Medley of Hymns of Gratitude

In case you haven't noticed, I NEED music! Why? Because certain melodies invite the Spirit. Certain harmonies stir feelings in my heart and make me feel as if I'm encircled in the arms of His love. Certain musical phrases help me to remember the eternal courts on high where I know I dwelt with Heavenly Parents. Certain notes remind me of my gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. AND Certain songs and hymns echo the choirs of angels singing "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation! Oh my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation! Join the great throng, Psaltry, Organ and Song, sounding in glad adoration!" "Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy way and defend thee. Surely His goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee.  Ponder anew - What the Almighty can do, Who with His love doth befriend thee.  Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore Him!  All that hath breath, join with Abraham’s seed to adore Him!  Let the “amen” - Sum all our praises again, Now as we worship before Him." This Thanksgivin

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g, our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus is 'AN GRATITUDE OF GRATITUDE' by Pres. Thomas S. Monson: "This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help. We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. A favorite hymn always lifts our spirits, kindles our faith, and inspires our thoughts:   '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.'   Well could we reflect upon our lives as individuals. We will soon discover much to prompt our personal gratitude. First, there is gratitude for our mothers. Second, let us reflect gratitude for our fathers. Third, all of us remember with gratitude our teachers. Fourth, let us have gratitude for our friends. Our most cherished friend is our partner in marriage. This old world would be so much better off today if kindness and deference were daily a reflection of our gratitude for wife, for husband. Fifth, may we acknowledge gratitude for our country—the land of our birth. When we ponder that vast throng who have died honorably defending home and hearth, we contemplate those immortal words, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The feelings of heartfelt gratitude for the supreme sacrifice made by so many cannot be confined to a Memorial Day, a military parade, or a decorated grave.  Sixth and finally—even supremely—let us reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die? His called missionaries bring to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth...He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. Only He stood alone. He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the author of our salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.” He pleads, “Keep my commandments.” Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word.

 By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude."

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