Dearest Family:
I'm sure that wherever you gather for the thanksgiving feast, you will have time to think of all the blessings you have. I'd like to add mine to the list of things that are said and that go around so you all know what I would say! :)
I thank God that he has created this world of wonder. Everyday I find something new to see, to learn, and to feel. I love my body, a gift to me that is already obedient to the laws of that kingdom which it has been placed in. Well did Alma say, "I know there is a God and also that Christ shall come. . .behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony to you that they are true. . .the scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it, yea and its motion and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme creator." (see Alma 30) Embracing and realizing that truth does so much to place all things in a proper perspective. I know we go through our customized experiences here, in our Fallen state. We have the opportunities to love and learn, obey and gain power. When we obtain any blessing it is by obedience to the law upon which it is predicated. (see D&C 130) Our existence is designed for US!!! we grow the most when we choose to understand this and have the holy spirit enlighten our understanding.
I thank dear Heavenly Father that he placed all of us in this family. I have learned from each one of you. Please understand and take pride in knowing how you have helped me become who the Lord has in mind. I know that if we stay united in our family, I can (and each one of you) continue to progress as he has designed. Serving a mission has put my family into perspective. I loved you before, but now more than ever I see the absolute need for and blessing of having you. Let's stay together forever!
I am grateful for the support you have shown me as I serve. Notes of encouragement, pictures from the little kids, heart felt letters, and thoughtful packages have put spring in my step. I know this work is motivated by Christ's love. Charity! And when you have stepped in and put forth your love, it has made this more complete. One Eternal round. I love you and am so thankful you haven't forgotten me!!
I love this restored gospel. I am so thankful that it is so complete and alive. I am grateful that I can get up everyday and know why I believe what I do, and where that understanding comes from. We have a unique privilege boldly declare Salvation and The God. The God who doesn't change, who is no respecter of persons, and who is all powerful. "And they were all afraid of the God of Israel" Make him your God! Thanks be to Him for the love and consistency we can see. Why weren't you born outside of the church? Why weren't you born in 1756? I am sooooo thankful for this fullness!
I am thankful for the example of Jesus Christ. He has shown me the life that will never die. He is the giver of that kind of life. I pledge to follow him! But its even more than that, I can covenant to follow him. I am thankful that when I decide to follow Christ, I can do SO much more than just "Follow Jesus on Twitter" (yep that's one CC taught us on Easter Sunday to do) He accepts me with my flaws and graciously gives me more power to do His will. I couldn't make it alone. The power of a covenant is real, it goes two ways. And both ways are essential, and I am thankful I can do my part so He always does his. "And when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed" I am thankful I can offer Christ!
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