"...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".

"...live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which He doth bestow upon you" (Alma 34:38)

I have had a whole new view to "live in thanksgiving daily" (Alma 34:38). If I read that scripture in context, the actual sentence is, "live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which He doth bestow upon you" (Alma 34:38). I used to believe that it just meant to say thank you for the big things; because mercy is a really big thing. But I am finding that it is actually a way of life and it is a way of finding joy in all things. Yes, I said all things.

Since I have been diagnosed with CRPS (learn more here) and I am still hoping for a miracle, I have had to change my way of doing things and more importantly, my way of living. I am not always able to enjoy all the activities I used to (which is a lot of stuff) and so living in thanksgiving daily has saved me by helping me see the Light that is in all things (see D&C 88:6-13). Yes, I still have the moments of "what the heck!" But, seeing the Light in everything has helped me not say that quite as frequently.

As I have tried to "give thanks in all things" I have started noticing the small stuff, or the "many mercies" in my everyday life. "Tender mercies" (see 1 Nephi 1:20) do not need to be big miracles or life changing experiences, but are the simple gifts of life that are given to each of us. I am learning that as I give thanks in everything (see D&C 98:1), I am truly finding joy. I am not longer finding myself comparing my life with other people's lives, but I am able to be happy for their successes and feel genuine sorrow for any suffering, pain, burden, or trial they may have. My understanding of the commandment: "In everything give thanks" (1 Thes. 5:18) has brought more joy, peace, love, and comfort in my life than I ever thought possible.

These are just a few of the things that have truly delivered me from being burdened to finding joy in each moment as I express thanks for these tender mercies:

• my eyes to see the faces of my children and my wonderful husband
• my feet so that I can walk from the couch to the table, or up or down the stair
• being able to have the use of a crutch to help me walk when I am in great pain
• my ears to hear the laughter and voices of my loved ones
• the many foods that have so much flavor for my mouth and taste buds to enjoy
• for beautiful music that can calm my spirit and music that I can sing my guts out to or even make up my own lyrics
• for Monday's because I get to read my missionary son's emails 
• for movies on those days that I need to be totally distracted and can't focus on anything else
• funny voices that make me laugh (whether or not they are my own funny voices is only disclosed in private)
• color that is so beautiful it touches my soul and brings me almost to tears, such as the color of the flowers in my backyard, or the humming birds deep emerald breast
• pain which gives me to opportunity to slow down and ponder the power of the Atonement and the love God has for each of us. He truly loves us!

  

  one of my crutches

   

These seemingly everyday things have taught me to see that God is not just trying to teach me to be grateful, but He is showing me a new life. He is actually delivering me from an old way of living to His way of living. I am truly discovering the meaning of the doctrine: "Men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25), even in the midst of pain.

One of the beautiful sunsets viewed from my backyard

Yummy Chicken Friend Steak that I truly enjoyed

The most amazing Flourless Chocolate Cake that me friend made

The African Violets I've had for several
years that continue to bloom 

My son Stockton, with his mission companion standing
 in the background, serving in the Buenos Aires South Mission

Here is a short video that expresses living in thanksgiving daily very simply and beautifully. Enjoy!

"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world" (Helaman 5:47).

This scripture has been rambling around in my head a lot lately. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). If you add in the foot notes it reads as follows: "God's peace I leave with you, my contentment I give unto you". As I have pondered this scripture many things have come to mind. I would like to share just a few thoughts.

The way the world often gives peace or contentment is to search for more "stuff". Every time I try this, it only gives me temporary or fleeting "peace", but not the calm, stillness or inner peace that I know that Christ is offering me. Christ's ways are not our ways. He has a higher view and a higher way of doing things (see Isaiah 55:8-9). He says, "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God" (D&C 101:16; see also Psalms 46:10). What a powerful and tender reminder that He is God. He knows all that we suffer, all that we need, all our pains and afflictions, all our temptations (see Alma 7:11-12) . And yet, He says: "Be still and know that I am God". Trust in Him and His ways. It's not easy, but I know it is possible no matter what our situation in life.

Grateful for the "silver lining" in all things.
 It's evidence in the sky of God's love for us.

When I have sought peace in more "stuff" it has only brought the burden of caring for more, well, stuff. I find it interesting that Paul says to Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8). We definitely don't get to carry anything out with us and thus, having "more" isn't the answer to peace. Gratitude for the blessings I have received and continue to receive brings me great peace and joy. We have been taught by prophets to "...live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you" (Alma 34:38) and "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things" (D&C 59:7; see also The Divine Gift of Gratitude). Expressing gratitude in the midst of challenges and trying times isn't easy, but it sure is peace making and joy giving.

So grateful for the beautiful sunsets, even the pollution
that makes them even more colorful.
Definitely evidence that I am truly blessed
 because it reminds me that I have been blessed
 with a car for transportation.

President Joseph F. Smith proclaimed: "The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!"(Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed.[1939], 263; see also Live in Thanksgiving Daily).

I needed this reminder that Christ does leave me with His peace. Gratitude is only one simple way to open up our hearts and feel it. I testify with the words of God that He offers us His peace as we exercise faith in Him. "Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world" (Helaman 5:47).

Grateful for an awesome husband that consistently captures our family events with photos. He's way better at remembering to take pictures than I am. So glad he does it!

Definitely grateful for these two boys. They crack me up! I am so glad they keep me laughing because I need it. (This is a photo of them before heading off to trek at 5am)

Definitely grateful for these two! It is so nice when Lara is home. Slade and Lara are good friends. Lara gave Slade this "football" for his birthday. (Can't believe he just turned 11!) Love it when my children are friends!

And...I am SO grateful to be able to ride and live close to more than one temple (learn more about temples here). Both of these things make me a better wife and mother, the ultimate blessing and for which I am truly grateful to be to these amazing people in my life!

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (D&C 88:6)

Friends are invaluable. They are a source of strength in times of need, joy, pain, sorrow, renewing, aging, birth, death, and just life. Friendships change and they grow. A true friend is one that forgives and loves even when we aren't perfect. I have found friends that will never fail me, they are full of wisdom, and I can turn to them any time. I love the advice I receive from these friends because it is never wrong if I follow the advice I receive from them. I am never manipulated or coerced, but always loved into action. It is a great relationship. If we don't have any contact for a while, we immediately reunite and I am so glad we do and I always think, "Why did I wait so long to visit these friends", because it is always my choice if we don't keep in touch.

These friends are the scriptures or often called the standard works- The Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price (you can access them all here). I love spending time with these friends. They are so filled with love, knowledge and wisdom, and truth. They are spiritual and will help us draw closer to God if we follow what they tell us to do (see The Book of Mormon: Introduction). We can all choose to be friends with the scriptures. "They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world" (Elder Richard G. Scott). In this world, we all need friends that will lead us and help us draw closer to Christ.

I would like to share a couple of my "best friends" (for this is what they have become to me) with you and take just a few brief moments and explain why they have become so treasured to me.

One of my dearest friends is found in 1 Nephi. It is when Nephi is given the vision his father had of the tree of life. Nephi is asked by the angel if he knows the "condescension of God" (1 Nephi 11:16). Nephi replies: "I know that He loveth His children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:17). Nephi admits he doesn't understand all of God's ways or reasons. What he does know is that God loves His children. This has given me great strength and comfort many times and continues to do so. I don't understand everything that everyone goes through, but I know we are loved and God has a reason for everything. Sometimes our trials can become our greatest blessing. If we ponder the atonement, it was the greatest trial for the Savior of us all, and is the greatest blessing and gift for all of us (see D&C 19:16-19).

I have mentioned and talked about this friend before. It has blessed my life many times. It is simple and straight forward. "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not" (D&C 6:36). As children of God, we must move forward in this life, which is a temporary separation from our Father in Heaven, with faith. Because of the veil of forgetfulness it is too easy to not remember who we really are and sometimes wander around fearing what may or may not happen. My dad has frequently given me great advice. He says you shouldn't worry about what you can't control. When we look to our Father in Heaven we can quit worrying about all the "stuff" we can't control, like our children's behavior, or if our children are going to get in a car accident, or if we are going to lose our job, or if we may or may not get sick, or whatever life may bring us....Instead, we must "...look to God and live" (Alma 37:47)! ~ That is another great friend.

Great friends help us live! God wants us to LIVE! "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). To truly live and have joy is to "live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you" (Alma 34:38). This is joy~ recognizing that the Lord is aware of us, and loves us and blesses us with all we have. When we "always remember Him" (D&C 20:77,79) we are seeing God in our lives and living in thanksgiving daily for the "tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he that chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20 italics added). We are so loved!!!

These are some of my best and dearest friends. They have lifted, carried, guided, taught, and loved me through life. These friends, the scriptures, are from a loving, all powerful, all knowing God, who loves us and wants us to have joy. Read them. Study them. Get to know them and you will have a relationship not only with the scriptures, but with the Lord. The promise is, "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (D&C 88:63, see also Psalms 69:18; Zech. 1:3-4, Ezra 8:22-23). We can all use more friends and there are many good ones to be had. The Savior Himself said, "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). There is no better friend than the Savior. This I testify.