Week of Thanks 2012, Day Three

We gather tomorrow as friends, family, and loved ones to share in a celebration of all we have been given.  So what happens Friday (other than Black Friday chaos)?  Saturday?  How about every day thereafter?  Year after year after year?

May we all remember to give thanks to our Lord, and to those around us, daily.  My we cultivate an "attitude of gratitude" all year long.

 
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Week of Thanks 2012, Day Two

Today's words of wisdom, on gratitude and thanksgiving are brought to you by another man whom I deeply admire.  He is a whom I love.  A man who has devoted his entire life to selfless service and the compassionate care of others.  Another Man of God.  Another man who "knows".

His comforting words resonate deeply within my soul and fill me with peace.  I HOPE they do the same for you.
Secondly....another quote for the day.  Such simplicity....such truth.  Follows my motto.  Think....Learn....DO!

 
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Week of Thanks 2012, Day One

I've been thinking a lot recently about gratitude and thanksgiving.

I know you are thinking, "Imagine that. At this time of year? No...you don't say."

Yep...seriously. True story. :)

Facebook and other social media sites have been jammed full with friends and family counting down to Thanksgiving by posting each day about the things they are thankful for.

I've watched closely and found myself "ditto-ing" many a sentiment. Some a bit on the shallow (although still valid) side and others very deep and meaningful.

As I get older and am exposed to more of the world and the people in it, I am in awe of all the opportunities and blessing the Lord has given me. And yet, I find myself nearly unable to express my gratitude, even to Him. It's not that I'm not grateful, it's just that I don't FEEL I am as grateful as I think I ought to be.

That's why I've been searching, pondering, and praying (SPP) about these particular topics.

I wish I had my own words of wisdom for you on my findings. It's just not so.

 Frankly I think I'm out of words of wisdom. I've been wondering if the mission I had, in starting this blog, has been fulfilled and so the gift of wisdom and openness has left me.

I haven't figured that out yet. Something else I'm SPP-ing right now.

No worries, however. Until I figure out what is going on, or until I get my groove back, I thought I might share with you a few words from those who are far wiser than I, on the ever allusive topic of happiness, thanksgiving, gratitude, life, etc.

I kinda jumped the gun with this one the other day:

Photo from Your Homebased Mom

 I don't know who said it....but I love it.  It's my motto.  What I desire.  Who I want to be.

This next one was quoted by someone I love and admire more than words can express.  A man of God.  A man who "knows":

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey: delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." --Gordon B. Hinckley (originally said by Jenkins Lloyd Jones “Big Rock Candy Mountains,” Deseret News, 12 June 1973, A4)

What more can be said.  "The trick", the key, the path to life and happiness is Gratitude.  Expressing our sincere thanks to our Heavenly Father for his goodness and mercy.

I don't know how many times I have said, or thought, to my children, "A little thanks would go a long way."  "Now what do you say (when I have done something for them)?" or "How hard is it to say 'Thank you'?"

And the Lord desires no less from us.  It's so easy.  And when we do it, our hearts become full and free.

Wow.

Love it!

Now I must Think....Learn.....Do.
 
 P.S. I love to hear from you!
Leave a comment or e-mail me at melaniesmethodicalmusings at gmail dot com

Life lessons from a donkey....

I found this story on Facebook the other day and felt so touched by it's profound and encouraging message. I shared it on MMUB's FB page, so some of you may have already seen it, but decided to post it here to be a constant reminder of the blessings of peace and perseverance, HOPE and happiness.

"One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed shovels and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. 

With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, to everyone's amazement, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!"

Applicability?

"Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles [trails] is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by...[shaking] it off and [taking] a step up."

(and I'd like to add....)

Never Give Up!  Never give up on yourself and never give up on anyone else.   Just keep trying.  One step (or shovel full of dirt) at a time.  Find joy, find happiness, and find peace in and through our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, no matter what situation you find yourself in.  Give thanks for your afflictions and take advantage of them...learn from them.

Awesome!

One more thing.....

As a lifelong depressive, I find myself searching all over the place for things that will make me happy.  It hardly ever works.  :)  So when I saw this quote several weeks ago it quickly became one of my favorites of all time.  These words, I find, are so hard to follow sometimes.  Especially when I'm feeling low.  Yet, they are so important...so pure...so full of truth.  I need a constant reminder.  I'm working on getting them put up in my house where I will be able to see them.  Daily.   

 

photo from Your Homebased Mom

  I love it!
 

P.S. I love to hear from you!
Leave a comment or e-mail me at melaniesmethodicalmusings at gmail dot com