I am so grateful for Thanksgiving!!! I think sometimes we need a holiday to remind us to be thankful. I have learned in my life that living in gratitude is the best way to live.

There are so many good stories and quotes that remind us what a great thing being thankful is, for example: “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.), and the story of the ten lepers, etc.

I have learned in my life that I need to even be thankful for my trials and struggles. I think one reason is that I learn so much during a challenge. I also believe that I get closer to God during that time. I want to feel His comfort. I want His council and direction. I am waiting on the Lord. I see people who have difficult situations in their lives who become bitter. They accuse God of not doing enough. They don’t understand why or how He could let such a thing happen in their lives.

I hope I never do that.

I understand that part of the reason for this earthly experience is to face challenges and learn from them. I choose to see the blessings in my life, they are abundant.

Last year for the first time in my life I started a gratitude journal. I had such a neat experience listing something I was grateful for each day. I was amazed at how on somedays I couldn’t think of anything that I hadn’t already listed. Can you believe it? I think that’s why it was good for me. I take so much for granted. I have an abundance of the good things of the earth, and I am truly thankful for that. I am glad we have a holiday that reminds us to be thankful. I need to not just be thankful, but say thanks. That is very important too.

May we all recognize the blessings we are given, and thank our Father in Heaven for loving us so much. His Son is the greatest blessing we have. Without Him, all would be lost. So blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!