Thank you, thank you very much

Renae Mackley gave me this award! Thanks Renae, for the award and for helping me build my blog spot. With this award I am supposed to reveal seven random facts about myself and, like Renae said on her blog, GULP!
1. When asked my height I say I am 5'2" but I am really 5' 1 3/4".
2. I received my 'name and blessing' when I was 6 years old. My parents were raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but hadn't attended in many years. When they became active in church again and wanted to be sealed in the temple I had to receive the name/blessing so I could be on the records of the church and be allowed in the temple.
3. I moved 9 times before I was 12. Nope - we weren't a military family. My Dad was going to different colleges working on advanced degrees. BYU was his final stop.
4. I served a mission in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. I only had 4 areas and two of them - Hershey and York - were chocolate capitals. I served for a total of 13 months in places where the air smelled like chocolate and I could get factory seconds at a discount rate. Total evidence the Lord knows what's in our hearts.
5. I have been writing stories since I was 12. It started out as a way to understand the world around me then grew with school assignments and the love of reading. I have tried many other hobbies and ways to find fulfillment but I always come back to writing.
6. I was in a major motion picture in the crowd scene. There were hundreds of us 'extras' but I got a good camera shot for about 2.7 seconds. The movie is 'Take Down'. Bet you never heard of it.
7. I worked at a Cold Storage in Alaska the summer I turned 19. It was such a great experience unloading crab boats, prepping fish and crab for the freezer and living in a place so different and with people so different than I had previously known. I count that summer as one of the best times of my life.

Okay, I guess that's it. It's kind of fun to think of random facts from my life. It would be fun to learn everyone's random facts - that what I like about life. All of us have a unique story.

So, here are my nominees for the "Irresistibly Sweet Blogspot"
Stacy Henrie
Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Josi Kilpack
Nancy Campbell Allen
Jody Durfey

I do not have all their blog addresses at present but most of them can be accesses from my sidebar. They are all writers. I met Stacy at my first LDStorymaker's Writer's Conference and we were surprised to find how many ways we were connected besides writing [she lived in my in-laws ward; her sister married my brother-in-law's brother, etc] She is awesome and writes both historical and romantic fiction. The other four are in my writing group and have been invaluable to my progress as a writer and are wonderful friends. I met Josi at one of her books signings and she has been inspiring me ever since.

Happy 4th of July!

Judgment Day

So, I got a speeding ticket. I earned it. But, in my defense, I had already realized I was speeding and had started to slow down when the police pulled me over. Turns out I was speeding even more than I thought - I thought the speed limit was 60 and it was only 55. whoops!

I was prepared to accept the consequences for my actions, after all, I do speed a lot. it's a natural result of always being late for everything which is a natural result of trying to do too much. I have received several warnings but no traffic tickets except for one when I was about twenty. I was due.

I went to the courthouse to pay. They nearly had to call the paramedics when I found out how much the ticket was going to be and almost had a heart attack. $90!!!! What? I wasn't going that fast and I was already slowing down. It is a state mandated fee they said. I was given the choice to talk to the judge about it or just pay.

I chose the judge.

I went back later that night when court was in session. I admit, I have watched a lot of legal drama so I was not prepared for this courtroom: brown folding chairs on commercial grade orange carpet with specks of brown and yellow. [I got caught speeding in a small town] There was a podium and 'the bench'. The small handful of us gathered had to rise when the judge came in. Seriously? protocol in a room from the 70's? Okay that's a bit harsh but the atmosphere was so casual I didn't know why they had to make everything so official.

And then the Judge spoke. And he was very official. I'd planned on reading a book until my turn but I hardly dared take it out of my bag. This guy took his responsibilities seriously. I straightened in my chair.

I found out quickly that people who came with a lawyer got taken care of first. Again, they were so official I really wondered if I was prepared to stand before the judge. Was I supposed to call him 'Your Honor' too? How would I know when I was supposed to use that title? I was glad others without lawyers got up before I did. They showed respect but didn't use a lot of legal jargon the way the lawyers did. Most of us were in for traffic violations but one guy had anger issues and was questioned about whether he was keeping up on his probation and taking classes for it. I thought he'd looked kind of brooding but who am I to judge? [pun intended]

When it was my turn I pointed out that I had a very clean record and even though I was speeding I had been slowing down. The judge focused on my admission of guilt. I guess if I had said not guilty or asked for leniency because of my record things might have gone differently but when he started the whole thing out by reading a statement which said speeding was a Class C Misdemeanor and punishable by 3 months in jail or $1000.00 fine, $90 didn't seem so bad. I had no idea speeding was so illegal. I didn't dare say I wasn't guilty because I was. The only reason I was there was to ask if the fine could be reduced. After a bit of discussion the Judge did reduce it - by $10. Grrrr. I understood. I really did. But I'd been honest - AND I was slowing down.

I had to pay $80.

I still find myself speeding. Some places it isn't hard to stay in the speed limit and I usually don't exceed it. I just stretch it to the max. But slowing down isn't the only thing I learned from this experience.

I've been taught, and have taught, for years that you can make choices but you can't choose the consequences. The consequence of speeding [ and getting caught] was a ticket. That was expected. What I didn't expect was the 'punishment' by way of a fine. I knew I would have to pay but I had no idea it would be so much. It is not easy to come up with that much money when you're on a tight budget. [some of the other defendants - I hope that's the correct term - had to pay huge fines so mine wasn't too bad] I have so many other places I could use that money but I made a choice that led to a consequence that had a high price. The judge and the state set the laws and the consequences and my choice left me with no choice but to pay - unless I wanted worse consequences. Ouch.

There are a lot of similarities here to the Atonement and the Final Judgment. First, it helps to have an Advocate [or an attorney] who knows the laws and the language and can articulate the case and have some authority with the Judge. Second, all choices have consequences and some are larger than others. The people with moving violations had different fines than those with DUI's. Third, all of us got the chance to plead our case, explain our actions. The Judge considered everything, asked probing questions, was concerned that the 'sentence' be something that would keep law violators from putting themselves and others in harms way again. He was really a good judge and it made me think of the compassion Heavenly Father and Jesus show us. They want to help us correct our ways so we can have the best Life. Consequences, fines, and penalties help keep us on a good course. It's actually an act of love and concern.

I am out $80. But I learned a great lesson. Sometimes it is good to be judged.

For Better or Worse

A few months ago when my two daughters were home from college for a three day weekend, their Dad and I had a chance to sit with them and just talk. It was a really good conversation. And then my oldest randomly asked, "Do you and Dad still love each other as much as you did when you got married?"

It should have been a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer - at least that's what my daughter said when I stumbled over my reply. For me it was a very complicated question.

Let me set the stage: it was after 10:30 p.m. which is not a big deal for college age kids but for someone who gave up sleep for many years to be at the beckon call of her children, it is late at night and my brain was tired. On top of that my husband and I had been re-doing our family room which involved pulling off wallpaper, puttying, sanding, painting, and re-varnishing built in shelves. The fumes from all of the products used were dancing in my head. But the most significant reason for my hesitation in answering my daughter's question came from a project I'd been working on.

 For over a year [because I have to think about things for a long time before doing them - wish I could fix that] I had been making 'counsel' books for my daughters, full of all the things I hoped I taught them, hoped they'd listened to and hoped they'd remember. In fact, that's what I entitled it: The Things I Hope You Always Remember. I know I'm only a text, email, or phone call away if they have something they want to talk about but I wanted to put in writing the things I really wanted them to know. I shared personal experiences, quotes, scriptures, General Conference talks and so forth to support the different areas of counsel/advice [read - 'lecture'] I included. The books were complete except for the section that I felt was one of the most important: Love.

I had been pondering for several months what I could say to my daughters about Love. I want their lives to be filled with it. However, I have learned it isn't as easy as it sounds. Lyrics to songs, television, movies, novels, fairy tales all give us this idea that you fall in love and its wonderful and lasts forever. It can be like that but it doesn't just happen. You can't just 'fall' and expect it to be bliss. I've always liked the LDS jingle that says, "Love isn't something you fall into, its something you grow." That's what I have learned and what I wanted my daughters to understand- good things grow, they don't just happen.

Now, in the beginning, I agree there has to be attraction and attachment but true love grows beyond that. It requires commitment and sacrifice, cooperation and determination. It also needs to be rekindled now and then to keep the fire burning. There are plenty of books and lectures given on the subject so I won't elaborate too much but I have found a definition of love that works for me. It is a scripture from the Book of Mormon [a similar one is in the New Testament] Moroni 7:45. It speaks of charity which is often associated with kindness given to others but is probably most important to practice in the home. This definition of love can apply to spouses or children. I'm going to modify the scripture just a little:

Love suffereth long [patience, enduring]
Love is kind [tenderness, thoughtfulness]
Love envieth not [happy for each other's successes, encourage developing talents]
Love is not puffed up [not prideful or self centered]
Love seeketh not her own [no 'my way or the highway']
Love is not easily provoked [stay calm and carry on]
Love thinketh no evil [you never intentionally hurt people you really care about]
Love rejoices not in iniquity [there must be fidelity and trust]
Love rejoices in truth [thanks for being honest about where the money went]
Love beareth all things [face challenges together, lean on the Lord]
Love believeth all things [together we can do anything, unity makes us strong]
Love hopeth all things [if we do what's right and do our best the Lord is on our side and we won't fail]
Love endureth all things [make the best of this life until we get to the next one]

This may be an over simplification but, to me, true love is all of those things and they need to be put into practice over and over again because people don't remain stagnant and relationships don't either. They are either getting stronger or weaker all the time. True, long lasting love, is not based on a one time "WOW is he ever hot!' moment.

The thing about love is its going to be tested - can you be patient and kind when you're tired or hormonal?  Can you be happy for your spouse when they get to go on a trip or have some fun that you don't get to participate in? What happens when both of you have good ideas but have to choose only one? Is it ever okay to say "I need a 'ME' day?" [it is by the way][in my opinion] If love isn't true, if it isn't nurtured it will not pass the tests. It has to be a priority to keep it growing.

All of these things and more ran through my head when my daughter asked, "Do you and Dad still love each other as much as you did when you got married?" I thought about the sacrifices I'd made, the times I had to be patient and kind when I really wanted to scream, the nights I endured listening to my husband snore and keep me awake, times when I did seek my own instead of respecting the budget and so many other big and little life events. I also remembered the support in developing my talents, a surprise trip to Vegas, dishes done without being asked, and having dates be a priority. All of these things have affected how I feel about my husband and led to changes in how much I love him.

So, now that I've had more time to think about it, if my daughter were to pose that same question today I would have to say, "No, I don't love him the same as I did twenty two years ago. I love him completely different."

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Truth is Stranger than Fiction

If I were to write a story about an LDS family with four children a mother and father who loved them and did their best to serve the Lord, the setting would seem fairly normal to most who read this blog. And if the parents held many significant positions of responsibility in the Church at a ward and Stake level [Bishop, High councilman, ward/Stake Primary, YW and RS President] it would still feel pretty mainstream. In my story the children are high achievers - two boys, two girls. Ideal. The oldest son served a mission, married his high school sweetheart, has a little girl and a baby on the way, graduated from college and has a secure job. The second child, a daughter, also served a mission and is in her final year of college. The 3rd, another daughter, is attending college out of state and dating someone special. The youngest, a boy, recently graduated from high school and is preparing to serve a mission. The father has worked for the same company for almost 30 years; the mother has been employed off and on in the local school district. They live in a modest home in a small town. A temple is being built in their midst. Life is good.

Every plot needs a bit of conflict to move the story so I'm going to add some adversity. First, the Dad will have some heart problems, then the mother's brother dies in a car accident, and a grand-niece also dies in a tragic accident. The father gets well only to have the company he's worked so long for go bankrupt. All his retirement/savings are lost. But, after a year and a half, the company is able to turn their misfortune around. They come out of bankruptcy and employee stock has value again. However, just as things are looking up, the father has health problems again. This time it is a brain tumor.

At first the 'fight' goes well. Dad has a half bald head and an impressive scar. Surgery can't remove all the tumor but chemo and radiation help. In faith, the family presses forward with life. Then other complications arise: the brain swells, the steroid causes problems, weakness results. Dad has to go to the hospital, then a rehab center. The battle they were sure they could win, suddenly seems very precarious.

In the midst of all this, the oldest son's wife has a baby, the first daughter prepares to graduate from college and gets a teaching job, the second daughter gets engaged and the son receives his mission call,. But can they go on? Should these events be put on hold until Dad is well enough - until they know for sure he will live?

'No', the father says. He leaves things in the Lord's hands. He and his wife have always trusted the Lord. He has helped them many times and they know He won't forsake them now. The kids are encouraged to proceed with their plans.

The boy leaves in the Fall. It's hard to go but he knows it is what he should do. He relies on his faith and that of his family as he leaves for two years. As Thanksgiving approaches, Dad isn't doing so well. Some of the meds don't agree with him and there are other challenges as a result of trauma to the brain. A CT scan is performed because of a severe headache and reveals an infection in the skull bone. Antibiotics are administered. A new treatment on the tumor is decided on - restricting blood flow to the tumor so it will die. The family is confident they will beat the cancer. They are all in good spirits as the daughter's wedding approaches on the Saturday before Christmas.

The headaches don't go away after the infection clears up and another CT reveals a horrible truth. The infection ate a hole in the bone, exposing the spinal fluid. The cancer may be beatable but this isn't. The doctor grimly reveals that Dad only has 2-5 days to live.

The wedding is in a week, the son is in Chile, Christmas is two weeks away. No one is supposed to die at a time like this. It isn't right. It isn't fair. Friends and family have been fasting for a miracle and this isn't what they had in mind. It would be too much to have a funeral and a wedding and the biggest holiday of the year in one week.

Now, if I handed a plot summary like this to an editor at this point they would most likely say it's too much, too extreme, too dramatic. It's improbable. Fiction has to have some semblance of reality. Remove some of the challenges; have a faith promoting miracle.

But this isn't a plot idea. It is very real. It happened to a family who lives just around the corner from me; an extraordinary and stalwart family who have always exemplified faith by the way they live.

The day they found out the father didn't have long to live they were able to talk with their son in Chile. Dad was unable to talk but it was obvious he understood what his son had to say. All that the father wanted to say he had said over his life time - by word and example. The news of his quick demise slowly trickled out to the ward and neighbors. It seemed impossible. No one wanted to believe it. His daughter was getting married in a few days. We all hoped and prayed he'd be well enough to attend. In the end he did - well and whole and as a spirit. He succumbed on Wednesday - thirty two years to the day his father died. His daughter married on Saturday. His wife and other daughter were in church on Sunday.

The funeral was held two days before Christmas.

The timing of this may seem like the harshest of ironies yet it actually brings together what Christmas and the temple are all about. Christ came that we might live. He gave His gospel that we might have faith. He gave His priesthood so we could be blessed. He gave His spirit that we might be comforted. Christmas is a celebration of the One who gave us all things. Through His priesthood we have the organization of the Church and temples - the House of the Lord. In the temple, families are sealed forever  with an unbreakable bond. How much hope is given in this significant gift!

This Christmas, I saw a family hold on to their faith in Christ at the darkest of times. This same family touched both time and eternity as a new family was created in the temple and loved ones watched beyond the veil. Christmas felt more real and temple marriage more meaningful because all of the promises given by both came together on that day.

Many of us were fasting and praying for a miracle. I think we got one.

Tis the Season to Receive

It's Christmas time. That means there's a lot of running about shopping and trying to find the perfect gifts to give our family and friends. It's all part of the holiday season.

There is an adage that says "It is more blessed to give than receive". I think most of us believe this is true. But if we are giving, doesn't that mean someone is receiving? Where is the adage for that?

We've probably all had an experience where we've given a gift, the recipient opened it, but did not receive it. Maybe it wasn't what they were expecting, or there were more presents to open and  yours was tossed aside in the eagerness to get more. Whatever the reason, it is very disheartening to have gone to the effort of selecting a gift only to have it mean nothing to the recipient.

That doesn't seem right. If it is truly important to give, and I believe it is, isn't it just as important to receive? Somebody has to get the gifts that are being given.

I'm going to pick on my husband. He's the one who taught me the importance of receiving because he's so bad at it. I never knew getting a gift could be such an ordeal until I met him. For many years I worried about what to get him for Christmas, birthday, Father's Day, Anniversary, and other special occasions. For every celebration I would choose what I thought he would like and anticipate his happiness and gratitude.

Still waiting. He's returned everything, and I do mean everything, I've ever gotten him.

A few years ago I finally gave up. I told him he wasn't getting anything for Christmas. I was tired of having to return all the gifts I'd bought. I thought he would object. He didn't. I'd finally figured out what he wanted. Nothing.

Yes, this sounds colder than a January morning with wind chill but it works for him. My feelings aren't hurt and he's happy money hasn't been wasted.

But it doesn't seem right. And so I've thought a lot lately about the importance of receiving.

About twenty years ago my Grandma Minnie paid me a compliment of some sort and I tried to act like whatever it was I'd said or done, was nothing.

"Just be gracious and accept my words," she said.

Wow. For such a simple statement it had profound meaning for me. I'd always thought I needed to apologize  or brush off compliments as if they were nothing. Wasn't that what was meant by humility? I've learned they aren't 'nothing' to the person saying it. It's offensive to think they don't mean it.

So, I've tried to be more gracious - and receive compliments. Or advice. Or suggestions, or counsel, or reprimands or other comments and ideas. I don't think I've hurt any feelings by doing so and I hope I have been sincere in my appreciation.

Why is it so difficult to receive? Why do we feel guilty about 'getting'? What are we missing out on by not graciously accepting gifts or whatever we are given? It seems we are comfortable if we have to work or pay for things but most of us are not comfortable just taking things. It's as if doing so puts us at beggar status.

But aren't we all beggars? That's what King Benjamin taught. All we have comes from God and we can't obtain His choicest gifts unless we learn to 'receive'. He asks us to receive His words, His covenants, His laws, His prophets, His counsel, His gospel, His love. And if we accept, we can receive even more. His plan of happiness requires receiving. That should allay any concerns we have about receiving not being as noble as giving. After all, He's waiting to receive us.

What about receiving love? Here's another adage: Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay, Love isn't Love 'til you give it away. We all desire love in our lives but I don't think love reaches its potential unless its received. Once again, it is just as blessed, and beneficial, to receive as it is to give. And hugs? They don't work without one giving and one receiving and both of them squeezing. And the list goes on.

This Christmas I hope you're blessed to give and receive.

Christmas Lights

Several years ago, somewhere between ten and fifteen, I was driving down the road on the late afternoon of a drizzly February day. Everything around me was gray: the road, the sky, the homes, my mood. I felt weary from a busy day and the gloomy atmosphere only added to my fatigue.

Then, in the midst of the gray, I came upon a beautiful sight - a home still brightly lit with Christmas lights. The contrast of the color to the dismal day was so striking I slowed my car to take it in. My first thought was "It's February. Enough already." my second thought was that they were lazy and hadn't taken the lights down yet. My third thought rang true. They had enjoyed the holiday season so much they didn't want to see it end. They were holding on to it by keeping up the lights.

I was jealous. The holidays had not been like that for me. It had been chaos from October on. So many events were on my calendar. I tried to create the perfect holiday atmosphere for my small children. We had parties and concerts and performances and presents. The list went on and on. By the time Christmas morning came I was miserable. I didn't enjoy the magic of Santa or the delight of opening gifts. I was too worn out from taking care of everything. For weeks after just thinking of Christmas made me physically sick.

Looking at the brightly lit house reminded me that something was wrong with the way I was celebrating Christmas.

For some reason I could not get the sight of that house out of my mind. Months passed but randomly my thoughts would jump to the color and the lights and the joy I felt from that simple display. It was a nudge to do things differently. I didn't know how.

As Fall came again and the holidays approached I felt a familiar tension. I loathed the idea of preparing for Christmas. I knew it was wrong but it had been so draining for so many years. When my husband suggested a family trip at the beginning of December I thought I was going to have to check into a mental institution.

It was the best thing that could have happened to Christmas.

We had to miss several parties which meant I didn't have to get presents or wrap them for great-nieces/nephews I didn't know. Instead our family had an awesome time in sunny California. It felt good. By the time we got home there was a big gap before family parties, which I did enjoy, and the one concert we now got to attend. The preparations for the holiday were much simpler. On Christmas Eve instead of a big dinner, we ordered pizza. And everyone was happy. Especially me. Christmas morning I felt the magic.

All because one family kept their lights up until February.

From that Christmas I learned I didn't have to do 'everything'. We opted out of gift giving at two family parties and eventually both of these parties were cancelled because I wasn't the only one feeling like the holidays were too busy. I bought neighbor treats instead of making them - and it was okay. We cut out some of the other activities I had assumed were so necessary to 'make the season bright'. I was better prepared for the parties and concerts that mattered because they were the ones I got to focus on. Christmas became fun. Now I love the season and the lights and the music. I'm still not punctual with the Christmas letter but that's one thing that doesn't have to be done by 12/25 - and I'm okay with that.

I still think about the February house. It not only helped me find a way to really have the Christmas Spirit, it got me pondering about light. Since then I've taken more notice of how lights penetrates darkness, of how we are drawn to light, and how it extends warmth and helps things grow.

 It seems very fitting that the Light of the World is celebrated with colorful lights on the holiday commemorating His birth. His light penetrates even the darkest of times. We are drawn to Him because He gives us direction and hope. His light warms our souls and helps us grow. His light en'lightens' us. It reduces our burdens and lifts us up. His light lasts longer than a 'season'. It is never ending.

I love Christmas Lights!

Happy Thanksgiving

I know it's cliche to count blessings on Thanksgiving but it seems appropriate. Blessings can never be appreciated enough.

A few weeks ago I taught a lesson in YW on the importance of gratitude. This is one of those simple principles that seems to get overlooked yet has equal power with faith and prayer. In fact, the Lord said His wrath is kindled when we don't acknowledge His hand in all things. Gratitude reminds us of our dependence on God and helps us recognize what He's done for us. Sometimes we get caught up in the 'look what I did's' without remembering all we have can be traced back to Heavenly Father.

In that spirit...I'm going to count a few blessings.

I am grateful for the family I was born into. It was not an easy family. We had severe trials. It was difficult every day. Growing up I was very disappointed in my parents for their flaws and often wondered why Heavenly Father sent me to that home. As an adult I have more compassion for my parents - just because you're a grown up doesn't mean you have all the answers. I have been able to see the good I learned in spite of everything else. I know I am who I am because of who I was. I learned tolerance, persistence, fortitude, hard work, faith, and what not to do. I learned to love nature, people of diverse backgrounds and appearance, patriotism and passion for the right to vote. I developed an understanding of the arts, classical music and listened to, but never loved, opera. I can now honestly say, I am glad my mom and dad are my mom and dad.

I am grateful for my brothers and sisters. They are amazing people. In spite of difficulties that they could use as an excuse to be 'menaces' to society, they have graduated from college and/or become successful professionals. They are all awesome parents and good family members. They do many good things to help their communities. I think they are the greatest.

I am grateful for the family I married into. The Claysons and the families stemming from them are incredible. They have a strong family core and enjoy getting together often. We travel together, hang out together, holiday together, facebook together, celebrate together. I cannot imagine associating with better people. My in-laws have always shown me love, which I gratefully soak up. My brother and sister in laws have been my mentors for parenting and marriage. My nieces and nephews are astounding in the faithful way they live their lives. I am always in awe of all these family members and feel blessed to be a part of them.

I am grateful - SO grateful - for my children. Being a mother is my absolute favorite thing in the world. I have to admit, I approached this role with trepidation. Could I do it? I was plagued with doubts. And I wasn't even sure I could survive labor. It all worked out. It hasn't been easy. My children have often been the teachers when it should have been me. But we have learned and grown together. We have explored our 'world' with field trips and books and movies and games and time. We have had 'moments' of good and 'moments' of sad and even experienced contention. Shocker! I wouldn't trade any of it. I look at my children and can hardly believe they are mine. What incredible souls! They are good to me - even though I fall short of their expectations. They surprise me with their insights, their talents, their interests, their desires. I still feel doubts about my ability to do them any good but I love them and I am trying my best every day to mother them the way they need and the Lord expects.

I am grateful for my body. That may sound strange or egotistical. Believe me, it's not ego. One look at me would destroy that theory. But my body has been my companion for 46 years. it has taken me places and done things that I treasure. I have eyes to see, ears that hear, skin that loves to touch things [not sharp, sticky or itchy things] I can move about easily [except for my aching knee -grrrr] I can speak [can't sing] I can write, I can talk, I can cry, I can laugh, I can eat, I can work, I can relax, I can sleep, I can read, I store memories, I learn, I grow. I even heal when I am sick or injured. I enjoy the taste of chocolate and many good foods. My heart beats, my lungs breath, my stomach and other organs digest and utilize food without any effort on my part.  My body is amazing. It is a gift and even though I have mistreated it with junk food, it takes good care of me.

I'm grateful for the world and nature. This is a beautiful planet to be on. Isn't it amazing how all our needs are met here? we can grow our food, have the material to build homes, cars, buildings, boats, airplanes and all sorts of amazing things. We have a diversity of animals, plants, critters, and climates. It is populated with people with all kinds of gifts, talents, and skills. I have traveled many places and always been impressed by the people I met. [Not everyone is positively impressing but all leave an impression] Earth is a great place to call home.

I am grateful to know God is real. He lives, He's our Father. He loves and cares for us every minute of existence. We are His work and glory. I'm grateful He gave us scriptures, latter-day prophets, and the Holy Ghost so that we might know Him. I'm thankful He provided a plan with a Savior that brings us back to Him - to a place even more glorious than earth. I'm grateful Jesus Christ was willing to be the Savior.

I am grateful for the example of people who choose to count blessings even in the midst of great trials. Their faith strengthens and humbles me.

I could go on and on. There is so much to be grateful for and these are probably the most obvious. I know my life is greatly blessed. So I just had to shout it out on Thanksgiving.

And I'm thankful for Thanksgiving. It is my favorite holiday because it is just about who you are with. Happy Thanksgiving!