The Yarn

Choosing to Laugh: Jack the Robber

This week's episode is a "Jack Tale" from the Appalacian mountains. I found this story in a book by ⁠Donald Davis⁠ [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/southern-jack-tales_donald-davis/448474/item/8844041/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=high_vol_midlist_standard_shopping_customer_acquisition_20381777654&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=666157863328&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzvC9BhADEiwAEhtlNxJf2sD1Y83wQkDvtOxOEXDehOjV9f5y-UUnPiSch4b6tKVbpaCIrBoCtwIQAvD_BwE#idiq=8844041&edition=4514266], a master storyteller and an old friend of Jack. Jack tales came to America from the United Kingdom and there are hundreds of variations. I hope you enjoy mine! Some stories have deep messages, and some are just for a laugh. Pure happy laughter is a fruit of the Spirit. Along with Jack's tale I share a story from Elder Wirthlin about the blessing of humor. You can read it HERE. [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=eng] Learn more about Jack's stories⁠ HERE⁠ [https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2016/04/jack-tales-not-just-beanstalks.html].

Keeping Promises: The King of the Golden Mountain

This week's story is a lesser known Grimm's Tale. It has all the classic twists and turns--strange people in the woods, broken promises, enchanted castles, and invisible cloaks. I also share a story about keeping promises and explore why we make and keep promises with God. Click the links to learn more about stories from the Brothers Grimm and the beautiful country of Germany! Germany: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/germany Brothers Grimm: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brothers-Grimm Activities to explore more! https://annatyszka.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-grimm-brothers-activities-and.html

The Tiger's Bride

A folk tale from India that includes accidentally marrying a tiger and a daring rescue by three brother wetting their pants. This story was inspired by a tale I found in this⁠BOOK⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Tales-India-Bengal-Punjab-Tamil/dp/1452165912]. Learn more about India: ⁠https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/india⁠ [https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/india] ⁠https://www.theflavorbender.com/sri-lankan-chicken-curry/⁠ [https://www.theflavorbender.com/sri-lankan-chicken-curry/] ⁠https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/india⁠ [https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/india]

The Twelve Brothers: A Story of Seasons

This is a story from the Czech Republic that reminds us of the power of gratitude and the joy that we can find in each season--if we look for it. God teaches us different lessons in each phase of life and we can feel His love in the darkest of winters.

The Power of Accepting Ourselves

This conversation with Elysia Olsen includes stories of best efforts, funny failures, and a folk tale that teaches us the power of loving ourselves exactly as we are. . .exactly as God loves us.