Thanksgiving Daily

The past two Sundays I have had the privilege of being taught in Relief Society from President Monson's talk, The Divine Gift of Gratitude (our ward and this week in Burley).  It is such a wonderful talk, please take the time to read it.  It has opened my eyes in so many ways.  Pres. Monson said, "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love."


I am thankful for:
My testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ
Good friends
Inspiring music
Family
A living Prophet
Temples all over the world
For those brave enough to speak the truth and stand for righteousness
The Holy Ghost, knowing that I will be guided if I listen
For missionaries who share their testimonies with my children
Our Founding Fathers
Church leaders, who serve tirelessly
Smokey, our daily visiting cat, who brings me happiness
Food
Scriptures
My families' health
Paul's employment
....just to name a few

Gratitude Day 12

I am thankful:

1- for Fridays (like Tonya).
2- that the kids have friends.
3- that I get to sleep in tomorrow. I already turned of all alarm clocks and tossed out the watch that keeps beeping at 5:30am. I want more sleep tonight.
4- to live in my state.
5- for my new friends that I have met at ballet.
6- to be married. It would be extremely tough being a single mother.
7- for libraries.
8- for scripture that helps keep me on course.
9- to be tall even when it's hard to find clothes!
10- that I had loving elementary teachers.

Gratitude Day 11

I am thankful:

1- for our local cannery.
2- for the fun outing Porter and I enjoyed tonight at Craft Warehouse, Target and Jack-in-the-Box
...okay, my brain is fried because it's late and I can't think anymore.

So I am asking you to speak up and share 1 thing you are thankful for!

Gratitude Day 10

I am thankful:

1- for the Young Women's Program.
2- that I know I am a daughter of God.
3- for a computer - I wouldn't live without it.
4- for someones gift of kindness to me today.
5- that the house is quiet.
6- that my talk is over.
7- for lots of hugs that I received tonight from young women at my old ward.
8- for paint and color (again)- I started painting today and I'm loving it.
9- that Glenn is back.
10- for Olivia's sweet hug and smile tonight - I could feel her love for me.

Tears of Gratitude & Love

Moments ago as I was working at the computer, tying up loose ends on a talk I am giving tonight at a Young Women's in Excellence program, I was interrupted by the doorbell. A man was at the door holding a beautiful bouquet of white daisies. They were for me! My first thought was "Oh, that is so sweet of Paul to think of me while he is at his conference." I opened the card to find even a sweeter and more timely message from a sibling (or more - I don't know).

Instantly tears filled my eyes, as I felt the love of the giver. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it was just what I needed today. I love you, too.

Gratitude Day 9

I am thankful:

1- for Paul. He really is my best friend.
2- for beautiful colors, I bought some paint today!
3- that we made the bus again! I was playing chess with Porter and we lost track of time.
4- for some new friends that invited me to their ward's Super Saturday - our ward doesn't have them. I'm making a chunky bracelet watch!
5- that Paul is learning valuable information.
6- that Luanne takes good care of Dad. She's got her hands full with him :-) Love ya.
7- that Olivia gets to attend Achievement Days now.
8- that the kids are good about bedtime. I think they are exhausted because they get up at 6 am, while Corbin gets up at 5:30 am.
9- that Christmas is around the corner. I love decorating---just bummed that my 12 ft Christmas tree won't fit in this house.
10- for Redbox.

Gratitude Day 8

"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."

G. B. Stern

I am thankful:

1- for Albertsons "It's my store" - I loved that logo.
2- for garage door openers that work all the time.
3- for people who listen and understand.
4- that we didn't miss the bus today (I was chatting to Paul on the phone).
5- that I found freezer room for my 20 containers of Breyers icecream.
6- for my temple marriage.
7- for phone calls - I love to chat.
8- for a lady at the YMCA that introduced herself to me (she is in my new ward).
9- for a gas cooktop - I love them.
10- for my children.

Gratitude Day 7

"Joy and happiness are born of gratitude."

Gordon T. Watts, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 83–84

I am thankful:

1- Vivian says, "for Jesus because he is the nicest".
2- for digital cameras.
3- for people that made Olivia's day special.
4- for a good ward.
5- for my callings - Sunbeam Teacher and Provident Living Specialist.
6- for the Ensign (Conference Edition) that I just received in the mail.
7- for the faith of the pioneers.
8- that America is waking up and fighting for her freedom.
9- for the talks in church about adversity.
10- for people who leave me comments, even if I don't know you!

Gratitude Day 6

"A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. . . . It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being."

James E. Faust, Liahona, Dec. 1996, 2–7; or Ensign, Dec. 1996, 2–6

I am grateful:

1- that we all (the whole family) survived the mall today.
2- that we ate dinner at Costco - means I didn't have to cook!
3- for healthy habits.
4- to hold puppies at the pet store.
5- that Olivia gave Vivian one of her birthday toys, an VIP pet - it made Vivian's day!
6- for 12+ young men Corbin's age in our new ward.
7- for yummy apples fresh from the church farm - thank you Joanne.
8- for kind emails.
9- that I found a pretty baptism dress for Olivia - it's a nice cream color (instead of white) at a great price.
10- that we found Paul a beautiful watch and wool jacket with his birthday credits.

Gratitude Day 5

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them."

--John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I'm thankful:

1. that Olivia's birthday party was a success!
2. that Paul is picking up Porter - I'm tired of running errands today.
3. for physical therapist - I visited with one today about my knee. She thinks it's my left hip and gave me exercises.
4. for flat irons - I finally got one that is awesome. (GHD)
5. for all mail delivery services. I love receiving packages.
6. for a tidy office.
7. for a nicer Corbin today.
8. for a master closet (it's my lifesaver right now for storage).
9. for people's generosity.
10. for a home!

Gratitude Day 4

"It is clear to me from this scripture that to “thank the Lord thy God in all things” is more than a social courtesy; it is a binding commandment... As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us. President J. Reuben Clark, formerly a First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “Hold fast to the blessings which God has provided for you. Yours is not the task to gain them, they are here; yours is the part of cherishing them.”"
James E. Faust, “Gratitude As a Saving Principle,” Liahona, Dec 1996, 3

I am thankful:

1. that Paul has work.
2. to live closer to the Y - much shorter drive.
3. for people at the Y that play games with my children.
4. for makeup - I look terrible without it.
5. to find a couple new pair of tall jeans at a great price (rare).
6. for take and bake pizza- makes dinner easy.
7. for people who share their "good deals" with me.
8. to sleep through the night
9. for all the people that attended the Health Care Rally with Michele Bachmann
10 for the Pledge of Allegiance that Olivia and I recited together today

Gratitude Day 3

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." Cicero

I am grateful:

1- that parent teacher conferences are over. I love hearing about their progress and hard work. There is room for improvement with some grades and habits, though. Corbin gets to return to school tomorrow to clean out his desk - boy was it a dump! He is furious about this. His teacher and I have a plan that she will have an organization check for him daily before lunch - if his desk or cubby are a messy, then he stays behind to get it in order. Ouch - will this boy ever learn? Jody.....I need you (seriously, I have been thinking about asking if you will give him mini-lessons about organization -it needs to come from someone besides me)!

2-for a sunny day. I enjoyed walking for 30 minutes outdoors while Vivian was at ballet. I'm usually exercising at the gym, so it felt good to breathe some fresh air.

3- for good school teachers.

4- for a comfortable bed. I enjoyed a nap today - oh, it was heaven.

5- for spontaneous friends that put aside their ready dinner to join us for "Taco Tuesday".

6- for on the ball scout leaders.

7- for a washing machine and dryer - even thought I don't like doing laundry.

8- that Paul likes to eat anything that I make - he's not picky.

9- for my friend, Kim, that gives hugs. She always makes me feel so good.

10- to live close to a cannery. I am some non-LDS friends that want to go there with me. I am thrilled to help others with their food storage.

Gratitude Day 2

"Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind...Where there is gratitude, there is humility, as opposed to pride."
Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘With All Thy Getting Get Understanding’,” Ensign, Aug 1988, 2–5

1- for my van. I went without one for a few weeks during Christmas time three years ago - horrible.
2- for cable news at the gym. I want to stay informed.
3- not to have a pet (against my kids wishes). They are a lot of work!
4- for the closet space that I do have!
5- for a living prophet of God, President Thomas S. Monson.
6- for lots of food. I'm a little food pack rat.
7- sisters, four plus two sister-in laws. Sometimes I feel bad that Olivia and Vivian only have one sister.
8- to have survived the teenage years. Oh, they are a killer.
9- that we can walk to the bus stop that is close by, instead of driving there.
10- hot chocolate and flavored creamers! We are all chocolate lovers here.

I am thankful for...

1- a gym membership - it has been in my blood since I was a teenager.
2- friends who inspire me to be a better person.
3- Paul's patience with me. I can be difficult, I admit it.
4- a mom who taught me how to cook. I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.
5- a home that keeps us warm and safe.
6- computers - how would I live without it?
7- cell phones - yes, I love to talk on the phone.
8- for the fun Halloween holiday I enjoyed with my family, carving pumpkins, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin soup, harvest carnival, trunk or treat, trick or treating with friends, etc.
9- George Washington, our first President. I am currently reading about him in "The Real George Washington".
10- my family's health. We have been tremendously blessed with strong, healthy bodies.