Thanks Be To God

By Emilia Julian | Video from LDS.org

General Conference is a time for learning, for reflecting, for rejoicing, and time for prayer and worship.  For many of us, we wait with great excitement to be able to listen to the voice of the prophet and all the leaders who have prayerfully prepared specific messages for us individually, and for the world to hear.  How thankful I am to know that these messages come from a divine source.  I realize that the words spoken are for everyone’s learning and growth, but somehow, it seems as if several of the talks were meant for and written just for me.  I’m sure many have felt this way before.

I have had several experiences of applying these messages to my life… mainly when I am going through specific trials.  I can’t begin to express my joy and gratitude to God for listening to my prayers, and healing the turbulence in my life as I walk the path ahead of me.  It’s during times like these when I know and feel the presence of the Spirit and am grateful to know I am not alone in my trials.

I often think about what it would be like not to have the knowledge of the gospel and the faith that I have attained since I became a member of the Church over 30 years ago.  Oh yes…then I remember.  Going through trials feeling utterly alone, abandoned and cemented in my affliction were some of the most fearful times of my life.  Becoming aware of God and His goodness became a life preserver and has positively changed me. It can do the same for anyone who puts their trust and faith in Him.

Indeed I have so much to be thankful for, but mostly, it is to my Father in heaven and to Jesus Christ who atoned for my sins and for the sins of the world.

President Nelson once expressed, “How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God’s providence and love and express that gratitude to Him.”  This is so true! In a General Conference session in 2012, he expressed the importance of giving thanks and showing gratitude to the Almighty God.

When I think about life…the birth of a child, the way our bodies function, the stars, the moon, and the sun, plants and other foods, animals and the beautiful nature around us…I can’t help but be thankful and recognize God’s hand in all the precious gifts that were heaven-sent just for us.

I know there is a God and I know He lives.  I am filled with an abundant amount of gratitude that He loves us so much that He sent us His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to Atone for our sins.  I love my Saviour and the example and light He has been in my life.  And I am thankful for His gospel and my membership in His Church, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Through the years, I have found the hope, peace, and joy I was meant to have and I am sincerely appreciative for being on the path that has led me to such knowledge