Thankful...

I wanted to wrap up my month of thankfulness with a little bit of a gospel topic Tuesday action. Unfortunately at night I am too tired to get online and do this (sleep is much more important to me) so it's a little late.

The whole reason for me writing about things I am thankful for stemmed from a General Conference talk by President Monson this past October. His talk titled "The Divine Gift of Gratitude" talks about how when we are truly thankful we are able to unlock the doors of heaven and feel more of our Father's love. I have found this true in my life. When I am thankful and focus on the countless blessings I have received I can see more clearly the love Heavenly Father has for me. And what a blessing to know that as we give thanks the doors of Heaven are opened, in these days that we are living in who couldn't afford to be a little closer to Heaven?

President Monson said, "Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings." There are moments (I did use the word moments specifically for a reason. I know that when you are in the midst of a trial it doesn't seem like a moment in time but once you have gone through it and reflect back on it, it really was only a moment) in our lives when we are feeling we are not being blessed. Those are the times we most especially need to stop and contemplate all we have and look for the blessings we have been given.

I am thankful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge and testimony I have that the gospel is true. That Joseph Smith was called of God to restore His true church back onto the earth. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon and other scriptures I am blessed to have in my life to study and learn gospel principles from and to gain further enlightenment and answers to prayers. I am thankful for the power of prayer and know that my prayers are heard and answered. I am thankful for my husband and all that he does for me and our family. I am especially thankful he is a worthy priesthood holder which blesses our lives immensely. I am thankful I was blessed with Benjamin this year and that everything went well and he is growing strong and healthy. I am thankful for this time of year to reflect on the miraculous birth of our Savior. I am so thankful for our Savior and His love for each of us and His willingness to atone for our sins. I know I can go to Him at any time and find comfort, understanding, guidance, acceptance, love and forgiveness.

The list goes on but I am going to leave it there. I've enjoyed turning my thoughts toward my blessings and thinking about things throughout the day that I am thankful for. I have felt it to be a blessing in my life. I hope that I can continue this habit of being thankful throughout the year. And anyone who reads this I challenge you to do it too.