"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious" (D&C 78:19)

Day #30

I am grateful for this scripture that teaches me about gratitude and the blessings that are given to those who express such:

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; 

and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, 

even an hundred fold, yea, more."

(D&C 78:19)

I love this scripture! As I have been practicing being thankful for all that I have been given, including the struggles and challenges, I have had an increase of the Spirit in my life and I have been so much happier! I wish I could express what it has been like as I have consciously tried to receive "all things with thankfulness" and the change that has come to my heart.

God promises that the "earth shall be added unto [us]" as we receive all that He wants to bless us with. This past month this phrase has been going through my head, "...all these things shall give thee experience" (D&C 122:7). I had to ask, "Experience in what?" I can honestly say I have had more experience in patience, in being diligent, in trusting in God and His power- and so many more things. The rest of that verse says, "...and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7).

I testify, from my own experience, that God blesses us as we receive "all things with thankfulness" (D&C 78:19). I encourage you to give it a try, be open to all that God has for you and receive it with a thankful heart. As you do, there will come into your life a joy and peace that is more than the world can offer, "yea, more". (D&C 78:19) This I testify. 

This morning the sunrise was incredible! He has so much for us to receive.

When we receive all things with thankfulness more joy and peace comes. "Yea, more".

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28)

Day #29

I am so grateful for the encouragement this scripture offers me (because someday's just require a little extra encouragement).

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, 

to them who are the called according to His purpose" 

(Romans 8:28)

Christ Mocked  by Gustave Dore

We all have challenges, trials, and afflictions that we experience and endure. They aren't easy. And sometimes we have no idea why things happen other than to say, "bad things happen to good people". Hence, we all need a little encouragement and help to know that there is a purpose for our suffering and pain. I don't have all the answers, but if I may, I will us the words of Alma to his son Helaman: "...for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day" (Alma 36:3).

I can only speak from my own experience, that I do know God supports us and lifts us as we endure and put our trust in Him. He loves us more than words can say. I have seen and experienced that all things do work for our good as we love God. As I endure great pain and challenges I know that God's purpose is to enable me to return to Him (see Moses 1:39). I have learned things that I never thought possible as I have trusted in my God, and as He has helped me endure experiences I would not have chosen for myself (or anyone else for that matter). I do know- we are not alone and most definitely, all things will eventually, work together for good. This I testify.

"...blessed are they who will repent and turn unto me..." (Helaman 13:11)

Day #28

I am so grateful for this scripture because for me, it has helped me see and understand what repentance really means.

"But if ye will repent and return unto the Lord your God I will turn away mine anger, saith the Lord; yea, thus saith the Lord, blessed are they who will repent and turn unto me, but wo unto him that repenteth not." (Helaman 13:11)

For the longest time I misunderstood what repentance really is all about.  I had wrongly believed that repentance was about beating myself up and that there was a penalty I needed to pay even after repenting. But I was so wrong! Repentance is really about returning to God, about turning my heart and will to God. True repentance brings a "fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general." (Repent) Isn't that awesome?!

Repentance is all about the direction I am going. When I think about repentance now, I envision myself on a path and I do 180 degree turn. I turn in the direction of a loving and merciful God who is rejoicing because I choose to move forward, towards Him and in so doing He helps me all along the way back to Him. Indeed, "joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" (Luke 15:7). There are no "just persons", we all need to repent and return to God. God is rejoicing over me and you, when we return to Him. From my own experience I know that "repent is perhaps the most hopeful and encouraging word in the Christian vocabulary" (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland).

This is a quote from an awesome talk by Jeffrey R. Holland, "Broken Things to Mend"

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15)

Day # 27

I am grateful for the blessings this scripture has brought into my life.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15)

To love God is to keep His commandments. I have seen the blessings and the protection from keeping the commandments. Fear leaves, I am calm and know that God loves me and you. His commandments are a way of giving us freedom. Freedom from fear, freedom from hate or jealousy, freedom from addictions, or the burden of guilt.

When I finally chose to be obedient, to "love God with all my heart, might, mind, and strength" (see D&C 59:5), I no longer had the inner fight of should I or shouldn't I keep this or do that. As I have come to love God more and more there has been an inner peace that has filled my heart and mind. All I can say is that it is a wonderful feeling. Indeed, living this way is "after the manner of happiness." (2 Nephi 5:27) This I testify.

"...but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

Day #26

I am thankful for this scripture as it teaches me to "look" the correct way.

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, 

or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: 

for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, 

but the Lord looketh on the heart."

(1 Samuel 16:7)

I love that the Lord teaches us to not look on the "outward appearance", but to look on the heart. The Lord knows our hearts. He knows our suffering, our heartaches, our love, our dreams, our hearts true desires. God knows us and the "thoughts and intents" of our hearts (D&C 33:1).

In a society where appearance is such a focus, it is sometimes hard to notice what really matters, the heart of others. This includes seeing myself from the heart and not the "outward appearance". It takes sincere effort to stop looking at "appearance", but to "look on the heart".

I hope that I "look on" others from the heart, that I may see as He does. I'm working on it. (Good thing I am a practicing Christian.)

Hopefully I "look" the right way, at others and myself.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Day #25

I am thankful for the doctrine this scripture teaches.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The doctrine that God, even our Father in Heaven, knows more than I do is very comforting. When I don't always understand the "why" of something this scripture comes to mind. I have found that if something doesn't always makes sense right away with church, or policy, or doctrine, I can be patient and He eventually teaches me His ways.

What a comfort to know that He knows the best ways in a world that is full of change. "Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways" (Jacob 4:8). God is way smarter than man is. Therefore, I know I can be confident that I am making good choices as I follow in the Savior's way. And that is a great feeling.

Just pondering how small we really are in the universe made by our Father in Heaven

Again, as I look at the beautiful mountains by my home, God's ways are higher and He knows more than we do.

"...live in thanksgiving daily..." (Alma 34:38)

Day #24

I am so thankful for this scripture that helps me live a grateful and joyful life.

"That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, 

and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, 

and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; 

and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, 

for the many mercies and blessings when he doth bestow upon you." 

(Alma 34:38)

As I focus on the many mercies and blessings I have been given, even moment to moment, I am humbled and filled with such a deep sense of gratitude for all God has given and continues to give me each day. Life is so incredibly beautiful when I take time to worship God in expressing thanks to Him no matter the circumstance.

I am learning to "live in thanksgiving" is a way of life. It brings peace and love instantly when I recognize all that I have been given. When I am filled with love and peace, joy automatically follows.

May this day, and everyday be filled with that joy that comes from "living in thanksgiving daily".

"Fear not to do good..." (D&C 6:33)

Day # 23

I am so grateful for this scripture because of how I feel when I apply it.

"Fear not to do good, my [children],

 for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap;

 therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward." 

(D&C 6:33)

Everyday I want to do good. Sometimes though, I get afraid- of rejection, or being made fun of, or not doing it well enough. Perhaps those are just excuses to not act...I don't know.

What I do know is that Christ "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Therefore, as a disciple of Christ I will follow His example. I find that as I apply this counsel from the Lord, to not be afraid of doing good, I am happier, more positive and kinder towards others. 

One of the good things I love to sow is to be friendly to everyone. I have been pleasantly surprised by people and their reactions as I smile at them. Almost 100% of the time people smile back. It is true in the small moment of smiling, what I sow, I reap. 

People sure are beautiful when they smile. Therefore, do good. It makes a world of difference. 

Doing good- My children and their cousins helped with some of the tiles for a public mosaic.

sowing good = reaping good

This is the finished product of doing good. It beautified the path way that children use to walk to and from school.
More information about the project 

"Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39)

Day #22

I am grateful for the beauty of the scripture story of Christ calming the wind and the sea (see Mark 4:35-41). It has brought great comfort to me over the years. This is one verse from it:

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, 

Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." 

(Mark 4:39)

I feel like my life is too often like this, where the wind is blowing and the storms of life just cause so much stress. All the while, the Savior is on the "boat" with me. When things get really crazy, I can hear Him telling me, "Peace, be still", but I don't always listen.

I wish I could say I always listened and obeyed like the waves of the ocean and with winds of the sky. But I don't. I sometimes let the noise from the "great storm of wind, and the waves beat" (Mark 4:37) into my mind and heart. And then I get afraid.

Gratefully, Christ is very patient with me when I call out to Him. He always calms the winds and the seas of my life. He also lovingly invites me and encourages me to let go of fear and increase my faith. In my mind He tells me the same message as He did to those on the boat with Him, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40)

He's there for each of us. We don't need to be afraid of storms or wind because the storms will always end, the winds will always cease (see Mark 4:39) as He stands by our side and commands, "Peace, be still".

"Peace, Be Still" by Arnold Friberg

"...whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world..." (Ether 12:4)

Day #21

I am so grateful for this scripture because of the many principles of truth it teaches about life and making it better.

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:4)

When we believe and have faith in God, we can be certain that we will have a better world and a better life. Not because we have more stuff or have more money, but our life is better because our faith leads us to "do good continually" (Moroni 7:13).

I love that faith anchors me in a God who is unchanging (see Mormon 9:9). So, when "I ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:6), He won't give me a world without suffering, but will give me the strength to do all (Philippians 4:13) that I need to do so that I have a better world.

"...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." (Alma 37:6)

Day #20

I am so grateful for this scripture because I sometimes try and do just a little too much or think I am not doing enough... Here's the scripture:

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Alma 37:6)

I love how Alma begins by saying one might think he is sharing foolishness. Sometimes I catch myself thinking that my small effort is foolish, or won't make a "big" difference, so I hold back. I'm working on doing it anyway.

In our society of "more is better" I sometimes get tripped up thinking I am not doing enough as I take care of our family and myself. This scripture helps me remember that every effort counts. It's not about how much I can or can't do. But rather, it's about doing the small things that "bring about great things." (1 Nephi 16:29)

I have a couple of  small seeds that I keep to remind me that God starts a tree from a small seed. We have a lot of "seeds" to plant as we go about doing the "small and simple things". Perhaps if we plant enough seeds we will "confound the wise".

"...In everything give thanks." (D&C 98:1)

Day #18

I am so grateful for this scripture. The truth of it has changed my life so that it is filled with joy in every situation.

"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; 

yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks." 

(D&C 98:1)

When I give thanks "in everything" life becomes more beautiful. It changes my perspective and I see the beauty of God's creations, I see the talents of others and how they bless my life. I experience more fully the taste of food, the smells that entice me to partake of the goodness that God gives me. I hear more fully the word of God and the good news of the gospel. Giving thanks has increased the joy in my life. Truly, God is pouring out His blessings in every moment of our lives. I invite you to give thanks and experience His love for yourself.

It is in giving thanks in all things that I have come to understand this doctrine: "...men are that they might have joy". (2 Nephi 2:25) It is true. Gratitude or giving thanks "in everything", will change your life. This I testify.

Day #17

I am so grateful for this scripture that invites us to learn of Jesus Christ. This scripture has been one of my favorites for a long time. I love learning.

"Learn of me, and listen to my words; 

walk in the meekness of my Spirit, 

and you shall have peace in me" 

(D&C 19:23).

Learning for me is fun. I love reading new things and then doing them so that I really learn and know the information and how to apply it. This is how we also learn of Christ. We need to read His words in the scriptures and read what prophets have taught and testified about Christ. We then get to "do" it by walking the walk (see 1 John 2:26; 2 Nephi 31:12-13) and not just talking the talk.

Christ wants us to learn all about Him, His ways, His behavior, His actions. As we do this we "shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ", and "grace and peace" shall be "multiplied" (2 Peter 1:8 (2-9)). That's exactly what He promises- "you shall have peace in Me" (D&C 19:23). 

That's pretty awesome stuff to learn! 

Original artwork by J. Kirk Richards

Original artwork by J. Kirk Richards

Original artwork by J. Kirk Richards

"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Day  #16

I am so grateful for the command to "pray always". Today, I find myself pleading that I don't get the flu...(not sure if I should laugh or cry over that, but I really don't want it after watching my son lay on the couch suffering for the past 4 days). Another way of saying this:

"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

"Praying always" is commanded not so that we pray for what we want, but it is about getting my will in line with God's will. So, rather than "begging" I don't get the flu, I still pray that I won't- and I include "but if not" (Daniel 3:18). When I do this, I am opening myself up to learning His ways, and learning how to be submissive to His will. 

Sometimes I get what I want, because it is in line. Other times I continue to "pray without ceasing"... His ways work. 

(Here's a great news article of what Elder Renlend learned from some of his patients, including "Pray without ceasing".)

"Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ." (Jacob 7:10-11)

Day #13

As a journal keeper, these particular verses make me stop and ponder the purpose of the scriptures, who wrote them, and why they took the time to do so.

"And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea. And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them: for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ." 

(Jacob 7:10-11)

When we read the scriptures, what we are really reading is the testimony of prophets of God. Men who have had their own spiritual witness of the Son of God, even Jesus Christ. That He is the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.

I love that we have the witness of the prophets from Israel and Jerusalem, even the record of the Old and New Testament. I love that we also have the record of the prophets who testified of Christ in the Ancient America's as recorded in the Book of Mormon. And I am so very grateful, on a daily basis, for a living prophet today, who talks and walks with God, and has revelation for the Church and the entire world. All prophets testify of Christ.

I add my witness to the prophets. I testify that as you follow the example of Jesus Christ in your actions, thoughts, and how you speak, then you will be happier and more at peace with others and yourself. I have learned from personal experience that when I truly try to love as He loves, and live as He did, His ways are always better. Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World. His purpose is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). He died for me and for you because He loves us more than words can express. This I testify.

I love reading and studying the scriptures on a daily basis. They testify of Jesus Christ and as I have read and learned of Him, my life has changed in more ways than I can explain. All I know is that I am happier and more at peace the more I learn and study about Him. I invite you to learn for yourself. 

"...Put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness..." (Colossians 3:12, 14-15)

Day #12

I am so grateful for this passage of scripture. When I actually "put on" these characteristics, I am changed.

"Put on therefore...bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 

...And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." 

(Colossians 3:12, 14-15)

I like to think of dressing or that I "put on" these qualities like clothes. I have a closet full of these "clothes". When I choose to wear mercy, kindness, or most of all charity, I am changed and I feel so beautiful (but not in a proud way) and truly at peace.

If I have a favorite wardrobe, this is the one that I hope to wear the most often; it is always in fashion and never wears out 

The most important clothes I can "put on" are the qualities of Christ.
What am I wearing today?

This is my favorite wardrobe

"If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man" (James 3:2)

Day #11

I'm thankful for this scripture as it gives me hope that I will be able to accomplish the control of my tongue someday. Till' then, I will keep working on it. (It's a daily work for sure.)

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." (James 3:2)

No one is perfect, but that doesn't give me the right to find fault with another. Rather, I not only practice keeping my tongue in its proper place, I also get to practice forgiving others when their tongue is a little out of place.

I love what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland says about the way of finding good and speaking it. He says, "Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, 'Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow'. (The Tongue of Angels)

Keep trying. It's worth the effort.

"...for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness..." (Moroni 9:6)

Day #10

I am so grateful for the direction that the scriptures give me as I study and read them. This scripture is one of those that just tells me exactly what I need to do.

"And now, by beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God." (Moroni 9:6)

I like the clarity in which Mormon speaks to his son Moroni about being diligent in conquering "the enemy of all righteousness". Isn't that what the goal is for all of us? Just because someone is rude to us or is thoughtless about our feelings, or as Mormon says it, "notwithstanding their hardness", we should not treat them harshly back if we are a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

And boy is that sometimes hard "labor".

"...peace be unto thy soul..." (D&C 121:7)

Day #9

Today has gone so differently than I had planned, this is like most days actually. And this scripture just feels right for today.

"My [daughter], peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment" (D&C 121:7).

These words sooth my soul when I am afflicted with pain, whether that pain be physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. The Lord truly loves each of us tenderly and sweetly. And as a parent, I want to say these exact words to my own children as they endure suffering. The greatest relief comes from having peace, even the peace of God, so that we may endure all that is for our experience and in the big picture, for our good.

I believe another way of saying this is, "Sunday Will Come" (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin). I take great comfort in these words because the sun will always rise, the clouds will always depart. And in the eternal perspective, life is truly beautiful. This I testify.

The sun never goes away, it's just behind the clouds, which will eventually, and always, clear away.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7)

Day #8

I am so grateful for this scripture! It is one of my absolute favorites. (I know I say that about all the scriptures, but they really are my favorites.) Paul packs a ton of stuff in this little verse.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" 

(2 Timothy 1:7)

Isn't that awesome?!

God does not and will not lead us by fear. He leads, teaches, encourages, and blesses us with love. Never do the prophets testify more powerfully about how God leads us than by love. And when we feel His love, we also feel power and peace. For me, God's power and peace are having a sound mind. I don't need to run around fearing what may or could happen. I don't need to fear the shoulda, woulda, coulda. Those are not having a "sound mind". Nor are they God's love.

Fear makes us do crazy things and react to things rather than responding. Fear causes us to break covenants and can lead us away from truth when we give into it.

But love on the other hand, is "the pure love of Christ" and will never fail us (see Moroni 7:46-47). God gives us His power when we keep our covenants- it is the power of truth, the power of the gospel, the power that comes from faith, the power to endure all things (see Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley). With God, we have nothing to fear, and even better, we have all the love and power we need. This I testify.