Define: Gratitude is a state of appreciation, an act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring

from someone else which lifts us and strengthens us. President Joseph F. Smith has instructed us that the spirit of gratitude is always pleasant and satisfying because it carries with it a sense of helpfulness to others; it begets love and friendship, and engenders divine influence. Gratitude is said to be the memory of the heart (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 262). It is somewhat human nature to seek our happiness elsewhere. If I get that new car I will be happy, if I make the basketball team then I will be happy, if they will only go out with me then I will be happy, if I get that promotion/bonus then I will be happy. I can be destructive to dwell on what we do not have. That is not to say worldly goals and aspirations are contrary to Gods plan but that perspective should always be kept. By focusing on on what we dont have or what is requisite for our happiness we lose focus and forget the copious blessings that we have currently. It is humbling and beneficial to ponder on what we have been given. ingratitude is the opposite of gratitude ingratitude is self-centered and is a form of pride We lift ourselves and other up by refusing to remain in a relm of negative thoughts. Why do We Need Gratitude The Prophet Joseph said at one time that one of the greatest sins of which the Latter-day Saints would be guilty is the sin of ingratitude. I presume most of us have not thought of that as a great sin. There is a great tendency for us in our prayers and in our pleadings with the Lord to ask for additional blessings. But sometimes I feel we need to devote more of our prayers to expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings already received. We enjoy so much. If ingratitude is a serious sin then gratitude is one of the highest virtues. * Gratitude as a Virtue Gratitude goes hand in hand with many attributes. Gratitide prepares the soil to sow the seeds of humility, obedience and righteousness. It develops virtues of , faith, courage, contentment, happiness, and love. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us. Old proverb The greater wealth is contentment with a little. Story of a King and the Shirt Tailor -

Guard Laborer Gratitude is a choice choice/attitude and can not be obtained externally How Different. Some murmur when the sky is clear And wholly bright to view, If one small speck of dark appear In their great heaven of blue: And some with thankful love are filled, If but one streak of light, One ray of Gods good mercy, gild The darkness of their night. * Gratitude as a Saving Principle Lepers and Jesus Luke 17:11-19 - Story of the 10 lepers thy faith hath made thee whole Thankfulness for physical blessings can lead to spiritual blessings * We are commanded to be grateful Expressing gratitude is simply not a social nicety but a commandment DC 59:7 - Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things DC 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 DC 88:33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? DC 78:19 - He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious Psalms 100:4 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Offer sacrifice of thanksgiving of own free will, is a requisite for entering heaven

How to Develop Gratitude 1) Prayer President David O. McKay has said: The young man who closes the door behind him, who draws the curtains, and there in silence pleads with God for help, should first pour out his soul in gratitude for health, for friends, for loved ones, for the gospel, for the manifestations of Gods existence. He should first count his many blessings and name them one by one (in Conference Report, Apr. 1961, 78) Alma 37:37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day Gratitude is increased by constantly reflecting on our blessings and giving daily thanks. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Through expression of prayerful gratitude and thanksgiving, we show our dependence upon a higher source of wisdom and knowledge How do We Express/Show Gratitude 2) Thanks President Thomas S. Monson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the time, stated: Think to thank. In these three words is the finest capsule course for a happy marriage, a formula for enduring friendship, and a pattern for personal happiness In some quiet way, the expression and feelings of gratitude have a wonderful cleansing or healing nature. Gratitude brings warmth to the giver and the receiver alike. Conform to social nicety even if you dont feel it Halloween - Trick or Treaters 3) Obedience If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15.) Our obedience to the laws, ordinances, and commandments is the greatest expression of love and gratitude that we can bestow upon him. You express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live. When you keep His commandments and serve others, you show that you love Him and are grateful to Him. 4) Service Downtown Santa - helping out

Womens Shelter Hockey Skinny Santa Excitement with toys recieved 5) Taught about Gratitude through the Scriptures Mosiah 2:19-22 19 And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly bKing! 20 I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another 21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to anotherI say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. 22 And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. Alma 34:38 - that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you 6) Remember our Gratitude Sometimes we may forget the lessons we have learned. This is human nature and God provided a solution through the Holy Ghost. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. What are you Grateful for Experience Adversity Atonement