Tuesday, November 30, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #30

So today should be my big finale, but I am so sick that my mom had to come get me from work, I couldn't drive myself home.  I will do my big finale as soon as I feel better

Monday, November 29, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #29

Today I am thankful for a hot bath, that after writing this post I am going to sit in and hopefully feel better.  I have come down with a sinus infection and feel like my head is going to explode.  The hot shower I took this morning seemed to help, I hope a bath tonight will be equally helpful.  Hot water, house, heating, towels, clothes, food, job.  I am thankful for all the essentials that I regularly take for granted. 

Sunday, November 28, 2010

30 Days of Thanks # 28

As this month draws to an end, I would be ungrateful if I failed to be thankful to the most important person in my life.  Our brother and our Savior Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful for the knowledge of knowing that when I make mistakes I can repent and be forgiven completely.  I am thankful for his atoning sacrifice which makes it possible to return to live with Him and our loving Heavenly Father.  The calming reassurance that our lives have hope, that we can return, that we will be forgiven, that those things will be remembered no more is beautiful and something I am truly grateful for!  With the celebration of his birth just around the corner, I am going to try to be better, be more like him, to love him more, to serve him more, to forgive and forget more, to accept more, to judge less.  This list can go on and on and on! 

Saturday, November 27, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #27

Today I am thankful for this wonderful blog that I have to express myself, my life, my feelings, my heartaches, my joys, my stupid thoughts that make some of you laugh.  It seems to be more so lately that I get to put down my real feelings with out a fear of someone freaking out, or getting angry at me.  I am grateful for the journal that this has become, I hope to print it out in book form for all posterity.  Keep coming back, I am sure eventually I will be able to say something that will totally steam you or something that you will totally need to hear!  Love you all!

Friday, November 26, 2010

30 Days of Thanks # 26

Today I am thankful for the kind and considerate people who I stood in line with today.  What a pleasure to have such nice people to talk to while freezing my butt off in bitter cold weather.  We got tons of Sub for Santa stuff which will certainly make someones holiday season! 

Thursday, November 25, 2010

30 Days of Thanks # 25

Today, it is easy to say that I am grateful for Thanksgiving.  The holiday is one that holds a dear place in my heart.  The family, friends, food, fun, it just warms my heart.  May the Lord bless you and keep you during this wonderful season.  And to all you crazy people, Happy shopping, don't touch a thing in my cart!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

30 Days of Thanks # 24

So today I am thankful for, my favorite Thanksgiving dessert, you guessed it PIE.  I am thankful for pumpkin, apple, pecan, cranberry lemon, and lemon meringue.  This is what I am making for the feast, except, the pumpkin, pecan, apple and cranberry lemon are all ready done!  Only need to do a lemon meringue.  Yummy, yummy, stop by tomorrow around 5:30 or 6 pm for pie.  Love you all!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #23

Today I am thankful for preparedness.  While this blizzard is going to rage on, I am thankful for everyone in my life who makes sure that I am prepared for different and various situations.  I am confident knowing that driving to work tomorrow if anything happens I will have whatever I need in my trunk.  My 72 hr kit, a sleeping bag, a good pair of shoes, blankets, flares, water, food, fix a flat, jumper cables among other things.  People like my mom, my friend Laurel, my extended family and everyone else who helps me stay on top of emergency preparedness.  Love you all!

Monday, November 22, 2010

30 Days of Thanks # 22

Today I am thankful for butter.  Again this sounds a little bizarre, but butter makes everything better.  Like when you wake up at 5:30am to get ready for work, and get upstairs at 6:30 and start getting your things ready to go when you realize that you have a Dr's appt at 8:30 and are not expected at work until after.  So I did what I do best, I made all the pie crust's that I will be needing for the big holiday on Thursday.  All 8 of them are resting comfortably in the coolness of my refrigerator.  But what do you say makes it so special, it's the butter.  Butter makes everything better.  I made some browned butter cranberry lime muffins on Saturday, and OH MY they were wonderful.  Just proving my point that butter makes life better.  It definitely helps out in the baking department at least! 

Sunday, November 21, 2010

30 Days of Thanks # 21

Today I am grateful for quiet thoughtful moments of reflection.  Last night I was having a hard time getting everything done that I wanted done.  I was feeling stressed out and generally not a happy camper.  I sat for a moment on my bed at the verge of tears.  Almost crying kills me, I hate crying, it makes me feel like a child that can't get over themselves.  I said a simple quiet prayer and everything changed.  I felt enveloped in a warm, loving, blanket.  I know that if I would take more time for contemplation that I would not have so many of these moments.  I also know that Satan is working really hard to break me down.  So goal for this week, take a few moments amidst the craziness of Thanksgiving and reflect on what I am really here to do, what I need to be doing right this moment. 

Saturday, November 20, 2010

30 Days of Thanks # 20

Today I am thankful for the holiday season.  This starts with Thanksgiving and continues on into Christmas and New Year's.  They always seem to make me happy and reflective on things that have had an impact on me through the last year.  The baking, the Christmas carols and music, the festive lights, the shopping the smells of the holidays are upon me and I am grateful for the influence they have on my mind and my thoughts.  I turn to thoughts of my Savior and his humble circumstances and the many miracles that he did.  I reflect on the many miracles I have seen in my life, and it makes me realize how truly blessed I am. 

Friday, November 19, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #19

Today this is going to sound really worldly, but I am thankful for Harry Potter.  I had a great opportunity to see the new one last night at 7:45pm, I didn't even have to stay up until midnight.  It was so awesome!  All the hype and controversy led up to it, when in reality, I am not sure that I would even call what they were saying "nudity" was actually nudity?  Go figure, my standards over the last year or so have increased dramatically to the point that I don't normally go see PG-13 movies because they are really rated R.  Harry Potter was scary and dark, but not bad in my eyes.  I would recommend it to those who feel like they can handle a little bit of scary, dark, and dreary.  Well done, well acted, well everything.  I give it **** 1/2 stars. 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #18

Today I am thankful for my family.  I have written things about my mom and my niece, but I am talking my whole family, even those people that I really don't get along with that well.  The Lord sent us here to be part of a family for a reason.  I know that stuff happens and families are torn apart by unforeseen circumstances, but it is that family unit that keeps us solid and moving forward in faith.  My grandparents have a very special love for each of us, and they are a huge part of my family and my life for that matter.  I know that my aunts and uncles have helped me in many ways, of course brothers and sister in law's and nieces and nephews etc....  The list could go on and on, but when it comes down to it, we all need each other for some reason or another, even if it's just to annoy another family member (of that's how it feels sometimes).  To all of my family, I love you all.  Even if you are far away, I want to know what you are doing and what is happening in your life. 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #17

Today I am thankful for dirt.  The brown stuff that makes my plants grow!  My garden this year was hugely successful because of the dirt.  Every year for the past 6-7 yrs in the fall time, I try to till in leaves and grass to keep thing going and up to date with "organic fertilizer" the leaves and the grass.  That was my objective today and I accomplished it.  It did take all day though so that was a bummer.  It was totally against everything my Dr has been telling me to do.  And right now after sitting the the bath tub for about an hour, I know that I will pay dearly for going against what he said.  Sitting here I can feel my joints start to stiffen up, but I got it done and now it can snow and freeze and do what ever it wants because it is done!  Too bad that I have to work tomorrow, we will see how that goes. 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #16

Today I am thankful for my mom. If you don't know my mom you don't know the nicest, most honest, most caring person in the world! She is always doings stuff for my and my brothers and their kids. She cooks dinner, she keeps things clean, she lets me vent to her when I need to vent, she puts me in my place when it's needed. She has always loved me no matter what! Even when I make terrible choices and don't want to be responsible for them, she still cares and to me that is all the matters. Lately she seems really overwhelmed so I am trying to clean and organize different parts of our house to make her feel better. So far, so good! I have done the laundry room (which looked like a bomb had gone off for over 9 months)! and I have cleaned and organized the pantry (also a war zone). I know that it has taken some pressure off of her, and tomorrow (if I have time) I am going to organized the butler's pantry and get things put away! Surprise, surprise for her! I love her with all my heart, might, mind and strength and don't know what I would do without her!

Monday, November 15, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #15

I was struggling today with what I was thankful for, then I thought about my niece Whitney who always is happy and smiley and loves to read. She was complaining that she didn't have enough to read and needed something to read. Especially since she is going to San Diego over Thanksgiving for a soccer tournament. So she left my house with a bag full of books and a book on her nose, it was hilarious! She is so head strong and determined, just like my, and I love her and I am grateful for everything she does and represents!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #14

Today I am thankful for the Sabbath day. I have made a lot of adjustments with what I do on the Sabbath Day and after reading the Old Testament and about how our Sabbath day observance is a physical manifestation of our covenants with the Lord, my sabbath day observance has become so much more. I have really tried to limit what kind of things I do, say, see, watch and read. I try to focus on spiritual things only, development of talents and family togetherness. I have tried to watch church sponsored or church related DVDs, movies and or uplifting programs that help me keep my mind clean. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to put things in greater perspective and really keep the sabbath day holy. I know that by doing this my testimony has grown and the blessing are evident.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #13

Today I am thankful for creative people! I had a wonderful opportunity to attend a card class today, and I am always amazed and in awe of the creativity of the person who puts the class on. My sister in law's mom, Kathy is constantly coming up with new and fabulous ideas of things to do with paper and cute and creative cards, class after class after class! I am really good at copying someone elses' idea, but coming up with it, not so much. I am able to do small things by myself, but huge craft project are definitely not my forte. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has blessed us each with such varied talents. I am so grateful for the ones I have, and hope to develop more all the time.

Friday, November 12, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #12

Today I am thankful for the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces. The Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard. They protect our country without hesitation and without reservation. With yesterday being Veteran's Day, I had a chance to reflect on the many sacrifices great and small that allow us the freedom that we so thoroughly enjoy in the United States of America. I know many how have served an a few that have died in our service. I am so grateful for the Lord's hand in the formation of this country that allows us such freedom. I am sadden when I hear of those who willfully try to destroy our country and it's values. We must remain loyal to our country and all that it stands for! May the peace of the Lord bless our service men and women and their families that they will be safe and protected and that they may have peace and comfort in their heartache and sorrows.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Add-on to 30 Days of Thanks #11

So after reading this I didn't feel like I really expressed myself well thus the Add on!

Today I am thankful for love. There are so many kinds of love. Our Savior's love, our family's love, the love we have for friends, the love and compassion I feel for the cute people who come into my clinic! I know that we all have to go through the bad to see the good, so I have know the heart break, maybe it's time for me to know the other. Just a thought.

The different kinds of love in my life pull me in so many directions. Our Savior's love is so complete and eternal that at times I don't feel worthy of it. I know he loves me no matter what, but at times I fall short in my commitments to him and I feel unworthy of that kind of love. It is that love though that keeps me recommitting to be better, do better, try harder and tough it out (even when I feel like I can't try anymore)!

My family's love is equally as sweet, I know that my parents love me and would do just about anything for me that they can. I have the same issues with this love as the first, I don't feel worth of it. There are many times that I fall short of my parents expectations and I feel that I don't deserve it. They are always there though too. I know when I am orny and snappy, that they must question their love for me. I hope that my life will amount to something that they are proud of!

The love I feel for my friends and the love they express to me keeps me going day by day. When I have a bad day, there are 2 or so people I know that I can call for sure and they will make my day better. They will listen to my ranting and raving and try to make things better for me. What they don't realize is how much I rely on their wisdom and compassion to make some pretty big decisions in my life.

And the last kind of love I don't really know too much about, I do understand how much love I have for my niece's and nephews and I can imagine that that kind of love is similar to that!

So I think now I have really expressed what my original intent was!

Love you all!

30 Days of Thanks #11

Today I am thankful for love. There are so many kinds of love. Our Savior's love, our family's love, the love we have for friends, the love and compassion I feel for the cute people who come into my clinic! I know that we all have to go through the bad to see the good, so I have know the heart break, maybe it's time for me to know the other. Just a thought.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #10

Today after having 4 Dr's appt's I am thankful for modern medicine. The amazing things that we can do today that we couldn't even 30 years ago I stand in awe. I know several people including myself that probably would not be here with out the advances in modern medicine. My dad for one, if they didn't understand the complexities of Melanoma it probably would have metastasized and killed him. My dear friends son, that was born with a congenital heart defect, they they have "rigged" up to work is another. The list could go on and on. Now facing the things may seem daunting, but with Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ anything is possible, and trust me I truly think that the Lords hand is in the increasing technology, I know that Satan uses it to the negative, but the good it does and allows what it does, I am eternally grateful.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #9

Today I am thankful for old people. Most of you know that I have taken a new position at a Senior Clinic. I totally love it. The "Old People" are so nice and so gracious and willing to be so kind and considerate. They need someone to talk too, they need someone who cares about them, they need someone that loves them. I am more then happy to fill that role. I thinks it's great that they know if they can't remember when their appt is or what the name of the Dr we referred them to is that they can call and we will give that to them. It's wonderful to know that they trust us to do what's best for them, and we will keeping to do better. I think it's great that they call some day's because there is no one else for them to call and they want to hear a voice on the end of the line. What can I say other the I LOVE OLD PEOPLE! I am truly blessed.

Monday, November 8, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #8

Today I am thankful for the snow, yes I am sitting at my desk and the white stuff just stopped coming down, and it looks beautiful. The orange and yellow leaves, the white snow, the puff of smoke from the breath of someone in the parking lot. I am so grateful for the snow! Clean, white, refreshing snow. (that causes some issues with how to tear out the tomatoes and rest of the garden, but for today I will look past that)!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #7

Today after listening to inspired words of our Stake, I am grateful for revelation both personal and from those who have stewardship over us. Brother Briggs woke up and wrote a completely different talk this morning at 3:30am. It was about being casual in our relationship with the Lord and with our families and our commitments. It was a beautiful talk, I am grateful that he was in tune enough to talk about things that I needed to hear, and that the YW I am over needed to hear. May the Lord continue to bless my local leaders that speak with such power. I am truly blessed!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #6

Today I don't have to look very far to find it. I am thankful for FALL. I love the crispness in the air, the smell of apple cider and pumpkin pie in the store. The leaves crunching under my feet, the warmth of the sun coming through the window. The chance to wear a sweater and not feel like I am in an oven. All of these things make be grateful for FALL

Friday, November 5, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #5

Today I am grateful for friends who know when I am down and call me to make sure that I am ok. You know who you are, I am eternally grateful for the love and support of wonderful friends who always seem to make me laugh and cry and strive to be better. Their love and support and unfailing example are wonderful. Friends are one of the frequent ways the Lord answers my prayers. It goes to without saying that friends are what make the world go round. Thank you for your care and concern!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #4

Today I am thankful for Mountain Dew. I know this sounds irrational, but for those days that my head will not stop throbbing and I have to be at work. Mountain Dew is my saving grace, it gets me through the pain and usually makes those days seem a bit brighter, also when I am sick there is nothing better to get all the "junk" out of my throat! So there it is, if you laugh at me it's ok!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #3

Today I am thankful for the Temple. I try to go every week and it seems to make my week go better. I need that spiritual boost in the middle of the week, it really does make a difference. After I went through the temple I wanted to go until I felt like I really got what was going on. Then last year during tithing settlement my bishop challenged me to try to find time to attend the temple every week, something I had already been doing. I continue to amaze myself, by how much I get from the temple. The peace and calm that comes into my life when I am going, even when I don't really want too, I still receive the blessings, absolutely amazing. I don't know why I am so shocked, but I am.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #2

So today I am thankful for my job. I think some times I fail to put things in perspective. There are so many people out there that are struggling with out work or not enough work. I am so happy at my job that this has not even passed by my mind. I know several people that are struggling just to make ends meat. I am so blessed to have a job that I love and enjoy and that I can make enough to support myself. For those struggling, please pray for guidance and help, I know that it will help, even if just to give you peace and comfort in your struggles.

Monday, November 1, 2010

30 Days of Thanks #1

Today I am thankful for a Living Prophet's. Even Thomas S Monson and the quorum of the 12. Every time I hear them speak I am constantly inspired to be better, to do more, to be happy (opposite of what I have been feeling lately). I have been listening to conference talks in the car and on my day off. I know that they speak with God and receives guidance to lead us in the direction that we need to head. I know that a lot is being said about a recent conference talk. I have prayed and received confirmation that what was said is correct. I support President Packer and will continue to. I am so grateful that in these crazy, scary, and doubtful times that I can receive revelation for my life and confirmation that all is well. I am so happy that I can strive to be more like my Savior, Jesus Christ, and that I can change. Through the revelations that we receive in General Conference, we all can receive an "extra portion" of the Spirit by following the counsel that we receive.

Life

So far this year has been so jammed packed with all kinds of ups and downs and downs and ups that I am not sure how to reflect on it all and make it ok. I have been struggling lately with all things, I just don't feel ok with anything. Like my life is crumbling around me and I don't' want to run, I just want it to be over some days. So in an effort to stop feeling terrible about everything, I am going to do my 30 days of thanks. Check back everyday to see what I am thankful for. I am sure that this will help me understand and put things into perspective.