Gratitude

"Gratitude is a Spirit‑filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence."
- Bonnie Parkin

Keeping this gratitude journal has changed my attitude. I really felt like I had a good attitude before but I now truly feel the incredible extent to which I am blessed. As I looked at everything I could write about I no longer saw what I don't have or wish I did.

I am grateful for the transformation expressing gratitude has made in my life.

Let it Begin

I am so grateful for the Christmas season. It can be a crazy time of year but on the whole people are kinder and happier. And I love that we celebrate the birth of our Savior. I love all the music so closely tied to the emotions and memories of Christmas. Some of my favorites lyrics are the latter verses of Away in a Manger.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay be my side
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to Stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear Children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

Digital Cameras

I am so grateful for digital cameras. It is so wonderful to take as many pictures as you want and edit them. I have been working on Macy's Scrapbook online and it is such a fast, fun and easy way to create.

I can't wait to finish it.

Happy Thanksgiving

"The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."

-H. Westermayer

I am grateful for the pilgrims' quest for freedom of religion. For the sacrifices they made to journey to and settle America. I am also thankful they had the inspiration to set aside a day of thanks despite all the hardships they faced.

Sunshine

I am so grateful for the gorgeous, warmish weather we are having. It is fabulous.

In the Still of the Night

Every once in a while, Macy will wake up crying in the night and allow me to rock her. These are precious moments. I hold her tight as we rock in the still of the night. She nuzzles her head on my shoulder and tickles the back of my arm. As we rock back and forth, my heart swells.

I offer a silent prayer of gratitude for this incredible little spirit that Heavenly Father allowed to come to us. In the still of the night, I concede that the wait to get her here was a small moment considering the treasure we have received. And if we live worthily, she's ours for eternity. How grateful I am for this knowledge.

Emma and Joseph

Our Relief Society lesson was on the beautiful letters Joseph wrote to Emma. The letters showed so much love and tenderness. It was a wonderful view into their relationship.

Their lives were incredibly difficult. The trials they endured are unthinkable. I am so grateful for them both.

** The book available at Seagull and Deseret Book is made up of the actual letters. Our RS teacher said it is basically a duplicate of the lesson manual but has pretty pictures.