The Velvet Revolution and Giving Thanks

November 17th was the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Americans were cautioned to not go down to the actual celebration for fear of terrorist presence. We went down last week-end to see the displays, candles and flowers. After the massive changes in other Eastern Block countries in the late 1980's, the Czechoslovak Communist regime could not hope to save itself. The citizens of Prague demonstrated in Wencelas Square in the thousands and despite the obstinate stance of the authorities and contingents of police and security forces, their voices could not longer be silenced. One of the last Communist governments in the world came toppling down. After the peaceful revolution in East Germany a "Velvet Revolution" took place in Prague in November of 1989. It's hard to really understand what this freedom meant to a people who had been under Nazi and then Communist rule for 50 years. How thankful we are for our freedom. Most of the demonstrations which resulted in these revolutionary changes occured on the very spot where Elder Waldo is standing. This is one of the most historic places in the Czech Republic. It is where the Nazi's came when they took over the country in 1939. It is the same place that the Russian's came in 1945, soon to be joined by General Patton and his American forces who went as far as Plzen, to free the Czech's from Nazi rule. Again, in 1968, the Russian's rolled their tanks down Wencelas square to crack down on dissidents and famous martyrs lost their lives. It truly is representive of freedom and sacrifice known only to the Czech people.

On Wencelas Square

This brings us to another season of thanksgiving. . . ."stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord and likewise at even:" 1Chr.23:30 Hopefully we haven't waited for Thanksgiving to thank the Lord for his bounteous blessings of this last year. However we want to remember those blessings. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 1Cor 9:15 We have witnessed many prepare to make covenants with the Lord and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ". . and in as much as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, . . . the fulness of the earth is yours. D&C 59:15-16. We have seen the difference the gospel makes in ours and others ability to feel God's love. We have been through many personally challenging experiences that have helped us learn more patience and faith. Those things have given us the opportunity to learn in a way we never have before. We have tried to receive this learning with a cheerful heart. ". . . doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, " D&C 46:7 We have asked the Lord to help us make our weekly Family Home Evenings and Outreach a place where the young people can feel the spirit and His love for them.

On Friday we walked through beautiful Letna Park which is right next to the church building. The sun was shining and the leaves were gently falling. It was a perfect autumn day, perhaps one of the last of the season. We walked to the eastside of the park that overlooks the Vltava River. It is a favorite spot of artists depicting the bridges and spires of Prague. ". . .let thy heart be full of thanks unto God. . . " Alma 37:37 We give thanks to Him for the privilege of being in this beautiful land and to serve in this mission. We give thanks to Him for watching over our family and friends. May we always be willing to ". . . receive it from the hand of the Lord with a thankful heart in all things." D&C 62:7

". . . live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies

and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

Alma 34:37

HAPPY THANKSGIVING