225. Today I am grateful for the atonement

In this Easter season I am grateful for the atonement. Because of the atonement I can be forgiven of my sins, I can receive peace in knowing that Christ carried my burdens and comfort in knowing that I can return to live in the presence of Him and our Father in Heaven.

224. Today I am grateful for the restoration of the Gospel

Today marks the 182^nd anniversary of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also know by members as a restoration of the Church established by Jesus Christ when he lived upon the earth. The story of Joseph Smith’s vision and the restoration is a remarkable story. I know that God is a God of miracles and that through the restoration; God continues to speak through prophets as he did in days of old.

If you would like to know about this restoration I invite you to watch this video:  

223. Today I am grateful for Sleep

I don’t think I will ever be able to take the ability for a full night’s sleep for granted again.

222. Today I am grateful for life’s challenges

We all experience challenges in our lives and although they may not seem to be a blessing at the time, often we learn that it is how we deal with those challenges that affects the outcome and our experience. I find that the challenges I have endured have helped me to learn and grow and to become the person I am today. Through challenges I I find comfort in knowing that I can rely on God for strength and that I am not alone because Jesus Christ took those burdens and sorrows upon himself.

221. Today I am grateful for codeine

The cough syrups, antibiotics, neocitrin and Vicks don’t seem to be helping which has been affecting my sleep. Not being able to sleep has likely been a factor in me not feeling better. I have had a few people suggest trying codeine which I picked up from the pharmacy yesterday. I tried it for the first time yesterday and last night was the first time in awhile that I was able to sleep throughout the night. I have heard of people experiencing some pretty crazy side affects after taking codeine but I am grateful that the only affect it had on me is a full night’s sleep.

220. Today I am grateful for honest people

I was recently rear-ended buy another car while stopped at a red light. It was my first time being involved in an accident although it was very minor but the guy who hit was very nice and gave me all the info I needed. Dealing with my insurance company and collision repair services went really smooth because of the guy’s honesty.

I strive to be honest in all my dealings and also desire to have others be honest with me and in my experience most of the people I have dealt with in a variety of situations have been honest. One example is when I worked for an optical store; I had several people come in to let me know that their transaction did not go through and wanted to pay for their glasses.

219. Today I am grateful for a World-Wide Church

This weekend we had our Annual General Conference which is held close to the anniversary of the restoration of the church which is on April 6. The Annual conference is similar to the Semi-Annual General Conference held in October.

The church began in 1830 with a handful of people in New York and today has a membership of more than 14 million people spread across the globe. The gospel truly is for everyone no matter their race, culture, language spoken, etc.

I love the prophesy given by Isaiah in the Old Testament, Isaiah 2:2 - 3: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

The Mountain of the Lords house is the temples which continue to built throughout the World for all nations to come to and “learn of His ways and walk in His paths”.  

You can read, listen to, or watch the talks that were addressed to the whole world.