"Mercies and blessings come in different forms--sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7). All things means just that: good things, difficult things--not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love."
"Gratitude is a Spirit‑filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence."
Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, 35
Don't you just love those quotes? I love how she gives specific promises that are linked to being grateful. With it being the beginning of November and as I am anxiously looking forward to the day when we can celebrate our blessings with a bounteous meal, I have decided to blog each day leading up to Thanksgiving, highlighting the things that I am most grateful for and I am going to challenge each of you to do the same. Many good things come into our lives as we recognize the blessings we have been given. I hope you are up for the challenge!
With all the wonders that are in this world, it continues to amaze me to know that I really do matter to Him!
