Lately I have thought a LOT about the many things I am grateful for...Not just because Thanksgiving is this month but because in a world so full of negativity it is easy to lose sight of all of our blessings.
Here is my Thanksgiving List...
#1. I am most grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for his life, his example, his death, and his resurrection. In him I find peace, comfort, and hope. I am also grateful for a loving Heavenly Father whom I know knows me personally. He knows my struggles, my heartache, and my weaknesses and yet there is no doubt he still loves me.
#2. I am grateful for my husband. Brandon never ceases to amaze me with his many talents, his ability to love and accept others, his wisdom, the way he honors his priesthood, and the way he parents our children. He keeps me grounded, makes me laugh, and loves me unconditionally. I couldn't have found anyone better!!
#3. I am grateful for my children. Each one so unique and special. Everyday we face new challenges, but I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent each of them to us. They make me laugh, cry, scream, and my love for them grows deeper every day.
#4. I am grateful for goodly parents. I have said it many times...I'm not sure if I was that bad or that good in the pre-existence to deserve my parents, but whatever the reason, I will be forever grateful to have been reared in their home and to be taught by such amazing examples. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss my dad and I hope that I can live up to his expectations.
#5. I am grateful for goodly in-laws. Wayne and Ronna have to be some of the best people out there. They are so giving and accepting. I am grateful for the way they raised my husband. I hope they know how much we love and miss them!
#6. I am grateful for my family. This includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters. I have been blessed with the most amazing siblings. I am especially thankful for my sister who is my exercise partner, my therapist, and an amazing example. Not sure what I would do without her. I have also been blessed with some kick butt sisters-in-law who are some of my closest friends.
#7. I am grateful for friends. God has placed some of the most amazing people in my life that I call friends. Some I don't get to see near as often as I would like and some have changed my life in ways they will never know.
#8. I am grateful for my freedoms. I know I complain a lot about how our country is going to hell in a hand basket, but I am still grateful for what freedoms we have left. Over the past few months, and thanks to some dear friends, I have seen just a glimpse of the sacrifices so many service men and women make in our behalf. I hope they know that there are those of us that truly appreciate what they do.
#9. I am grateful for health. Through the recent news of a dear friend who is fighting breast cancer I have been reminded of how blessed I am. I am grateful that I have the ability to get out there every day and exercise. Am I always happy with myself??...no, but I am grateful!!
#10. I am grateful for miracles and the tender mercies of the Lord. They happen. They are real. All we need to do is stop, look around, pay attention, and we will see them everywhere.
Happy Thanksgiving 2013!!!
