A Relaxing Holiday Treat, “Thanksgiving the Fishy Way” for Kids, Parents, and EDS Warriors

 

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome means even joyful holidays like Thanksgiving can place unexpected strain on the body. The standing, bending, lifting, and constant movement of hosting or participating in family activities can quickly drain energy or trigger pain and fatigue. That is why quiet, imaginative projects are so valuable for EDS families. A cozy story paired with coloring pages allows children to enjoy creative play while adults participate comfortably from a seated position. It keeps everyone engaged without requiring physical effort, and it promotes connection without the pressure of high-energy tasks.

For children with EDS, gentle seated activities are especially meaningful. Coloring strengthens fine motor skills without overwhelming the joints, and following along with a fun story maintains focus while keeping the experience relaxing. For adults, this kind of shared activity provides a way to create treasured holiday memories without aggravating symptoms or triggering a flare. It is calm, comforting, low-impact, and still full of imagination and joy. In a season that can easily become overwhelming, this simple activity gives EDS families a way to celebrate, bond, and enjoy Thanksgiving in a way that honors their bodies and protects their energy.

 

 

Thanksgiving the Fishy Way! A Whimsical Thanksgiving Book for Kids

  

 

 

What if history had a twist… and a tail?

This Thanksgiving, discover the “just uncovered” tale of how fishy friends may have helped save the Pilgrims and maybe Thanksgiving too!

Thanksgiving the Fishy Way! is a whimsical, imaginative story that adds a splash of fun to your family’s holiday tradition.

And now there are TWO editions:

1. A full-color storybook that is perfect for reading-aloud

  

                                         https://a.co/d/9sxdBnm

 

2. And introducing “You Are the Illustrator” Edition,
where kids get to color the story themselves
and become part of the adventure!

 

                                            https://a.co/d/jchr80P

    

What if it were possible, what if it were true? Could there be another story about the Pilgrims when they sailed the ocean blue? What if history took a delightful detour? In "Thanksgiving the Fishy Way!" written by Amy Dee Hosp, young readers are in for a splash-tastic adventure about the Pilgrims' journey through the depths of imagination

 

The motion of the ocean left many Pilgrims sick and in need of a helping hand. As the Pilgrims prayed on the ship's deck, they receive unexpected help from underwater friends with in a unique special way.

 

As the Pilgrims settled into their new home and prepared for a Thanksgiving celebration, they were introduced to an ole’ wives tale by their Native American friends that told how fish and their friends had helped others for generations. Could helping fish friends truly exist? The youngest Pilgrim, wide-eyed with wonder, couldn't help but wonder if she had seen a fish tale herself.

 

The fish did help the Pilgrims that day and with a little imagination this ole’ wives tale almost sounds really true. Grateful and eager to show their appreciation, the Pilgrims faced a new challenge: how to invite their underwater friends to join their Thanksgiving celebration.

 

Why Kids Will Love "Thanksgiving the Fishy Way!":

 

• Adventure and Imagination: Dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds, as the Pilgrims' journey takes an unexpected twist.

 

• Humor and Heart: Laugh along with the hilarious mishaps of the Pilgrims and their underwater friends as they learn to communicate.

 

• History with a Twist: This book offers a fresh perspective on a historical event, teaching kids that history can be both informative and fun.

 

• Friendship and Gratitude: Discover the importance of friendship, gratitude, and the power of working together to overcome challenges.

 

• Unique Celebrations: The dual Thanksgiving celebrations will inspire kids to think creatively and appreciate diverse traditions.

 

Celebrate Thanksgiving in a fishy and fantastic way with "Thanksgiving the Fishy Way!"     A delightful tale that proves that history can be told with a touch of humor and a splash of imagination.

 

 **** With the You Are The Illustrator™ series, kids aren’t just reading the story, they’re bringing it to life, one page at a time!

Children become the Illustrating Artist, turning each tale into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

The You Are The Illustrator series invites young readers to become co-creators through imaginative stories and scenes designed for kids to illustrate themselves.

Perfect for classrooms, home school, Sunday School, or creative time with family, each child will want their own copy to personalize making their creation a unique keepsake filled with their own artwork and ideas.

Read the story.

Color the story.

Keep it forever.

 

I also have a fun coloring book for Thanksgiving. If you need an activity for to keep the kids busy or you need to relax after a busy day this is the coloring book for you!

https://a.co/d/ex7FjIy

This is a really fun and cute coloring book! 

Are the Jews God’s chosen people? Is Israel the child of the Devil.

One of the most misunderstood and misused passages of Scripture in modern commentary is causing divisions among believers! Are the Jews God’s chosen people? Is Israel the child of the Devil. 

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, “You Are of Your Father the Devil”?

The passage is from John 8:44, where Jesus says:

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

— Jesus Christ, Gospel of John, Chapter 8, Verse 44 (NIV)

Let us now look at the context, not the clip.

Jesus was speaking not to all Jews or Israel as a nation, but specifically to a group of hostile religious leaders — most likely Pharisees and scribes — who were actively opposing Him, accusing Him of being demon-possessed (John 8:48), and plotting His death (John 8:37). These were the religious elite who outwardly claimed loyalty to Abraham and God, but inwardly resisted the Messiah.

In John 8:39, they say:

“Abraham is our father.”

Jesus responds:

“If you were Abraham’s children… then you would do what Abraham did.” (John 8:39)

And in verse 40:

“As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.”

So, to be very clear: 

Jesus was rebuking specific religious hypocrites, not condemning all of Israel or all Jewish people.

Is Israel Still God’s Chosen People?

Yes — according to the New Testament, Israel remains chosen by covenant, even if individual Jews reject Christ. The Apostle Paul addresses this exact confusion in Romans 11.

“Did God reject his people? By no means!”

— Romans 11:1 (NIV)

Paul even says:

“As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

— Romans 11:28–29 (NIV)

God’s covenant with Abraham is still honored — even though salvation comes through Christ alone, and both Jew and Gentile must believe in Him to be saved.

The Modern Accusations: “Jews are Not God’s People and Want to Take Over the Middle East”

These types of claims — that “Jews are not the real Jews” or that “modern Israel is a satanic force” — are rooted NOT in the Bible, but in conspiracy theories, replacement theology, and sadly, at times, outright antisemitism. These ideas distort Scripture and fail to distinguish between:

 • Ethnic Israel (descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob)

 • Religious leaders who opposed Christ

 • The modern state of Israel, which is a secular political entity with many different religious and irreligious inhabitants

Scripture does not support the idea that all Jews are evil, nor that they are trying to “steal land” as some fringe groups allege. The Bible commands Christians to bless Israel, even while preaching Christ crucified.

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.”

— Genesis 12:3 (God’s promise to Abraham)

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’”

— Psalm 122:6

So to Sum Things Up

1. Jesus condemned corrupt Pharisees, not all Jews (John 8:44).

2. Israel remains God’s chosen people by covenant (Romans 11).

3. Conspiracy theories about Jews being inherently evil or seeking world domination do not align with Scripture.

4. Christians are called to love all people and to pray for the peace of Israel and for Jewish people to know their Messiah (Romans 10:1).

Here are a few more verses That Refute False Claims Against Israel:

 • Zechariah 2:8 — “Whoever touches you [Israel], touches the apple of His eye.”

 • Romans 3:1–2 — Paul says Jews were entrusted with the very words of God.

 • Romans 9:4–5 — “Theirs is the adoption to sonship… the covenants, the giving of the law… the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah.”

 • Isaiah 49:16 — “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.”

This is a topic that needs real clarity, bathed in both truth and grace. We must learn to search out the Scriptures to know what is true and what is not. If you cannot share exact verses about your stand abd justvsay go read the whole book of this or that then chances are that you have jumped in someones band wagon and have not taking the time to know what God has actually said about tge issue and when you call call people names and be little others it’s even more proof that you have not searched these things out from scripture.

Sources:

 • Jesus Christ, Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verses 37–59, New International Version (NIV), BibleGateway.

 • Paul the Apostle, Epistle to the Romans, Chapters 9 through 11, NIV, BibleGateway.

 • Old Testament Promises to Abraham and Israel, Genesis 12, Zechariah 2, Psalm 122, NIV, BibleGateway

Now, before you jump in and start talking about the Zionist let’s get that covered also. 

The word Zionist has been twisted into a weapon in today’s public conversation. What began as a movement to restore a Jewish homeland has been mischaracterized by conspiracy theorists and anti-Israel agitators.

What is Zionism?

Zionism is simply the belief that the Jewish people have a right to return to and live in their ancestral homeland — the land of Israel.

 • The term comes from Zion, which is one of the biblical names for Jerusalem (e.g., Psalm 87:2).

 • Modern Zionism began in the late 1800s, led by Jews in Europe who faced persecution and pogroms (especially in Russia and Eastern Europe). They wanted to restore the Jewish homeland as prophesied in Scripture.

 • The movement was secular at first, politically motivated to create a safe refuge for Jews, but many religious Jews and Christians supported it because of its alignment with biblical prophecy.

What Does the Bible Say?

Zionism aligns with many Scriptures where God promises to bring His people back to the land:

“I will bring my people Israel back from exile. They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.”

— Amos 9:14 (NIV)

“He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.”

— Jeremiah 31:10 (NIV)

“I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations.”

— Jeremiah 29:14 (NIV)

Why Are Some People Calling Zionists Evil?

Many people do not understand the difference between:

 • Political actions of the modern state of Israel

 • Biblical prophecy and the Jewish return to the land

 • The Jewish people as a whole

Those who hate Jews (whether knowingly or not) often disguise that hatred under the label of anti-Zionism. But Scripture is clear: the enemy of Israel is not acting in the Spirit of God.

What the devil wants is conflating the Pharisees who opposed Jesus with all Jews, both ancient and modern. This is how antisemitism masquerades as theology. And Jesus never did that.

So one more time for those in the back of the room …. 

What Is Zionism? And What Does the Bible Say?

Before people rush to accuse the Jews or “Zionists” of being children of the devil, maybe we should pause and ask — what does the Bible actually say?

Zionism is not a secret conspiracy. It’s the belief that the Jewish people have the right to return to their biblical homeland — a promise God gave them over 3,000 years ago (Amos 9:14, Jeremiah 31:10).

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, not all Jews. He was Himself Jewish. So were His disciples. So is the Bible. So if you’re using Jesus’ words to condemn an entire people, you’re twisting Scripture.

God said His covenant with Israel is irrevocable (Romans 11:29). He called Israel “the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8). So maybe, just maybe — when we see arguments fueled by hate, fear, and slander with no Scripture to support it — we’re seeing the devil’s fingerprints, not God’s plan.

Let’s stop repeating conspiracy theories and start repeating God’s Word.