I'm grateful for email, cell phones, and internet, and other technology that allows me to stay in touch with family and friends all over the world. Our third grandchild was born this past week, and even though circumstances prevent us from visiting right away, we have been blessed to see photos of our new little grandson and his family, and to talk to them and check up on how they are doing. We have friends and relatives all over the world, many whom we haven't seen for many years, yet we can keep in touch with them through social media and benefit from their talents and friendships and feel their love. So much better than a slow boat letter that would have had to suffice a century ago!
Tuesday November 19th
I'm grateful for the sun, moon, and stars, sunrises, sunsets, and everything that provides us with light and warmth. I don't always take the time to stop and enjoy the sunrise and the sunset . . . life gets pretty hectic sometimes and I always feel like I'm fifteen steps behind where I should be, but sometimes I do take the time. Driving DD1 to work in the mornings allows me some time to notice and enjoy. Good facebook friends often share their photos of amazing sunrises and sunsets that they have captured. Others, professionals, often share their photos too. This photo of the Milkyway galaxy over Yellowstone is amazing. I love the NASA photos that are available to all to see.
I am so very very grateful for the Sun, the warmth and energy and life that it provides to us all. I love the Sun!!
Wednesday November 20th
I'm grateful for wonderful neighbors. Tonight I was able to visit several of our dear neighbors with another long-time friend and neighbor. All three of these ladies are not only fun to chat with, but great examples to me of love and dedication to family and service to others.
Not too long ago we enjoyed a Saturday afternoon block party where almost every single house on our circle was represented. Yes we are quite a diverse bunch when it comes to what we do for work, age, size and make up of family, and religious and social beliefs, but every single person is a good person with much good to give and share with the world. And we had a good fun time until the rain came and it became too cold. I'm grateful that I know my neighbors and I'm grateful for all they do/have done for me and my family over the years.
Thursday November 21st
I'm grateful for the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and other scripture and teachings of our prophets. We are so blessed to be able to read the words of both Modern and Ancient Prophets and to have their examples and teachings to help us through the challenges of this life. Not only is there great knowledge and wisdom in these books, but reading them can bring peace. For the past several years I have struggled with mornings, especially the darker mornings when the days are short. It takes me some time each day to adjust from whatever dreamland I have been enjoying or living in during the night to the current challenges of life. Reading from the scriptures is one of the best ways that I have to help me ease through this transition and into the reality of the coming day.
Friday November 22nd
I'm grateful for all of my wonderful In-Law family. I love my DH very much, and was attracted by his handsome self, kindness and intelligence from the very beginning, but I was also attracted by his wonderful, talented, loving and caring family. Tonight DD1 and I were able to spend an hour or so with my wonderful, sweet mother in law. I love this talented woman very much and am so blessed to have learned much from her example. I'm very grateful to be a part of this great family and to share in their heritage.
I'm also very grateful for the wonderful people that my DH's sisters have married and those that my own siblings have married, as well as my beautiful, gracious, kind and talented daughters in law. With all of my In-Laws, I have been very much blessed all the way around!
Saturday November 23rd
I'm grateful for Temples! Today for the first time this month I made it to the Temple, the 9:20 am session at the Jordan River Temple. It was a live endowment session, but not quite full. Busy, but not too crowded. I was able to do the endowment session in behalf of a distant cousin on my Willie/Odell line that was born in Peekskill, New York in 1886. No, I didn't do any family research for this name other than check on familysearch.org and the name was suggested as a relative needing their work done. MY DD1 completed the baptism and confirmation over a year ago, I did the initiatory work last September, and then the endowment today.
I love the time that I can spend in the temple. Temples are my favorite destination no matter where I might be living or visiting. In the temple I feel closer to God and my Savior than anywhere else on this earth. I also feel closer to my parents and grandparents and others who have passed from this life to the next. Temples are the house of the Lord. Temples are a place of learning, a place of service, a place of love and a place of peace. I am so very grateful for Temples and the peace that they bring to my life!
Sunday November 24th:
I'm grateful for life, for the chance to grow and learn from my mistakes, and for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm sure that I have had learning and growth experiences all throughout my life, but it almost always seems like the struggles that I am currently facing at any particular time are among the hardest that I have ever faced. Hopefully this means that I am learning and growing? Hopefully I'm not always forgetting and regressing and repeating the same types of mistakes over and over again.
I'm grateful for the knowledge that hard things and struggles and temptations and trials and pains really are one of the main purposes of life. The purpose of life is to learn and to grow.
I'm especially grateful for the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without his loving and willing sacrifice for each one of us, the purpose and plan for life and growth would be for naught.
