Daily Gratitude – True Spiritual Friends

Today, I am deeply grateful for the blessing of true spiritual friends, companions who uplift and strengthen my journey of faith. These friends encourage me to continue seeking Heavenly Father and live according to His teachings, offering support through challenges and rejoicing with me in times of joy. They remind me of the importance of staying close to the Lord and help me remember my divine potential. True spiritual friends bring light into my life, filling me with gratitude for the companionship we share in striving to follow Christ.

I am reminded of Christ’s words: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) While I may not be called to lay down my life, I feel the call to lift up my friends, just as they lift me. Their kindness, counsel, and faith inspire me to live more like the Saviour each day. I am grateful for these friends who help me grow closer to God, and I pray that I can be a friend who reflects His love and light in their lives.
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Daily Gratitude – The Inspiration of the Holy Spirit

Today, I am grateful for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a guiding presence that brings me closer to God and helps me understand His will for my life. Through the Spirit, I receive promptings that light my path, offering guidance in times of difficulty and reassurance in moments of fear. This companionship is a sacred gift, one that the Lord promised to His followers. When I listen, the Spirit’s gentle whisper fills my heart with peace and confirms that I am not alone. I am grateful for the quiet counsel and the strength it brings to my life.

The New Testament reminds me of the constancy of the Spirit’s presence: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26) Through the Holy Spirit, I am taught, uplifted, and inspired to live more like the Saviour each day. This inspiration fills me with gratitude, as it is through the Spirit that I feel God’s love and His awareness of my needs. I am deeply thankful for the Spirit’s companionship, which strengthens my faith and enables me to live with purpose and direction.
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Daily Gratitude – Freedom of Religion

Today, I feel grateful for the precious gift of religious freedom, a principle deeply cherished by the Saints. This freedom allows me to worship God as I feel led by the Spirit, without interference. It enables me to live according to my beliefs, to attend church when it is physically possible, and share the gospel openly. This freedom has been essential to the Restoration, allowing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be established and flourish. I am blessed with the opportunity to exercise faith, knowing that God has a purpose in granting each individual the right to seek and follow Him according to their own conscience.

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. (From the Articles of Faith)

As a member of the Church, I recognise that freedom of religion is not only a blessing but also a responsibility. It allows me to grow in faith while striving to be an example of Christ-like love and understanding. It enables me to honour the principle of agency, respecting others’ rights to follow their own paths, even when those differ from my own. This liberty gives me the space to draw closer to God, deepen my testimony, and spread His love. For this freedom, I can express deep gratitude and strive to protect it for generations to come. Continue reading

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Daily Gratitude – The Blessing of Hope and Stability

Today, I am grateful for the hope and stability that come from my faith in Christ. In a world filled with evil, I find an unshakable foundation in Him, my constant source of peace and strength. When I am tempted to worry about what lies ahead, I am reassured by the Saviour’s promises. His love and grace give me hope that, no matter what challenges arise, I can move forward with courage. Knowing that Christ is with me in every moment helps me to face the unknown with a steady heart.
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Daily Gratitude – The Gift of Family

Today, I am grateful for my family, a blessing that fills my life with love and purpose. Whether near or far, the ties of family remind me that I am part of something greater than myself. In times of joy, family celebrates with me, and in times of trial, they stand by me with unwavering support. Each member brings unique strengths and insights, helping me grow in ways I would not on my own. I cherish the laughter, the conversations, and even the quiet moments that we share.
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Lessons from My Grandmother’s Stories

Growing up with my grandmother’s stories was a gift that shaped my understanding of faith and family heritage. She filled our home with stories from the Bible and the Book of Mormon, recounting tales from our ancient Scriptures, accounts of Joseph and Emma Smith, and the struggles and triumphs of the early Saints in Kirtland and later on the pioneer trail. We had a handful of family members who were with various companies on the trail to Utah. These stories were her way of passing down her faith to me, a legacy of devotion and resilience. The lessons I learned from her stories, spoken softly yet with conviction, formed a foundation that has stayed with me even as I’ve grown older. Her words cultivated in me a reverence for our ancestors’ sacrifices and an appreciation for the promises of the Gospel.
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Daily Gratitude – The Comfort of Scripture

Today, I am grateful for the Scriptures, which bring light and comfort to my life. There is a peace that comes when I open the Bible or Book of Mormon, whether I am reading a familiar verse or discovering something new. The words of ancient prophets feel as relevant now as ever, guiding me and strengthening my faith. When I am discouraged, the Scriptures remind me of God’s promises, lifting my heart and filling my spirit with hope.

The Book of Mormon speaks powerfully of this blessing: “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3) These words inspire me to turn to the Scriptures in every season of life, knowing they will illuminate my path. I am deeply thankful for this lifeline to God’s wisdom, which nourishes and renews my soul each day.
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Wickedness and Divine Judgment

But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.

– Mormon 4:5

Often the wicked are entangled in their own devices, becoming instruments of their own downfall. Choices born of pride and rebellion ultimately ensnare those who make them. Here, Mormon observes that it is often by the wicked that the wicked are punished; they bring upon themselves the consequences of their choices, setting in motion cycles of violence and bloodshed that culminate in divine judgement. Continue reading

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Daily Gratitude – The Power of Prayer

Today, I am grateful for the gift of prayer. In moments of solitude and in times of need, prayer offers me a sacred refuge, a place where my heart can be laid bare before the Lord. It amazes me that despite my weaknesses, I can approach Heavenly Father with confidence, knowing that He listens with compassion and understanding. For me, prayer is not always about asking for something, but also about finding peace in His presence and being reassured that I am never alone, even when life’s burdens seem heavy.

I am reminded of the words in the Book of Mormon: “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 37:37) This counsel encourages me to trust in God’s wisdom and seek His guidance continually. In expressing my deepest concerns and sincerest gratitude through prayer, I feel His love and experience His grace in my daily life. For this precious communion with my Heavenly Father, I am deeply thankful.
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The Inspired Version – Rediscovering a Sacred Legacy

My grandmother always had a copy of Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the Bible and the Book of Mormon (1830 edition) in her house. Her example has stayed with me all these years, and it has stirred in me a desire to reflect on these sacred texts. Back in the early 1980s, Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles referred to the Inspired Version at a symposium highlighting the importance of this version of the Bible. I think a lot of our brothers and sisters have forgotten or are unaware of what this version of the Bible actually is.

Elder McConkie said that the Inspired Version “is a thousand times over the best Bible now existing on earth.” This was quoted and addressed further in the June 1999 copy of the Ensign magazine. Elder McConkie’s words were not simply a casual endorsement but a significant recognition of what Joseph Smith’s translation sought to achieve. The Prophet’s efforts were not just an endeavour to clarify doctrinal matters; they reflected an inspired mission to restore truths lost or obscured over time.
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