Thanksgiving 2016

As I laid in bed tonight (Thanksgiving Eve) trying to fall asleep, the thought came to me that I needed to set aside some time specifically to express my gratitude for everything I have. And then while I laid there thinking about it I remembered something that has stuck out to me recently as I've been studying The Book of Mormon...

(As a gospel doctrine teacher, this happens more often than it used to. haha *wink*)

I'm currently reading Mormon chapters 1-8 which summarizes the destruction of the great Nephite nation. On numerous occasions, Mormon writes about the Nephites not giving credit to their Lord for their blessings.

"And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God." (Mormon 3:3)

"And now, because of this great thing which my people, the Nephites, had done, they began to boast in their own strength" (Mormon 3:9)

"And when the Nephites saw that they had driven the Lamanites they did again boast of their own strength; and they went forth in their own might..." (Mormon 4:8)

It's such an easy trap to get caught in, giving yourself credit for your strengths and accomplishments, but that attitude (pride) is what ultimately led the entire Nephite nation to ruin.

So after all of this ran through my head, I got out of bed and here I am, sharing with you the thankfulness of my heart and recognizing that without God I am nothing. I sure have a long way to go on the path to being like Jesus Christ, but recognizing and listing my blessings is a great place to start. So here it is...