We started having family night on Sunday because the boys have Baseball on Monday. Our Bishop asked us to use the Conference edition of the Ensign as our guide for Family night. I picked the talk by Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness". We've all been having a hard time here for reasons I don't want to get into. There has been a shortage of patience and tolerance and a lot of hurt feelings. I've been struggling... a lot. The kids are reacting in their individual ways.. acting out, withdrawal, clinginess, whining. I'm at my wits end.
This talk jumped out at me. I shared the story of the ten lepors. In Luke chapter 17 the Savior heals 10 lepers. As you recall, only one of the cleansed lepers returned to express his appreciation. Sister Parkin points out: Isn't it interesting that the Lord did not say, "Your gratitude has made you whole"? Instead, He said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." The lepers expression of gratitude was recognized by the Savior as an expression of faith. As we pray and express gratitude to a loving but unseen Heavenly Father, we are also expressing our faith in Him. Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgement of the Lord's hand in our lives; it is an expression of our faith.
I'm going to focus on those words this week. Maybe it will help? She goes on to suggest that with faith we should receive all things (tribulations included) with thankfulness.
Tonight, our family started our own gratitude basket. We all wrote down something we are thankful for and will add to it each day. Next Sunday we will pull the notes out of the basket and share them with each other.
DH had the treats. Sugar cones stuffed with Cookies N' Cream icecream. DH is the best at filling the cones. He packs the icecream clear to the bottom of the cone. Yum!
This talk jumped out at me. I shared the story of the ten lepors. In Luke chapter 17 the Savior heals 10 lepers. As you recall, only one of the cleansed lepers returned to express his appreciation. Sister Parkin points out: Isn't it interesting that the Lord did not say, "Your gratitude has made you whole"? Instead, He said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." The lepers expression of gratitude was recognized by the Savior as an expression of faith. As we pray and express gratitude to a loving but unseen Heavenly Father, we are also expressing our faith in Him. Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgement of the Lord's hand in our lives; it is an expression of our faith.
I'm going to focus on those words this week. Maybe it will help? She goes on to suggest that with faith we should receive all things (tribulations included) with thankfulness.
Tonight, our family started our own gratitude basket. We all wrote down something we are thankful for and will add to it each day. Next Sunday we will pull the notes out of the basket and share them with each other.
DH had the treats. Sugar cones stuffed with Cookies N' Cream icecream. DH is the best at filling the cones. He packs the icecream clear to the bottom of the cone. Yum!
What a great idea for family night. The conference talks would make great lessons.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time understanding faith, too. Thanks for the insight! Have a great week.
That's a great lesson Mel.
ReplyDeleteI hope things start to get better for you & your family. (((HUGS)))
I hope things work out. I hate tuff times. We might have to try the gratitude basket, it sounds like a great idea!
ReplyDeleteOhh I like the idea of Conference Talks. I also love the idea of icecream cones - I don't doubt that C. makes GREAT cones. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring post. I would like to attend your FHE's. Ours are a little bit impromp-to (sp?). I would do well to remember this principal. Faith is shown by our gratitude. I hope your basket is full by Sunday!!!
ReplyDeletesounds like a good lesson. FHE is the best!
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