Stand Ye In Holy Places {SHARE}

International Youth Art Exhibit

Do you remember the international art competition for youth, based on the 2012 mutual theme? Well, now until June 17, 2013, some 80 pieces of art - as a result of that competition - are being featured in an exhibition at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. (Hope I make it to Utah before June... I would love to see it!) :)
 
Here is the link with all the information.
 
One of the major missions of the Church History Museum, to build testimonies in the rising generation and connect them with the history of the Church...  If you live within driving distance of the Salt Lake City area, this would be a great activity for your youth.
 
The museum is located directly west of Temple Square at 45 N. West Temple in Salt Lake City.

No Room at the Inn

One of the most memorable young women activities I can remember (during the Christmas season) has to be "No Room at the Inn". There wasn't actually an official name for the activity, but this suits it well. I am losing my memory, so if there are small details I have forgotten or remember wrong - please forgive me. This is how I remember the night. :)
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"His Name Shall be Called Wonderful" by Simon Dewey
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I do not recall who to give the credit to, though I believe it may have been the current young women president, Stefanie. There were many hands involved it creating an atmosphere worthy of the spirit. I was serving as a young women advisor at the time.
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The young women and leaders (who were not involved in the planning of the activity - myself being one of them) were simply under the impression that the activity for the night was caroling. We grabbed coats, our scarves, our gloves, and our knitted hats... it was typical cold winter's night in Utah Valley.
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We gathered at the church and decided on the carols we would sing, then we ventured into the cold night air. It was one of those nights you could see the air with every breath and every word spoken. Crisp, to say the least. Despite the chill, the night started with a group of energetic young women and leaders. Excited to sing together door to door, for family and friends.
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We knocked on the first door and no one was home. It seems that the second door was quiet as well. The group was not discouraged, their enthusiasm was strong as they locked arms and skipped to the next house where the lights were on and was clearly occupied.
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The home was of one of my friends from high school, Marianne. The girls knocked on the door, ready to finally burst out in song.  Marianne open the door - holding a baby in her arms, she looked frazzled. Another child was yelling in the background. As we started singing, she cut us off, shook her head, and told us it was a bad time. You have to know, she is one of the sweetest, easy going, fun loving women I know... I think we all thought she was joking. And anyways, music soothes the savage beast, right? :)  We kept singing. She shook her head and shut the door in our faces. I thought to myself, "How rude!" and I wasn't the only one. Shock and disappointment entered the mood of the group.
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We continued on to the next home, only to find that they were in a hurry to get somewhere, keys in hand and heading to their car. They didn't even offer the courtesy of listening to one carol. They actually got in their car and shut the door as we tried to sing to them anyways. The girls were no longer skipping. Their smiles and enthusiasm were diminishing. And honestly, so was mine.
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I believe we experienced one more disappointing door, where the usually sweet sister was on a long distance telephone call and could not take the time for her visiting carolers. She simply pointed to the phone at her ear and shut the door.
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Remember, it was cold. It was dark. And now, we were discouraged. The idea of ending the activity and going home had been discussed. But we were encouraged to try one more door. It was the door of a new family to our ward. They didn't speak much English, lived very modestly - still trying to get on their feet. We thought they might be grateful for our visit. We walked up the street, passing homes where the porch lights had been turned off, until we reached their home.
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Without much hope of a warm welcome, one of the young women knocked at the door. After a brief wait, the porch light turned on and the mother open the door with a smile. As we began singing, she invited us into their humble home. Though she didn't communicate it with words, she obviously knew we were cold (to say the least) and wanted to give us a place to warm ourselves.
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We were a little confused though, she lead us right through her home and into the unlit garage. There a string of white Christmas lights had been strung. A simple backdrop (possibly a sheet), and Mary and Joseph looking sweetly at baby Jesus laying in a bed of straw. (members of our ward playing the parts). We were all in awe at the sight.  Stefanie, the young women president, shared briefly the experience Mary and Joseph must have had, and the story of our Savior's birth.
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I don't believe there was a dry eye, or a heart that was not softened and touched by the spirit that night, as we quietly sang together the sweet carols of Christmas... such as Silent Night and Away in a Manger.
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The night ended as it began. Despite the chill in the air, our hearts were warm, and excitement in the season returned. We shared hot chocolate and hugs. We laughed at the thought of all the phone calls and preparation, the "acting" from the usually sweet sisters who turned us away so rudely. This was not just another activity, it was an amazing experience never to be forgotten.

Here we go a Caroling!

In our neighborhood there is a group of college aged young men who share a house. They all belong to a local Christian church. When they first moved into the neighborhood they went door to door introducing themselves to all their new neighbors. In addition, they gave us their numbers along with a list of combined skill sets they were willing to share, if there was ever a need. Handyman work, yard work, and car repair were all on the list. Both my husband and I were impressed at their genuine kindness.
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Come to find out, these young men spend their Friday nights with other young men and women studying the Bible. Last Christmas, as they gathered together, they filled a wagon with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and Styrofoam cups. Bundled up, they walked the neighborhood - guitar and snare drum (yet, a drum) in tow - offering up hot chocolate and Christmas carols to all who would open their doors. I know our family loved the music, appreciated the gesture and enjoyed the unexpected surprise.
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This is one thing I had missed up until then - neighborhood Christmas carolers. I absolutely love the sounds of this season!  I am really hoping they come around again this year.  :)
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ACTIVITY
I am sure many of you may already have this on your calendars... But if you don't, here's an invitation to share your voices in song this Christmas season!  The instruments were a nice touch. Especially the drum, which I think the young men would be happy to take charge of. ;)
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Here's a simple formula to follow as you go door to door:  First of all, keep it brief. Three song maximum. Start with a fun song. Follow with a song that shares the true spirit of Christmas. And end with the classic, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".
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Here's a sample list of songs:
  • Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
  • Jingle Bells
  • Santa Clause is Coming to Town
  • Frosty the Snowman
  • Deck the Halls
  • Silver Bells
  • Winter Wonderland
  • Jingle Bell Rock
  • I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
  • Let it Snow
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  • Away in a Manger
  • Silent Night
  • Angels We Have Heard on High
  • Joy to the World
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
  • O Little Town of Bethlehem
  • I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
  • O Holy Night

Remember... Arise & Shine

If you are looking for something to give to your youth, that will help them remember the 2012 theme "Arise and Shine", RingMasters is offering this FREE 8x10 printable.
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RingMasters also has some great stocking stuffers - starting at .10 cents. Browse through their sale items and you are sure to find something. Don't forget to use the coupon code 20OFF, for 20% off your order.