The Spoken Word   "Ways to Praise"

                  Given by Lloyd D. Newell
                     February 8, 1998

          Throughout the scriptures we are encouraged to
          praise God. The arts, for example, are filled with
          works which celebrate His goodness and His
          glory. In countless paintings, songs, poems, and
          sculptures we experience how artists pay tribute
          to the Creator and inspire in us feelings of
          reverence and gratitude.

          But are there other ways to show our love for
          God? We may not have the artistic gifts of a
          Michelangelo or a da Vinci, but we can praise
          God through simple actions and daily choices.
          When we help those in need, we follow Christ's
          example and honor his teachings. When we give
          time to our family members--even after we've
          had a hard day--we learn the rewards of
          sacrifice and better appreciate the Savior's
          infinite and eternal sacrifice. When we take time
          to assist others with a difficult task--even if it is
          only to open the door for them--we praise
          God's example and His teaching of love. When
          we hold our tongue and show forth love to an
          enemy, we praise our Maker and become more
          like Him. When we fall to our knees in thankful
          prayer, this, too, is praise.

          We can praise God simply by keeping an
          orderly home, being kind to our neighbors, and
          by honoring the earth and His creations. We can
          sing His praises in our hearts as we notice and
          admire a majestic mountain, a beautiful sunset,
          or a precious baby.

          All around us we see evidence of His great love
          for us and countless reasons to marvel at the
          blessing of life itself. In Hebrew, halal means "to
          praise," and hallelujah means "praise to
          Jehovah." David of old filled the Psalms with
          Asongs of praise" and concluded with this
          beautiful advice: "Let everything that hath breath
          praise the Lord."