Gratitude.

We need to be more grateful. It's one of the marks of strong character, to have a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for blessings that are ours. We need more of that spirit in our homes, in our daily associations, in church, everywhere. It's so easy to cultivate the spirit of appreciation. 

- Ezra Taft Benson

Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of self-sufficiency. It expresses itself in ugly egotism and frequently in wanton mischief. We have seen our beaches, our parks, our forests littered with ugly refuse by those who evidently have no appreciation for their beauty.- Gordon B. Hinckley

Gratitude. I recently learned that to be truly grateful, one must express gratitude. If such gratitude is not expressed, then it is wasted – it does not even exist. Only when gratitude is expressed can it be real.

It is all too often that we forget to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for even the plain and common aspects of life. I personally take for granted the simplest of things – a beautiful day, a lovely song, and even just the opportunity to make a decision for myself. I go throughout each day of my life being blessed to wake up and live another day on this incredible earth created by our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am blessed with a family that loves me unconditionally and friends that care for me. I have food to eat and I have a bed to sleep in. There are too many people that do not have such things.

Whether we are grateful for a good day, a kind act from a friend or family member, or even something as great as a miracle from our Father in Heaven – I hope we can take the time to express such gratitude where it needs to be expressed. I know that as we do so, we become more like our Savior. We become closer to God and we will feel a greater Spirit in our lives. 

A Refuge Against the Storm.

A storm is defined as a disturbance of the normal condition of the atmosphere; a violent disturbance of affairs. A storm sweeps in with its gusting winds and downpours of violent rain, snow or hail. Lightning strikes and thunder roars.

A storm has overtaken the Earth that was once in a pure and perfect state.

Satan has created a tumultuous storm that seems to never cease.

Evil and corruption flow freely.

The sacred nature of the family is attacked.

God’s children are being lost each day.

As Latter-day Saints, we may struggle to stay righteous in a world filled with such unrighteous actions. We may often seek counsel and sanctity in the wrong places. Many are unaware of the refuge which they actively seek. A refuge against this raging storm is here, in the institute building. It is a dedicated building filled with the Spirit of God where Satan has no grasp upon us.

My hopes are that this blog may provide you with a connection to such a refuge – to this sacred and holy establishment that the Prophet so deeply wishes we would attend. The Institute of Religion is a place in which we can learn of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a place where we can study His words, feel of His Spirit, and make friends. It is a place in which we can take refuge against this seemingly endless storm.

“If you are a single college student, I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. Married students and other young adults are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you.”

President Thomas S. Monson