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发帖数: 9485 | 1 http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/thanksgiving-gratitude-am
Most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live outside
of the United States and will not celebrate the traditional American
holiday of Thanksgiving. Members in Canada celebrate Thanksgiving in October
, and other celebrations of gratitude occur around the world at different
times. American members will participate this week, but throughout the year,
Church members worldwide express gratitude for God’s blessings in personal
and family prayer.
Many across the nation and world, including members of the Church, currently
face weighty challenges in their lives. In difficult periods of the past,
leaders have recognized the collective need to give thanks amid turmoil and
to turn to God.
Following the Revolutionary War and ratification of the United States
Constitution, President George Washington issued a proclamation designating
Thursday, 26 November 1789, as an official holiday of “sincere and humble
thanks” for God’s “care and protection of the People of this Country
previous to their becoming a Nation.” In October 1863, in the midst of a
bloody civil war, President Abraham Lincoln made the traditional
Thanksgiving celebration a nationwide holiday to be commemorated each year
on the fourth Thursday of November.
Lincoln’s proclamation enumerated the blessings of the country, then urged
that those blessings “be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged
as with one heart and voice by the whole American people.” He recommended
that Americans “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to
heal the wounds of the nation.” | m****a
发帖数: 9485 | 2 As Thanksgiving approaches, we have a similar need to reflect on the good
despite difficulty and division. Many on the East Coast of the United States
are facing challenging times as they work to rebuild their homes and lives
after Hurricane Sandy. They have a long, uphill battle ahead, and our
thoughts and prayers are with them in this effort.
As Presidents Washington and Lincoln expressed, reflecting on our blessings
when times are trying can help change our perspective on life’s challenges.
Prophet and Church President Thomas S. Monson said:
“While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many
things that are right and good. ... Our lives are blessed in countless ways.
…
“… [The] things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are
the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends,
our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us.
Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for
granted. …
“When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often
difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough
and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much
we have been given.” | m****a
发帖数: 9485 | 3 In October, President Monson encouraged listeners of the Church’s general
conference to watch over those around them and assist in times of need.
“May we willingly serve one another. May we pray for the inspiration to
know of the needs of those around us, and then may we go forward and provide
assistance.
“… Difficulties come into our lives, problems we do not anticipate and
which we would never choose. None of us is immune. The purpose of mortality
is to learn and to grow to be more like our Father, and it is often during
the difficult times that we learn the most, as painful as the lessons may be
. Our lives can also be filled with joy as we follow the teachings of the
gospel of Jesus Christ.”
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/god-be-with-you-till-we-meet-
again
We hope that all people will see this Thanksgiving holiday as a time to
express gratitude and to serve those around them. | m****a
发帖数: 9485 | | m****a
发帖数: 9485 | 5 views comments:
I am thankful for learning that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints is the true church. I am thankful that I have a testimony and
that I have a Heavenly family and a worldly family that I can be connected
with in the after earthly life. I am happy to know that I no longer fear
death because of the restoration and plan of salvation.
AOGLDSMember92510
I am thankful that God is not a man that he should lie, and who existed from
eternity past and in our begining made man in his image. That I am
reconciled to God the father through christs self sacrifice, and his
grace by which I believed and am saved.
waddellski
I love watching this video when I'm feeling unhappy. It always lifts
my spirits. Did anyone else notice how all those people looked happy as
they were talking about things they are thankful for? Gratitude definitely
makes us happier.
Becca Saunders
This video was a wonderful reminder for my family this Thanksgiving
day of how much we have to be thankful for. It is worth 4 minutes of your
time today.
Brett Hinton
I like counting my blessings... simply because it makes me happy to
recognize all that god blesses us with in small and simple ways from
day to day and to give him something small in return. :)
KoiNohappygolucky | m****a
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