Yesterday in Sacrament meeting a new sister in our ward gave a talk on gratitude. She expressed many ideas that I had never heard before. I took notes on her talk then went home and pulled up the talks that she used as reference. I thought I would bullet some of the main points and scriptures here so that I could share them with you.

• Plagues of today linger, they debilitate, they destroy. They are to be found everywhere. Their pervasiveness knows no boundaries. We know them as selfishness, greed, indulgence, cruelty, and crime, to identify buy a few. Surfeited with their poison, we tend to criticize, to complain, to blame, and slowly but surely, to abandon the positives and adopt the negatives of life. (President Monson --AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Ensign May 1992)

• 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. (same as above)

• Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today , of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future. (President Monson FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY--Ensign Nov. 2008)

• Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love (same as above)
• Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. (same as above)

• Some of you may be familiar with Thornton Wilder’s classic drama Our Town. If you are, you will remember the town of Grover’s Corners, where the story takes place in the play Emily Webb dies in childbirth, and we read of the lonely grief of her young husband, George, left with their four-year-old son. Emily does not wish to rest in peace, she wants to experience again the joys of her life. She is granted the privilege of returning to earth and reliving her 12th birthday. At first it is exciting to be young again, but the excitement wears off quickly. The day holds no joy now that Emily knows what is in store for the future. It is unbearably painful to realize how unaware she had been of the meaning and wonder of life while she was alive. (same as above)

• OUR REALIZATION OF WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE GOES HAND IN HAND WITH GRATITUDE FOR OUR BLESSINGS. (same as above)

• Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend...when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth. (same as above.)

• Doctrine and Covenants 88:33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift. (Life is a gift, teenagers are a gift, babies are a fit, husbands are a gift, )

• In nothing doth man offend God or agains none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things. (Joseph Smith) May we be found among those who give thanks to our Heavenly Father.

• Speaking of Christ: earlier, perhaps perceiving the culmination of His earthly mission, He spoke the lament, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” “No room in the inn” was no a singular expression of rejection--just the first. et He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

• My sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lies, that we may realize what is most important, THAT WE MAY EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE ALWAYS AND THUS FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY. (all quotes from this point above from same source.)

• Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of self-sufficiency. It expresses itself in ugly egotism and frequently in wanton mischief. (Gordon B. Hinckley WITH ALL THY GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING August ensign 1988)
• Where there is appreciation, there is courtesy, there is concern for the rights and property of others. Without appreciation, there is arrogance and evil. (same as above)

• Where there is gratitude, there is humility, as opposed to pride. (same as above.)

• Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving for the blessing of life and for the marvelous gifts and privileges each of us enjoy. MEEKNESS IMPLIES A SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE AS OPPOSED TO AN ATTITUDE OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY, AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF A GREATER POWER BEYOND ONESELF, A RECOGNITION OF GOD, AND AN ACCEPTANCE OF HIS COMMANDMENTS. THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. (same as above)

• We were aboard a plane some years ago flying between Honolulu and Los Angeles. It was in the days when only propeller-driven aircraft were available. About midway in the journey one of the motors stopped. There was a decrease in speed, a lowering in altitude, and a certain amount of nervousness among those aboard. The fact of the matter was that much of the power was missing, and the hazards were increased accordingly. Without that power, we could not fly high, fast and safely. It is so with our lives when we discount the need for faith and disregard knowledge of the Lord (same as above)

• Passive acceptance of the Lord is not enough. Vibrant testimony comes of anxious seeking. Strength comes of active service in the Mater’s cause. “Learn of me,” was Jesus’ injunction. (same as above)
• GRATITUDE IS AN EXPRESSION OF FAITH AND IS A SAVING PRINCIPLE. D&C 59:21 “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.” IT IS CLEAR TO ME FROM THIS SCRIPTURE, THAT TO “THANK THE LORD THY GOD IN ALL THINGS” IS MORE THAN A SOCIAL COURTESY: IT IS A BINDING COMMANDMENT. (President James E. Faust, Gratitude As a Saving Principle, Dec. Ensign 1996)

• One of the evils of our time is taking for granted so man of the things we enjoy. in the last days, the apostle Paul said, “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” 2 Tim 3:2) These sins are fellow travelers, and ingratitude makes one susceptible to all of them. (same as above)

• To repeat this important phrase: MEN SHALL BE LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES, COVETOUS, BOASTERS, PROUD, BLASPHEMERS, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, UNTHANKFUL, UNHOLY. THESE SINS ARE FELLOW TRAVELERS, AND INGRATITUDE MAKES ONE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ALL OF THEM.

• Ingratitude is self-centered. It is a form of pride. (same as above)

• The gospels’s holy call and the essence of our worship is to help all mankind come to a sweet, peaceful understanding about who they are and to foster a love for their fellowmen and a determination to keep the commandments of God. (rephrased from same article)

• As gratitude is absent or disappears, rebellion often enters and fills the vacuum. I do not speak of rebellion against civil oppression, I refer to rebellion against moral cleanliness, beauty, decency, honesty, reverence, and respect for parental authority. A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love and well-being. (same as above)

• Think to Thank.

• As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us. (same as above)

• President J. Reuben clark said: “hold fast to the blessings which God has provided for you. YOURS IS NOT THE TASK TO GAIN THEM, THEY ARE HERE; YOURS IS THE PART OF CHERISHING THEM.” (same as above)

• I believe one of the greatest sins that we, the children of Heavenly Father, are guilty of is the sin of, ingratitude. (Elder Lloyd P. George, Gratitude, My Ensign, 1994)

• I am grateful for the things which I have suffered in the flesh, which have been blessings in my life that have taught me patience, long-suffering, faith, and a sensitivity to those who are less fortunate. (same as above.)

• Joseph Fielding Smith said, “ One of the greatest sins, both in magnitude and extent...is the sin of ingratitude. When we violate a commandment, no matter how small and insignificant we may think it to be, we show our ingratitude to our Redeemer. ( Elder Wolfgang H. Paul, June Ensign 2007)

• We offend God not only by our ingratitude, brothers and sisters, but also by not confessing His competent hand in bringing to pass His transcending purposes on the earth. Too many actually doubt God’s plans will finally prevail. (Neal A. Maxwell, Answer Me, Nov. Ensign 1988)

• Why is our life-style sometimes blurred and out of focus when we have been told clearly what “manner of men” and women we ought to be? (3 Ne 27:27; see also 2 Pet 3:11). Of course, as individuals, we are free to choose? But wrong choices will make us less free. Furthermore, erosive error gradually makes one less and less of an individual. God and His prophets would spare us that shrinkage. (same as above)

• Why are a few members, who somewhat resemble the ancient Athenians, so eager to hear some new doubt or criticism? Just as some weak members slip across a state line to gamble, a few go out of their way to have their doubts titillates. Instead of nourishing their faith, they are gambling “offshore” with their fragile faith. To the question “Will ye also go away?” these few would replay, “Oh, no, we merely want a weekend pass in order to go to a casino for critics or a clubhouse for cloak-holders.” Such easily diverted members are not disciples but fair-weather followers. (same as above)

• The Lord’s focus is not on the one thing we do which is good, but instead, on the one or more things we still lack in order to have eternal life. (same as above)

• Babylon does not give exit permits gladly. It is an ironic implementation of that ancient boast, “One soul shall not be lost.” (I am adding One soul shall not be lost is actually Satan’s battle cry to his minions!) (Same as above)

• God’s work is one of finding, helping, reconciling--not leaving betraying and deserting. (same as above)
• The expectation that more is deserved can cause our plate of plenty to appear empty. Gratitude has many faces and takes many forms. Failure to recognize the Lord for all we have will soon result in selfish behavior. (Elder Gordon T. Watts, November Ensign, 1998)

• Gratitude begins with attitude. (same as above)

• Joy and happiness are born of gratitude. (same as above)

• The depth and the willingness with which we serve is a direct reflection of gratitude. (same as above.)

• (My favorite) Gratitude is twin sister to humility; pride is a foe to both. A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. (same as above

• If you are going to leave footprints in the sands of time, you must wear your working shoes. (March 1976 Ensign)

When I was young, Walter Cronkite was on every night just before dinner. I remember hearing a joke that I couldn't wait to tell my family over the dinner table. It went something like this: Mama tater and Daddy tater were sitting in their living room watching the news when their teenage tater daughter came in so excited about her day. She had come to a momentous decision, she had decided who to marry and couldn't wait to share the great news. She sat her tater parents down and said, "Mama and papa I know who I am going to marry and you'll never guess his name so I 'll just tell you. I'm going to Marry Walter Cronkite." Horrified, her parents exclaimed that he just wouldn't do! Their sweet daughter just could not marry a "common" tater.
I remember thinking this was the best joke I'd ever heard. It had to be because i heard it over 40 years ago and still smile at the punch line.
One newscaster said Cronkite's passing marked the end of an incredible era. Maybe his life was that amazing. I am uncertain about this. I read his biography. It didn't impress me as much as I thought it would. He was a man in the right place at the right time but he was also a man who like to push the envelope. He opened arenas in news that perhaps didn't need to be explored. Still he had the courage to go after what he thought was important. A good man. A well liked man. An icon in the news media industry. What must it have been like to actually live the histories and experience the news as he did?

I have been reading this book off and on for a year. It has some amazing insights concerning how to deal with yourself and others. I have a couple of quotes that have been following me around for the last few days I thought I would share with you.

The definition of react- to act with intense emotion but without clear purpose. Ury illustrates this point with the following story. One day, a samurai went to collect a debt from a fisherman. "I'm sorry," the fisherman said, "but this last year has been a very bad one for me, and I regret to say I do not have the money to repay you." Quick to anger, the samurai drew his sword and prepared to kill the fisherman on the spot. Thinking fast, the fisherman boldly said, "I have been studying martial arts and my master teaches that you should never strike out of anger."

The samurai looked at him for a minute, then slowly lowered his sword. "your master is wise," he said quietly. "my master used to teach the same lesson. Sometimes my anger gets the better of me. I will give you one more year to repay your debt, but if you fail by even a penny, I will surely kill you."

The samurai returned to his house, arriving late at night. He crept in quietly, not wishing to wake his wife, but to his shock, he found two people in the bed, his wife and a stranger dressed in samurai clothing. With a surge of jealousy and anger, he raised his sword to slay them both, but suddenly the fisherman's words came back to him: "Do not strike out of anger." The samurai stopped for a moment, took a deep breath, and then deliberately made a loud noise. His wife instantly woke up, as did the "stranger," who turned out to be his mother.

"What is the meaning of this?" he yelled. "I almost killed you both!"

"We were afraid of robbers," his wife explained. "So I dressed your mother up in your samurai clothes to scare them off."

A year passed and the fisherman came to see the samurai. "I had an excellent year, so here is your money back and with interest," the fisherman said happily to him.

"Keep your money," replied the samurai. "You repaid your debt long ago."

A chinese rejection slip

I have been reading a book called A Writer's Commonplace Book by Rosemary Friedman. This is a book of quotes written by authors on how to write. I think this would be a marvelous rejection to get either on a paper that needs more work or a book I want published. (Most first time authors are rejected several times before they get published)
We have read your manuscript with boundless delight. If we were to publish your paper, it would be impossible for us to publish any work of a lower standard. And as it is unthinkable that in the next thousand years we shall see its equal we are to our regret compelled to return your divine composition and beg you a thousand times to overlook our short sight and timidity.
If I were to get a rejection slip like this, I'd have to frame it and smile every time my eyes glanced at it in my wanderings around the house.

Learning a new skill

Becca told me I needed to start a blog because they were so much fun. I have been reading my nieces and Becca's blogs and decided I might give it a try if it weren't too hard. Becca was right. This is fun.