Attitude of Gratitude at Thanksgiving Time

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Avard Woolaver / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time for us to stop and ponder on all the blessings in life.  Whether you believe in God or not, whether you are a Christian or a Jew, or Buddhist or Muslim, we all have something we can be grateful for.  Here are a few quotes to help us get in the Thanksgiving mindset.  

"God gave you a gift of 86400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say thank you?"       -William Arthur Ward

J. Star / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

"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

"Gratitude looks to the Past and love to the Present; fear, avarice, lust, and ambition look ahead."       -C.S. Lewis

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it  is like wrapping a present and not giving it."       -William Arthur Ward

"For each new morning with its light,  For rest and shelter of the night,  For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends."      -Ralph Waldo Emerson 

"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count."       -Neal A. Maxwell 

"When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,  When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,  Count your many blessings name them one by one,  And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. 

  Are you ever burdened with a load of care?  Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?  Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly,  And you will be singing as the days go by.

  When you look at others with their lands and gold,   Think that Christ promised you his wealth untold.   Count your many blessings; money cannot buy  Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

  So amid the conflict, whether great or small,   Do not be discouraged; God is over all.  Count your many blessings; angels will attend,   Help and comfort give you to your journey's end."     -Johnson Oatman, Jr.

muffintinmom / Foter / CC BY

At Thanksgiving time, along with turkey, stuffing, baked goods, and holiday sales; we hope that we would all take the time to express our gratitude for all the wonderful blessings we enjoy in our lives.  What are you grateful for ?  What are your Thanksgiving traditions in your family to count your blessings?

A Note from Sandy - "I dare you to be better"

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As relief efforts continue on the east coast, many find themselves still in shelters with so many kept from returning to their homes.  Though in such uncomfortable settings, many victims are showing signs of strength as they express their desire to rebuild.  One of the victims responded in the video, "in life, I learned to be thankful."  Life seems to have a unique way of teaching us important lessons, and hurricane/super-storm Sandy was certainly no exception.
(Photo credit: J_O_I_D / Foter / CC BY)





Thankful to be alive...

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Stars combine to bring relief to Sandy victims

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Lessons Learned
Disasters and emergencies are not new to mankind.  The human race has faced countless types and variations of adversities throughout its history over thousands of years.  Whether it is natural or manmade, whether the effects are nationwide or individual, each seems to teach us or remind us about things that matter most.  As hard as these adversities are, we find in the eyes of those who overcome them, the strength and resiliency of mankind.  We are inspired to learn (or remember) through examples of others that humans are tough, creative, loving, caring and kind.  Perhaps disasters come to remind us of how good we can be.  It gives us a chance to stop and be a little more thankful, a little more concerned for others, and a little more loving.  When viewed in this light, hurricane/super-storm Sandy goes from being a natural disaster to a challenge to mankind.  She is daring us to be better.  The ball is in our court now.  Do we take it or leave it?

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless.  The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.  We must start in our homes to remedy this kind of poverty."    Mother Teresa http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mother_teresa.html#FfEbKeX4dRt5YquX.99 

"Spread love everywhere you go.  Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."  Mother Teresa     http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mother_teresa.html#FfEbKeX4dRt5YquX.99 

Update

Since this post, I found a video that goes with the spirit of this post.  The spirit of love is clearly evident in those who are there to help, and the spirit of gratitude is also clearly visible in those who received help.  It is a very touching footage.

Hurricane Sandy Helping Hands from Joshua Brown on Vimeo.

May we all be a little bit better in showing our love for others as well as expressing our gratitude for those who do during the holiday season.  

by Kento Fukuyasu