November Newsletter

 Family, Thanksgiving, and Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful sentiment, especially during Thanksgiving, when we take opportunities more often to appreciate the blessings that family, extended family, and life in general provide. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on what we have and who we share our lives with. President Thomas S. Monson said, "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love" ("The Divine Gift of Gratitude," 2010). This unlocking the door to heaven can even apply to our family that have passed on. Family, in all its forms, is at the heart of these blessings. Each family member contributes something unique, whether it’s a sense of comfort, memories, support, laughter, or love.

Being grateful for family means recognizing and valuing the moments together, from shared meals and silly, ridiculous traditions to simple, everyday conversations around the table. It’s easy to take these blissful, easy moments for granted, especially in the rush of work, social demands, and familial expectations and needs. Regardless, when we put the phone down, focus on what really matters, enable time to reflect--we realize how precious these connections are and even recall those moments of long ago with those we cannot physically be with at this time. Thanksgiving is a reminder that family, despite its flaws and seemingly endless imperfections, is really a foundation of support, growth, and unconditional love. 

In showing gratitude, we also bring warmth and understanding to these relationships. Thankfulness doesn’t erase challenges or misunderstandings, but it brings kindness and patience to how we relate to each other. Gratitude encourages us to acknowledge the effort each family member makes, whether it’s through mashing a batch of potatoes for the table, lending an ear to a particularly difficult situation, or simply being present and showing up even when exhausted. Expressing this gratitude is an opportunity to deepen these bonds, making the connections we have with our family more meaningful. It can shape the memories of tomorrow. 

As we sit around the Thanksgiving table this autumn, savoring turkey, yams, and green bean casseroles or whatever it is your family deems worthy of the Thanksgiving table, along with the company of those we hold dear, we’re reminded that gratitude turns what we have into enough. Family is always enough. 

Accessing Zoom Classes

Some of our classes at the center are being offered via Zoom. This includes the Basic Spanish class by Cameron and Wednesday morning classes by Tammy. To verify the Zoom class, go to the blog at burleyfamilyhistorycenter.blogspot.com and click on the Calendar option. When clicking on the class name, a pop up window will give more information, including the Zoom link.   

• To access the Zoom link directly, click "more details" to open the calendar in another tab. Click on the name of the class and this time the pop up window will have the direct zoom link shown as a clickable link. The passcode is also listed, in case it is needed. This is also the way to access the handouts from the classes. 

• You can also select "click here to open the calendar in a new window" from the first page and get the zoom links and handouts from there. 

Veteran's Day 

Military Records Class | Monday, November 11th | 2:00 P.M. | Refreshments

We will be open on Veterans Day and celebrating at the center. Come join us for a special class  all about what military records are available and where to find them. Refreshments will follow at 3:00 P.M. Celebrate this great holiday with us at the center. 

Spotlight Class of the Month

Exploring FS Activities | Wednesday, November 20th | 10:30 A.M. | Upstairs Classroom

 Marilyn Moncur will be presenting a new class about all of the activities options on FamilySearch. Several of these would be great activities to share with your family during the upcoming holidays. Come join the fun! We will be in the upstairs classroom. 

Check the calendar for classes and other opportunities! 

Important Dates

• November 2
• Day of the Dead Activity
• November 11
• Veteran's Day : YES, WE ARE OPEN!

 Closed Dates

• November 25-28
• Thanksgiving

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