All posts in category Joy and Thanksgiving

Joy and Thanksgiving: Connection – Joy and Thanksgiving!

Well, today is the last day of the Joy and Thanksgiving Study Series. I hope that you have enjoyed it. I have! It has been great to learn more about the true meaning of happiness, how to find it, and how it is related to gratitude. Studying these scriptures has inspired me to make positive changes so I can be happier.

Anyways…today’s scripture block is a connection – between Joy and Thanksgiving.

“And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.” – 3 Nephi 10:10

Okay…so the first part of this scripture assignment doesn’t seem very joyful, but I think that one of the biggest things I’ve been noticing about happiness is it’s relationship with pain. Sounds strange, I know, but happiness and misery, joy and pain, are related. They are related – especially in this life – as they are in opposition one to another.

My friend, “Curls” made the best observation…“I think for me the most important thing I’ve learned about happiness is that it is NOT constant. Because happiness comes from God and we are not yet in perfect unity with Him there will be times (sometimes short and sometimes long) where we don’t feel happy or joyful. These times are usually when I have the opportunity to experience serious growth since they try my character and my faith.

I think another important thing I’ve learned is that the world expects happiness ALL the time. So if something doesn’t make you happy constantly then you should let go of it and try something else. I think this is one of the selfish roots of the many problems of our day, divorce, broken families, entitlement, greed, etc.

And finally the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:11 stating that there is opposition in all things. No happiness without misery as they are a compound in one.” Don’t you think that’s great! I love this concept…

Once, I was teaching a class to a group of Young Women, and one of the girls asked me if God is happy. That question still comes to me all the time – is He happy? Will we be happy?

And, I think that the answer is YES! It doesn’t mean that he’s happy in the way the world has taught us to be happy. But He’s really happy. Does this mean that misery does not exist? No. He is perfect though, and as God, he is above sin and everything that misery causes.

So, as we learn to be like Him, we overcome the pains of misery. And, as taught in 3 Nephi 10:10, our overcoming misery and the pains of mortality is through Jesus Christ.

Jesus heals our broken hearts. He brings peace to our souls. He will turn our mourning into joy and our lamentations into thanksgiving. And here’s how it can be done…

“If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful.” – Doctrine and Covenants 136:29

I have to admit, I don’t do this enough. Often, I go through, suffering pain or affliction, worrying, moping, whatever – I do this on my own. I don’t always call on God with supplication. Instead, I think that either 1) I have to suffer or 2) I have to figure it out on my own. or 3) I’m just crazy.

No!

The Lord wants to help our souls to be joyful. We need to turn to Him.

And when we do, our souls are joyful. We are happy, and this is how we should respond to such a blessing:

“If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving” – Doctrine and Covenants 136:28

We give thanks.

One thing I love about this scripture is that we give thanks through creative expression. We give thanks with praise and singing, music, dancing, and prayer! (Prayer – to supplicate the father; Prayer – to thank the father!)…so much prayer!

One thing I’ve noticed, when I’m taking the time to be grateful, I’m more aware of the world around me. I’m not taking it for granted. I’m listening better, observing more clearly. And, when I’m doing this, it is impossible not to be grateful – even for the ugly things. For it is the ugly things that make the beautiful things even more amazing.

So…be happy; be grateful. Be grateful; be happy!

I hope you have a good Thanksgiving. I have really enjoyed doing this scripture study series. I have learned a lot about thanksgiving and happiness. I’m grateful for the love I experience, daily, from my Heavenly Father. I’m grateful for the mercy and blessings He gives me.

What are you grateful for? What are some of the lessons you’ve learned as you’ve studied Joy and Thanksgiving?

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by chococatania on November 24, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in 3 Nephi, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving, Uncategorized
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Posted by chococatania on November 24, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/joy-and-thanksgiving-connection-joy-and-thanksgiving/

Joy and Thanksgiving – Gratitude: Words from a Living Prophet

So, today, we are reading the talk by President Monson: The Divine Gift of Gratitude. It is so good!

I love what we learn about gratitude from this talk. It is the perfect thing to read at Thanksgiving – or any time of year.

This last two weeks, we’ve been studying Joy and Thanksgiving. As I put this study series together, I kind of separated the two concepts, but I knew that they weren’t separate. I love this talk because it clearly teaches how the two principles are related.

President Monson teaches:

“Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.”

This is the secret – the link between gratitude and happiness. When we are grateful, we “unlock the doors of heaven.” We “feel God’s love.” We have established that God’s love is the fruit of the tree of life – that it is happiness; it is joy.

Heavenly Father loves us – whether or not we recognize and accept His love. However, when we are grateful, we can feel more of our Father’s love and joy in our lives. A grateful heart becomes a happy heart.

Now, President Monson doesn’t give this talk with the expectation that we’ll be blissfully ignorant of the problems around us. We just ned to recognize the good – amongst the troubling. We need to choose to see the beautiful rose among the thorns. He states,

“This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.

We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that ‘gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.’”

It is so easy to focus on what is negative in the world around us, and all of this negativity can drown out the positive. It can wear on our souls.

I know that when I pay too much attention to “the news” I begin to feel depressed – as if there is no solution to the ailments of society. I forget the blessings we have – that I have. I forget that temples dot the earth; that there are amazing people working hard and serving others. I forget that I have been blessed abundantly.

I think that gratitude is being aware – of the difficulties we have while celebrating the blessings that God has give us to face them. Gratitude is acceptance of God’s will – no matter what that is for us. Gratitude is not a state of blind faith or pretended happiness. A grateful heart is a broken one. And when our hearts are broken, they can then be filled with God’s love..

There are times when I am not great at being grateful – or showing my appreciation to others. This last year, both my piano teacher and my brother have passed away. There are times when I have wished I could have done more to show each of them that I appreciate them. I feel especially haunted by the idea that I never was open with my brother. President Monson speaks on this, saying:

“”The loss of loved ones almost inevitably brings some regrets to our hearts. Let’s minimize such feelings as much as humanly possible by frequently expressing our love and gratitude to them. We never know how soon it will be too late.”

President Monson gave this talk in October 2010. A few weeks before my brother’s 18th birthday; eight months before his passing. And the prophet’s words ring true to me – especially now. The loss of Sean has brought regret to my heart. And I know that I could have minimized these feelings by being more open with my love and gratitude for all of my siblings and family members.

I know this, yet, it is hard to change. I get stuck in the little doldrums of life, forgetting the divine miracles I witness all the time. I get annoyed by little habits and foibles of others, forgetting that this is a temporary life, and I will miss them – foibles and all.

Gratitude – it is the key to joy; and the key to minimized regret.

Finally, President Monson teaches us how to obtain a grateful heart.

“A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.’”

So – here’s the remedy…we get a grateful heart through expressing gratitude – to our Heavenly Father and to those around us. I’m actually grateful to know that such a heart requires a conscious effort.

I feel like I’m a somewhat grateful person. I mean, I say my prayers. I know that my life is really great. I have been very richly blessed. But I don’t know that am as grateful as I ought to be. I don’t know if my siblings know how grateful I am for them. I don’t know if my parents know how much I love them and thank them for their examples, sacrifices, and raising me. I don’t know if my husband knows that I’m thankful that he works tirelessly at a job that he’s not thrilled about – so I can be at home to raise my kids.

Sometimes, I selfishly look inward. I only think of the fights I’ve had with my brothers and sisters. I think of the mistakes my parents made, and how those mistakes have effected me for years. I selfishly think that my husband doesn’t understand the sacrifice I make – while he’s out with other people, improving his own life, and contributing to our family in an obvious and important way. These thoughts! ACK! I don’t even like typing them. They are so depressing. It is amazing – how gratitude changes it all…

So, I’m going to make a goal – to be more grateful. And this is a conscious effort. I’ve heard of gratitude journals. Maybe that’s the way to go. What do you do to be grateful?

***
For tomorrow’s Joy and Thanksgiving assignment, click here.

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by chococatania on November 23, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in General Conference, Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving
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Posted by chococatania on November 23, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/joy-and-thanksgiving-gratitude-words-from-a-living-prophet/

Joy and Thanksgiving – Gratitude Scripture Chain

Today, we are studying a scripture chain on Gratitude. I wish I could say that there was more of a “theme” to these scriptures, but mostly the theme is: Gratitude Scriptures I Like. That being said, I think that there are definitely themes and things to learn with this series of scriptures.

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” – Alma 37:37

I love this scripture because it makes prayer seem so personal. We need to counsel with the Lord. We need to discuss our ideas with him, share our dreams with him, and also let him have a part of our plans and daily lives. If we counsel with Him, then He will advise us. Pretty awesome.

Oh yeah, and we need to be grateful – this scripture gives us good advice on what gratitude is: a heart full of thanks.

A grateful heart is an important part of counseling with the Lord. Here’s the thing…In Alma 37:37, we are taught to counsel with the Lord. And we are also taught in Jacob “Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.” – Jacob 4:10 There is a difference – between counseling with the Lord and telling Him what to do. I have a tendency to “tell the Lord what to do.” I mean, I just ask for blessings and kind of leave it at that. Counseling with the Lord implies a conversation. We discuss with the Lord what we’re thinking, desiring, and doing. Yet, with the attitude of a grateful heart, we also allow Him to speak, and that is how we will get the guidance we need.

“And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.” – Doctrine and Covenants 46:32

We must give thanks to God for all of the blessings we receive. This section is specifically speaking giving thanks when we are blessed with gifts of the Spirit. I think that this commandment is not limited to such blessings. We need to give thanks for every blessing we receive from the Lord.

One thing that is difficult for me is to be grateful for all of the ways that Heavenly Father blesses me – especially when these blessings come in the form of trials. I don’t think that we are expected to be all “jumpy” and “happy” when enduring trials, but we are expected to look to the Lord with cheer, hope, and gratitude.

“Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” – Psalms 97:12

I like this scripture because it brings up two different but related concepts: joy and thanksgiving. I feel like the concepts of rejoicing and thanksgiving are more closely related than I’ve ever really recognize before. As we rejoice in the Lord and in His holiness, we really recognize our need for Him. Rejoicing in the Lord, finding Joy in His blessings, humbles us. And, as we rejoice in Him and find joy in our lives, we become more grateful.

But I don’t think that joy necessarily comes first. It almost seems like joy and thanksgiving are companions. Because as we fill our hearts with gratitude, joy comes along. The joy leads to greater gratitude, which leads to greater joy.

I’ve noticed something about the gospel: it is an upward cycle.

Oh, and before I move to the next scripture, again, I’m thinking about Joy and Gratitude within the context of our trials. I think that the end of this verse helps us understand how this is possible: “give thanks at the remembrance of His Holiness.” Often, when we go through trials, we have intimate experiences with the Lord and His atonement. We have personal, deep experiences with His Holiness. Even though our trials are difficult, when we experience His Holiness and atonement so personally, our gratitude and joy grow.

“I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you desire to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in chariots, he shall receive this blessing, if he receive it from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in all things.” – Doctrine and Covenants 62:7

I like this verse because it teaches us more about the nature of God. He is willing to bless us in any way that is within His will or power. We simply need to receive such blessings with a thankful heart.

He loves us so much.

“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.” – Doctrine and Covenants 78:19

Again, I’m struck by the word all in this verse. There is no caveat that we are to be grateful only for the things that seem to be positive or favorable. We need to be grateful for all.

When we are grateful for all, then we’re made glorious.

I think that this is because when we are grateful – even for our adversities – we manage them better. We let the Lord work miracles in our lives. And ultimately, the miracle He works is our perfection. (pretty glorious if you ask me…)

Gratitude is essential in our progression. As we live gratefully, we receive more blessings from Heavenly Father – including the instruction and Spiritual gifts that we need to be like Him. As we become more like Heavenly Father – we come closer to His nature…and His nature is happiness. So, gratitude leads to happiness.

Pretty cool. :)

***
For tomorrow’s assignment, please read The Divine Gift of Gratitude. As you read, mark anything that stands out to you. Write a few notes on why these things made an impression. Take a minute to really learn from the Spirit.

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by chococatania on November 22, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Joy and Thanksgiving
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Posted by chococatania on November 22, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/joy-and-thanksgiving-gratitude-scripture-chain/

Joy and Thanksgiving – Gratitude and Blessings

Today, in our study, we are learning about a pattern given in the scriptures. This pattern is given in various places throughout the scriptures.

The first instance of this pattern that we study will be from the life of Christ.


“And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.” – Matthew 15:36-37

Christ is always the master example for us, which is why I love this story.

A few things to consider:

  • Christ had to feed at least 4,000 people – with seven loaves and fishes.
    • This doesn’t seem like it will be enough food to feed the multitude.
  • With gratitude, He gave thanks for the food that had been provided.
    • He was confident in His gratitude and thanksgiving. He was confident that the multitude would be fed and blessed.
    • Sometimes, I hesitate in gratitude because I feel like what I have been given (ie. 7 loaves and fishes) isn’t enough for what I want. (ie- to feed a multitude). Instead of seeing what I have and recognizing that the Lord also knows what is available, I seem to have a tendency to focus on what I think I lack.
    • Sometimes, I am tempted to think of course it was easy for Jesus to be confident…he was Jesus!…but when I think about it, why should my faith be any different. Jesus believed in the same God I believe in. He had the power of the priesthood, the same power we’ve been blessed with. We can trust in the Lord and in Heavenly Father. So…I can be confident in the power of the Lord, and I can show my gratitude for His love and blessing.
  • The people ate, and were filled, and there was food leftover.
    • When we are grateful, the Lord blesses us and fills us. – and He is capable of doing that – even with only seven loaves and fishes!

Paul teaches us this pattern:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6

The Pattern

  1. Be confident – in the Lord. – The first part of this scripture “Be careful” – means that we shouldn’t be overly concerned or afflicted about anything. Again, Christ is a great example of this. Instead of fretting about the multitude he had to feed with only seven loaves and fishes, he was confident.

    As I ponder this, I am thinking about the connection between confidence and gratitude. And I don’t mean confidence in ourselves, but confidence in the Lord. Confidence shows that we trust the Lord, which is a key ingredient in our gratitude.

  2. Instead of worry, pray.
    • Supplication – I have always had a “feeling” of what this meant, but just to be sure, I looked it up in the dictionary: ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly. That is how we ought to pray – with humility. And in a sense “begging” – we do kneel, and when we pray, we know that we, in and of ourselves, aren’t worthy of any blessing, so we must ask God to bless us out of His mercy and love for us.
    • Thanksgiving – I don’t think that we can supplicate without thanksgiving. As we recognize the blessings we have already received (even if they don’t seem like they’re enough), we recognize our Need of Heavenly Father. We become more humble. A grateful heart is the fertile ground for faith. Why was it easy for Christ to be confident that the multitude could be fed with such a small amount of food: because His faith was perfect.
  3. Let your requests be made known to God. – Heavenly Father wants to know what we want. He wants us to make requests. He wants us to ask. And when we do, we just need to ask with humility and Thanksgiving – having faith that we will receive.

    4. So – this is the pattern…

    We can find various examples of this in the scriptures.

    Paul follows the pattern he taught, as recorded in Acts 16:25-34.

    Another example is when Nephi is tied up on the boat, as recorded in 1 Nephi 15:18-21

    Finally, an example that I particularly love is in Ether 6:4-12 Throughout their journey, they sang praises to the Lord, even though the winds and storms never ceased. It is interesting to realize, too – that the Jaredites needed these storms to progress to the promised land. We can be grateful for all that we have – even trials, AND supplicate the Lord for needed blessings at the same time. In fact, the most effective way to get the blessings we need in this life is through humility and gratitude. Asking for desired blessings isn’t complaining.

    The Lord wants us to do ask. He wants to bless us. He wants us to Be Happy. He wants us to come to Him. He wants us to make it to our “promised land”, and we won’t be able to do that without Him.

    So, we need to go forward, confidently, grateful, and asking God, in His mercy, to bless us with what we need to overcome whatever problem happens to stand in our way.

    Have you experienced this in your life? How has humbling yourself and being grateful helped you to receive needed blessings? How has this pattern contributed to your overall happiness?
    ***
    For tomorrow’s assignment, click here.

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by chococatania on November 21, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving, Matthew, New Testament, Patterns, Scripture Study
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Posted by chococatania on November 21, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/joy-and-thanksgiving-gratitude-and-blessings/

Joy and Thanksgiving – The Commandment of Gratitude

For the assignment today, we read Doctrine and Covenants 59.

This chapter goes out to the saints – those who have already covenanted with God, and have kept many of the commandments. They are blessed for the commandments that they have kept. In verse four, The Lord says something that I find especially interesting:

“And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me.” – Doctrine and Covenants 59:4

So, the people who have been blessed because they kept the commandments are blessed with:

  1. Blessings from above
  2. Commandments – not a few
  3. Revelations in their time

Now – I’m accustomed to hearing that those who keep the commandments will receive blessings and revelation, but here we learn that those who keep the commandments will be blessed with more commandments.

I found this intriguing, so I followed the footnote for “commandments” to Alma 29:9

“I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. – Alma 29:9

And here we go! Alma, who had first appeared in the Book of Mormon as antagonistic towards the church – completely uninterested in God’s commandments – was now glorying in the commandments of God. About 26 years or so had passed between these two events. Alma had been converted to the gospel, and had lived according to the commandments. The closer he got to God, the more he learned how to be righteous.

It is the same for us, as we covenant with God and keep the commandments, we receive more commandments. They are not given by a power hungry God, but are given to help fine-tune our path to perfection. And, like Alma, we ought to receive these commandments gratefully.

So – continuing with Section 59. The Lord then gives us commandments:

  • Love God with all our might, and in the name of Christ, serve God. (This commandment implies many things, but I don’t have time to write them all right now…interesting to think about, though)
  • Love thy neighbor as thyself (The Lord gives a few commandments that falls into this general commandment).
  • Thank God in all things!
  • Offer a sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite Spirit.
  • Keep the Sabbath Day Holy.

- So, the Third commandment he gives is to thank Him. We are commanded to be grateful. And he wants us to be grateful in all things – not just our blessings. We need to be grateful in our trials, too…interesting.

A few years ago, I was troubled with a health issue. I had no idea what was wrong. I was in excruciating pain, and my husband felt prompted to give me a blessing (I was in way too much pain to ask for one). In the blessing, I wasn’t necessarily promised I would get better. Instead, I was told to seek medical attention, and to study more about the Savior. I was also told that this physical trial would be given to me so I could learn to be grateful for my trials while enduring them.

After the blessing, I was somewhat comforted, but somewhat surprised. I followed the advice of the blessing – and found medical attention the next day. It turned out I had an ovarian cyst bursting – which was the cause of such intense pain. And after months of tests and finally a surgery, I found out that I had endometriosis (which was the cause of other chronic pain that I was experiencing).

Anyways – I don’t want to sidetrack from the point of this story. I was really intrigued that the Lord would take time to single out the concept of being grateful for my trial – while in the midst of the trial. And I wonder what I learned from that scenario.

I feel especially sheepish recalling this experience as I think about my current situation.

We are always going through trials of one kind or another – at varying degrees of intensity. And currently, my life is great, but I feel like I’m dealing with a few trials of my own (not intense…nothing really to complain about…just learning to adjust to the normal things in life), and I’m forgetting to be grateful. I try to be grateful for my blessings, but I forget to be grateful for my trials, even though I know that my trials bring me strength and purpose, and that, eventually, the trial will be over. We don’t want our trials to make us bitter, and if we wade through our afflictions without gratitude, even when the trial is over, we will be cynical, bitter, and unhappy.

We must be grateful in ALL things…

– now – back to section 59.
When the Lord gives the commandments, he then tells us what our attitude should be.

“And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance—” – Doctrine and Covenants 59:15

When we work to keep the commandments, we should not be grudging or upset. We shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves, but we should be like Alma – glorying in the Lord – keeping the commandments that God has given us with thanksgiving and good cheer.

Doesn’t this make a world of difference? It almost feels easier to keep the commandments when we’re happy about it.

– Finally -
When we keep the commandments (which includes gratitude), and when we keep them with an attitude of gratitude and cheer, then the Lord blesses us. He doesn’t skimp on the blessings, either.

And then, guess what…we need to be grateful for our blessings!

“And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” – Doctrine and Covenants 59:21

Sometimes, this is the part where we “fall off the wagon.” God will bless us, but we still have agency on how we choose to receive our blessings. When we receive our blessings with thanksgiving, then we really feel joy. We feel the Love that God has for us, and we rejoice in it. We are happy.

I’m grateful for this chapter in the Doctrine and Covenants. I know that gratitude is important, but this section has opened my eyes on how an attitude of gratitude is essential throughout the path – it is a commandments, it is an attitude we need in order to keep the commandments, and it is the way that we need to accept our blessings from God.

Every day, I keep learning that Gratitude is a lot more than just saying “thanks.”

***
For tomorrows assignment, click here

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by chococatania on November 20, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Doctrine and Covenants, Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving
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Posted by chococatania on November 20, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/20/joy-and-thanksgiving-the-commandment-of-gratitude/

Joy and Thanksgiving – List – Gratitude and Salvation

So, today we’re studying another list that can be found in the scriptures. I really like finding lists. In some ways, I think that I’m a list person, so seeing these lists in the scriptures really helps me know how I can apply the advice given into my own life.

So…before we get into the list, here’s what it’s all about:

“And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God,…” – Alma 34:37

Here, Amulek is advising that we work out our salvation with fear before God – based on our study this last week about happiness – we know that salvation is a really great thing. Salvation is eternal and endless happiness. So, if we want to inherit it, we need to work it out before God.

Amulek doesn’t just leave us hanging without any further explanation. What continues is a list that can help us to work out our salvation with the Lord. (starting in verse 37)

“…and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;

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 which he doth bestow upon you.” – Alma 34:37-38

So – here is the list that he gives us…

  • No more denying of the coming of Christ
  • Contend no more against the Holy Ghost
  • Receive the Holy Ghost
  • Take upon the name of Christ
  • Humble yourselves
  • Worship God
  • Live in thanksgiving daily
  • Be watchful unto prayer continually (see verse 39)
  • Have patience (see verse 40)

You can take time to study each of these points- because they are really great, but I want to really think about the overall attitude of gratitude.

We can see in the list that Amulek has included to “live in thanksgiving daily.” But I think that gratitude is a general attitude – a way of being – that really can fit into, and help us accomplish, every single bullet point listed here.

For example, if we are living with a grateful heart, then will we deny Christ? Think about denying Christ…Even Peter denied Christ. I don’t say this to slam Peter. I say this because I think that we all deny Christ at some level – even when we’ve covenanted with The Savior.

So – how do we refrain from denying Christ? Perhaps an attitude of gratitude helps. When we remember Christ, when we remember that He was born, a small babe in Bethlehem and placed in a manger…

When we remember that he taught the people...

...when we remember that He called His apostles and organized the Church...

...when we remember how Christ healed the people...

...when we remember how He, the Messiah, loved and served others...

...when we remember that He suffered for our sins and infirmities...

...when we remember that He died for us...

...and when we remember that three days after his death, He was resurrected...

When we remember Christ, then we are filled with a sense of His love, and we feel gratitude for Him. It is hard to even think about Christ’s life and love for us without feeling humbled, and grateful.

So…gratitude can help us – to refrain from denying Christ.

Let’s look at that list again:
Working our Salvation before the Lord with gratitude

  • No more denying of the Christ – gratitude for Christ shows our willingness to accept Him and the Love Him.
  • Contend no more against the Holy Ghost – Gratitude helps us to be more agreeable with the Holy Ghost and the promptings He gives.
  • Receive the Holy Ghost – I’m not sure if we could receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost with an ungrateful heart.
  • Take upon the name of Christ – When we are grateful for the Savior and His willingness to atone for our sins, we are led to the waters of baptism – there to covenant with Him and take on His name. Gratitude for the Savior and all the blessings we enjoy will also help us to ensure that we bear His name honorably once we have taken it on ourselves.
  • Humble Yourselves – Gratitude is essential in humbling ourselves. I’m not sure that you can be humble and ungrateful.
  • Worship God – That’s the thing that I think I’m learning about gratitude. I think that gratitude is a form of worship. When Christ healed the ten lepers, only one gave thanks, and he did more than just say thank you. He fell down at the Savior’s feet and glorified Him. We need to have a grateful heart when worshipping God, and I think that gratitude helps us to worship the Lord more purely and genuinely.
  • Live in Thanksgiving Daily. – Gratitude helps us to live in thanksgiving daily because we are already grateful. If we are truly grateful, then we’re going to express our thanks.
  • Be watchful unto prayer continually – An attitude of gratitude will help us to remember to pray always.
  • Have Patience – Gratitude helps us to turn our heart to the Lord, even in times of trial. The Lord can then bless us with the patience we need to overcome the difficulties of the world.

So – with gratitude, we can accomplish what Amulek has taught us to do. I feel like as I begin to understand the Savior more, why I need, Him, His love for me, my gratitude for Him grows. The trick, too, is really remembering this all the time. I have a tendency to get a little bit self-centered and even “spoiled”. Gratitude can help us to do get closer to the Savior and His spirit. When we are close to the Savior, and have His Spirit, we are closer to His happiness and peace.

***
For Tomorrow’s Assignment, please click here.

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by chococatania on November 19, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Alma, Book of Mormon, Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving, Lists, Scripture Study
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Posted by chococatania on November 19, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/joy-and-thanksgiving-list-gratitude-and-salvation/

Joy and Thanksgiving – Miracles of Christ and Gratitude

Today, we’re reading an actual story from the scriptures! That’s right – this isn’t some kind of list, allegory, or other literary element, but it is the story.

Today’s story is the story of Christ healing the ten lepers.

“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” – Luke 17:11-13

I am struck by the fact that the lepers could recognize the Savior from afar off. Yet there were so many who would interact with the Savior and not recognize His divinity.

I wonder, do I recognize him from “afar off” or am I blind to Him even with so much Spiritual interaction?

Even though this story doesn’t bring up gratitude yet, recognizing the Savior from “afar off” can be accomplished through humility and gratitude. When I really think about it, I can see the Savior in everything…especially if I’m taking the time to be grateful.

I can see the Savior "afar off" when I look at the world around me.

I can see the Savior "afar off" when I recognize the family and blessings I have around me.

The Savior doesn't seem "afar off" when I really think about it.

“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” – Luke 17:14

I find this response made by the Savior to the Lepers really interesting. He doesn’t really go up to them. He doesn’t heal them by touching them. Instead, he tells them to go to the priests. On the way, they are healed.

Imagine being one of the lepers in this situation. I wonder what kind of miracle they were expecting. If they could recognize the Savior, maybe they had heard about the miracles he had performed. Were they expecting more than instructions to go elsewhere?

I’m not sure what they were expecting, but when I think about this idea, I think of how, when I’ve seen the Lord from “afar off”, and asked for a blessing, often, I kind of have in my mind how I want the miracle to happen. Sometimes, I even question the instructions I receive from the Lord, or the way that He chooses to bring about my blessing.

Here, we see that the Savior chose to bless them “from afar” off – as they went to the priests.

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” – Luke 17:15-16

This is the most famous part of the whole story – only one of the Lepers turns back to thank the Savior for the miracle that just occurred.

We always assume that he was the only one grateful.

It is a little more than that, though. I think that the point is – he was the only one to express His gratitude and recognize that it was the Savior who healed him.

Maybe the others were “grateful” internally. I’m sure that the others rejoiced. Who knows, maybe they said some great things about Jesus to their friends and others. It is easy to imagine that this would be so – lepers were outcasts, and people weren’t healed from leprosy on a regular basis. There would undoubtably be some kind of celebration made by the other lepers. But – the thing is – they never took the time to celebrate with the Savior. They didn’t stop, turn around, thank him, and fall down at his feet – overcome with humility and thanks.

I have to admit that I often let the blessings I receive from the Lord go without recognition of my gratitude. I am grateful for the blessings I have; I want them. They make my life better. But I get self-centered and forget to fall at His feet, weeping with thanks.

“And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” – Luke 17:17-19

Finally, the Savior’s response – “Were there not ten cleansed?”…Man, I feel so sorry at this point. How is it that we forget so quickly the power and mercy of the Savior?

This response teaches us of the spiritual implications of gratitude. Having gratitude is more than just saying “Thanks.” Here, we see that we need to give glory to God. Gratitude is an act of humility and faith. It is a form of worship.

Because of this gratitude – this spiritual conviction, the Savior healed the Leper not only physically, but made him spiritually whole. This is the kind of gratitude I need to cultivate.

What are your thoughts?
***
For tomorrow’s assignment, click here.

2 Comments
by chococatania on November 18, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving, Luke, New Testament
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Posted by chococatania on November 18, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/joy-and-thanksgiving-miracles-of-christ-and-gratitude/

Joy and Thanksgiving: Scripture Chain – Happiness

So…we’re halfway through the Joy and Thanksgiving scripture study series. I hope people like it – if you are doing it. If not, no big deal – I like it. :)

Today, we are doing a scripture chain. I really like scripture chains. They are a cool way to study and mark the scriptures. I like having a series of related scriptures referenced to one another – in my scriptures. If you want more information on finding/marking scripture chains, click here.

“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:” – Job 5:17

Have you ever been corrected by the Lord? I have. In fact, I’m corrected by the Lord a lot. I’ve been corrected while I read my scriptures, when I’m praying, I’ve been corrected in priesthood blessings that I’ve received. I’m corrected in so many situations.

It is a little hard at first, but I have found that if you are living your life worthy of the spirit, then the correction isn’t always too bad. The Spirit manages to comfort while correcting.

That is where happiness comes in. Any time I’ve received correction, as soon as I commit to making the change, my perspective is filled with hope, and I know that I’m on the right track. I am filled with the Love of the Lord, and that is a happy place to be.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” – Psalms 127:3-5

So much happiness!

I truly have a “quiver” full of these little ones. And it is exciting. True to everything we’ve learned about happiness, there are times when I experience a lot of pain and frustration as a mother. Childbearing, in and of itself, is extremely painful. And teaching children can be difficult. They are discovering the world around them, they have many needs, and there is little time leftover for yourself. Yet, this sacrifice brings so much happiness. I’m amazed at how my children have grown over the years. Every time they experience something difficult, my heart aches for them. And when they accomplish something good, I feel great.

And, we can fill our quivers with children that we haven’t birthed ourselves. There are children all around us in our lives – grandchildren, step-children, nieces, nephews, children we teach and serve. They can all bring us joy!

“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” – Psalms 144:15

We are happy when the Lord is our God. In some ways, that seems obvious, but I know that there are times I have to ask myself, who is my God? Is there something I spend time doing that competes with my ability to worship? Is there something that I prioritize over my covenants and relationship with God?

Sometimes it seems like we’ll be happier when we give in to our natural desires, but according to the Psalmist, If our god is the Lord, then we’ll be happy.

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” – Proverbs 3:13

This reminds me of the need for opposition. We are happy when we obtain knowledge. Part of the “knowledge” experience includes misery, pain, and affliction. Despite the difficulty of such opposition, if we go to the Lord, we can gain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Understanding and applying knowledge will bring us happiness.

“He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” – Proverbs 14:21

This scripture reminds me of what we learned about the good fruit: it is the love of God and of all men.

When we have mercy on others, and love others, then we can be happy. Happiness is very closely related to charity. Judgment, contention, hatred, are not fruits of the Spirit. They are not Christ-like attributes. And they will not bring happiness.

***

I have really liked studying various scriptures that have had to do with happiness. I think that it has helped me to shape my understanding of what happiness is. I feel like we are happiest when we are most like Christ. This is achieved both through our good choices in keeping the commandments and through taking on His name in the waters of baptism (and renewing that covenant).

Christ makes our happiness possible. We have so much to be thankful for…

What have you learned about happiness? Is there any idea that has helped to you be happier or understand more of what happiness, as the Lord defines it, is?

***
For tomorrow’s assignment, please click here.

4 Comments
by chococatania on November 17, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving, Old Testament, Scripture Chain, Scripture Study
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Posted by chococatania on November 17, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/joy-and-thanksgiving-scripture-chain-happiness/

Joy and Thanksgiving: Compare/Contrast Those who keep the Commandments

In today’s Joy and Thanksgiving assignment, we are comparing and contrasting two groups of people described by King Benjamin. This is kind of a long scripture block…just so you know.

“And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved—

I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples.

Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.

And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim on that man; therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment.

O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.

And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.” – Mosiah 2:41

Here is how I mark scriptures that compare and contrast.

When we compare and contrast, we look for what the items being compared have in common and how they differ. Usually, we can learn something from this comparison!

Commonalities between the groups

  • They both had been taught the things of the gospel.
  • They both had known the things of the gospel.
  • They both make choices based on what they have been taught and what they know.
  • They both experience consequences based on their decisions.

Differences between the groups
The First Group

  • The first group chooses to sin. As a result, they withdraw themselves from the spirit of God.
  • The Lord can no longer guide, bless, or prosper them.
  • Come out in open rebellion against God – listing to obey the evil Spirit. – This is open rebellion because they knew better.
  • An enemy to righteousness.
  • Is an unholy temple, so the Lord will not dwell with them.
  • If they die before repenting, then they die an enemy to God.
  • Bound by justice, and because they refused to repent, cannot receive mercy.
  • No Lord, No Righteousness, No Mercy → guilt, pain, anguish, fire.

When I think about this first group, I realize that King Benjamin doesn’t tell us these things to “scare us into righteousness.” These verses aren’t a manipulation. They are the facts. When someone refuses to keep the commandments and come unto Christ, then he cuts himself off from the atonement of Christ. He cuts himself off from the Spirit and the happiness of God. It is what it is – simple.

The Second Group

  • Keep the commandments.
  • Blessed and Happy
  • Blessed in all things: both temporal and spiritual
  • Received into Heaven
  • Dwell with God in a never-ending state of happiness.
  • Keep the commandments → Never ending happiness

As I write this, I keep getting impressed by the fact that a part of keeping the commandments is repenting. We aren’t expected to be sinless. We are expected to keep the commandments. Because this is the expectation, then we are allowed room to sin – as long as we repent.

If we refuse to keep the commandments, then we refuse to repent.

I don’t mean this to be an excuse for sinning and breaking the commandments. We need to do our best. However, we’re human, so we will sin. Also, if we could perfectly keep the commandments, then there would be no need for Christ. Which is ridiculous. We need to keep the commandments – which means we need to repent. Which implies, that the Lord knows that we’ll sin, he just wants us to change it when we do.

Then, when we repent, we are blessed. We are blessed through the atonement of Jesus Christ. We are received into Heaven, thanks to His infinite Mercy, and we are able to dwell with God in a state of Never-ending happiness.

It’s a really good deal for us.

***
For tomorrow’s assignment, click here.

1 Comment
by chococatania on November 16, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Book of Mormon, Compare and Contrast, Insights, Joy and Thanksgiving, Mosiah, Scripture Study
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Posted by chococatania on November 16, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/joy-and-thanksgiving-comparecontrast-those-who-keep-the-commandments/

Joy and Thanksgiving: Allegory – The True Vine

Today’s assignment was all about the Allegory of the vine. I really love studying allegories in the scriptures. They are like parables, but still a little different. A parable always stays a story. An allegory seems to slip back and forth between story and application. Or, an allegory is like a souped-up parable.

In this case, it feels woven – sometimes it is an analogy, and other times it is direct guidance.


“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” – John 15:1-11

So…a few things…

  • We should strive to be branches that bring forth good fruit. We spent some time studying fruit already and know the blessing that fruit is. Now, we learn that if we bring forth good fruit then we will be purged. What does purging have to do with happiness? – It helps us to bring forth even more good fruit. I wonder, also, if purging helps to increase the quality of the fruit. In any case, purging, or pruning, helps us to be more fruitful -which means that, at some point, we’ll experience more happiness.
  • Purging sounds like it hurts a lot. There are other words that are used in the scriptures to describe the same process: pruning, refining, purifying. None of them sound comfortable because they aren’t. But they will make us into better people. It is good to remember this. I love this quote from Elder Packer,
    “We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems. …

    It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.

    Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out.

    There is great purose in our struggle in life.” – Boyd K. Packer

    So, this process of purging is challenging. It may even result in a bit of pain and misery. The pain and misery may last several days or maybe even weeks. But this pain and misery will ultimately give way to the production of good fruit – which is happiness.

  • The only way that we can bear good fruit is by abiding in Christ. As I think about this, I think of the relationship between good works and faith. Many people seem to think that good works are unnecessary. However, I feel like we learn from this verse that good works come out of faith. If we have faith in Christ, we are abiding in Him, then we are producing good fruit. And if we aren’t, then we’ll be cut off and burned.
  • It’s not enough to not bear bad fruit. We need to bear good fruit. If we are bearing no fruit, then we will be taken from the branch and burned just as quickly as a branch producing bad fruit. The non-producing branch weighs too heavily on the rest of the plant for it to survive. We need to be potent and prolific – in bringing forth good fruit if we don’t want to be gathered and destroyed. Here, Christ teaches that good works are necessary if we want to abide in Christ and inherit His joy.
  • Abiding in Christ = continuing in the Love of Christ. He will offer us life. He will nurture us. He will stabilize us. He will do all for us that a vine, the true vine, does for the rest of the plant. We can depend on Him, and as we do, then we are able to bear good fruit. I am amazed at how simple the gospel can be. It’s not that it is easy (purging is hard!), but it isn’t complicated. We have faith in Christ, and He nourishes us so that we can bring forth good fruit – or do good works.
  • We glorify God with our good fruit. I love the fact that God is glorified by our good works. When we love and serve others, we glorify God. When we are happy, we glorify God. I love that he glories in our good works! He is such a selfless God. He loves to see us do our best.

    Going to Pre-school. I think I'm even happier than she is.


    I feel like I can relate to this. I have four children. They each bring me so much joy. And when they do something good – when they excel in life, my joy is so overwhelming, I feel like my heart will explode. When the holidays come, I have more fun than they do – I love seeing them happy, I love seeing them excited. I think that Heavenly Father probably feels the same way as we do. He doesn’t want us to bring forth good fruit because he is some kind of greedy god. He wants us to bring forth good fruit because it will make us happy, and when we’re happy, he’s even happier. We have such a loving God.
  • Christ was the pattern for us to follow. He kept the commandments and was able to abide in the Love of the father. When we keep the commandments, then we’re able to abide in the love of Christ. I can’t imagine a better place to abide.
  • Christ teaches us this allegory so that his joy might remain in us, and our joy might be full. That’s the whole gospel – to have joy. To be happy. The allegory of the vine teaches us that we receive this joy only when we abide in Christ, as a branch can remain alive only when it abides in the true vine.

Don’t you love allegories and other elements of the scriptures? They make everything so much easier to understand!

***
For tomorrow’s assignment, click here.

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by chococatania on November 15, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Allegories, Insights, John, Joy and Thanksgiving, New Testament, Scripture Study
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Posted by chococatania on November 15, 2011

http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/joy-and-thanksgiving-allegory-the-true-vine/

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