Be Blessed

Welcome to the Neighborhood News

“… and they were also admonished… being commanded of god to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things” (Mosiah 26:39).

From President Thomas S. Monson we get this portion of a talk:

“Do we give thanks to God “for his unspeakable gift” and His rich blessings so abundantly bestowed upon us?

"Do we pause and ponder Ammon’s words? “Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever.” (Alma 26:37)

“Gracias, danke, merci—whatever language is spoken, “thank you” frequently expressed will cheer your spirit, broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection. There is a simplicity—even a sincerity—when “thank you” is spoken.

“The beauty and eloquence of an expression of gratitude is reflected in a newspaper story of some years ago:

“The District of Columbia police auctioned off about 100 unclaimed bicycles Friday. “One dollar,” said an 11-year-old boy as the bidding opened on the first bike. The bidding, however, went much higher. “One dollar,” the boy repeated hopefully each time another bike came up.

“The auctioneer, who had been auctioning stolen or lost bikes for 43 years, noticed that the boy’s hopes seemed to soar higher whenever a racer-type bicycle was put up.

“Then there was just one racer left. The bidding went to eight dollars. “Sold to that boy over there for nine dollars!” said the auctioneer. He took eight dollars from his own pocket and asked the boy for his dollar. The youngster turned it over in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters—took his bike, and started to leave. But he went only a few feet. Carefully parking his new possession, he went back, gratefully threw his arms around the auctioneer’s neck, and cried.

“When was the last time we felt gratitude as deeply as did this boy? The deeds others perform in our behalf might not be as poignant, but certainly there are kind acts that warrant our expressions of gratitude.”

To read the complete talk, please click here.

We must also remember to give prayer for all that which we have or have received from the Lord. As Elder Bednar says: “Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others.” (Pray Always, Ensign, Nov 2008)

We’d like to share with you this video from Mormon Messages in which our late President Hinckley told us about “Lessons I Learned as a Boy.”




To view a copy of the Neighborhood News for Wednesday, 24 November, please click here.