when Christ was born. I was deeply touched by the relationship between Joseph and Mary. Mary was shunned by her village for the pregnancy, while Joseph also made the decision to allow people to believe the child was his rather than allow Mary to be put on trial and most likely stoned to death.

My kids kept looking at me and asking, "Why are you crying?" I was so deeply moved by the scenes of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem and their desperation to find a place for Mary to give birth. Maybe it is partially because I'm a mother, but I just can't think of how difficult it must have been for Mary.

Of course, the main element missing in this portrayal of the Birth of Jesus Christ is the lack of what took place on this continent. The Book of Mormon references to the signs seen in this land and testify that there were many others looking for the sign of the Savior's birth. However, I feel this movie can greatly enhance educating ourselves and our children about what the scriptures say and understanding the times and circumstances of when Jesus Christ was born. I often wonder why the Savior came at that time rather than another period in history. It will be one of the questions I ask in the next life.

Miraculous Recovery & Prayer

I have experienced a miraculous recover this past week. My neck and back are so improved that I feel like a different person. I have prayed for relief and I know that many others have kept me in their prayers as well. I want to personally thank all those who prayed for my recovery. I have a strong testimony of prayer. I do not know what I would do without the ability to communicate with my Father in Heaven.

I learned recently, or maybe I knew this all along but forgot, that we communicate with all three members of the Godhead when we pray. We pray to Heavenly Father, in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, and then listen for answers through the Holy Ghost. This has never been so clear in my mind before. What I find is the hardest part of prayer is waiting for the answers. It also clearly depends on our frame of mind at the time we are listening. Learning how to listen effectively has been one of the biggest trials in my life.

When I was younger I remember wanting to be in charge of my own life. I even blatantly ignored promptings from the Holy Ghost that brought on difficulties and heartache. How foolish and stupid I was! Now I can clearly see the errors I made and how they have effected many people. I can now see the benefits and happiness that come from following the Lord's plan for us and turning over our life to Him, allowing ourselves to be His tool for good. Hard as that is, I can attest to the fact that it does bring more happiness when we allow God to be our guide in life.

I am currently reading Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. What an interesting and thought provoking book! I can see why so many Apostles have quoted C. S. Lewis and why the Chronicles of Narnia has became a true classic. He had some insights into the Christian faith that are so clear and profound that is amazes me he was not LDS. He was actually a member of the Church of England. Regardless of his church membership, I can see that he understood the Bible well and gained truth from it that most religions do not without the Book of Mormon.

Book of Mormon Lapbook - lesson 4

The 4th installment, "The Tree of Life", for our Book of Mormon Lapbook was uploaded today. The rest should be coming out soon with pictures and instructions on assembling the 1st completed lapbook.

There is also a Yahoo! Group called LDS-HFS (for homeschool form share) that is cooperatively compiling activities together for more Book of Mormon Lapbooks. If you would like to take part, they are looking for more people to contribute.

LDS Notebooking Pages

I found these awesome free Notebooking pages at LDS Notebooking Pages. For an explanation on notebooking click here, it is kind of like scrapbooking. These notebooking pages are great for Family Home Evening and home schooling. These are PDF files that have full-color pictures and room to write about the story or prophet.

LDS Prophets Notebook Pages - 100 pages - (go down to the bottom of the page) Very nice notebook with room to write about each Prophet.

Book of Mormon Notebook Pages

Stories included to date:

• Lehi
  
• Nephi
• Lehi Leaves Jerusalem
• Nephi and the Brass Plates
• Daughters of Ishmael
• Lehi's Dream
• Liahona
• Nephi Builds a Ship
• Nephi's Rebellious Brothers
• Lehi Arrives in the Promised Land