scripture

One of my favorite stories from the Book of Mormon tells how the brother of Jared and his people crossed an ocean in small barges. These barges were "tight like a dish" the scriptures say, with a hole at the top and bottom to let in air. But if the holes needed to be closed to keep out the water, the people in the boats would be left in darkness. Wondering how to solve this problem, the brother of Jared prayed to God, who didn't give him a solution. But using his intelligence, the brother of Jared gathered clear stones and then with quite a lot of faith, he asked the Lord touch them, causing them to shine. These stones lit the insides of the barges as the people spent nearly a year crossing the ocean. The barges were at the mercy of the ocean currents and the winds, but the currents and the winds were at the mercy of the Lord and so they made it to the promised land in safety. There is a lot that I can learn from this story, even though I am not required to spend a year crossing an ocean in a small barge. I feel that way about all of the scriptures. Through diligent study, I can liken the scriptures to my own life, and learn many important things. From the brother of Jared, I learn that if I do all that I can and have faith, I can see miracles (or in the very least, blessings). I learn that if I feel like I am struggling in the depths of the sea (or under the burdens of life), I can cry to God and He will bring me back up to the surface, and that He is guiding my winds. I learn that through my trials, I can give gratitude to Him for the things that He is teaching me.

I am thankful for the scriptures. The small amount of time I spend studying them each day is one of the best things I do for myself. It makes me a better mother, a better wife, and a better neighbor.


You can read the story of the brother of Jared here (the book of Ether, chapters 1-3, 6).

health

Ever since we reduced the amount of added sugar in our diet, our health has improved. Not that we were often sick before, but we are certainly sick less often now. I am thankful that our bodies have the strength to do the things required of them--that we can go to school and complete housework and run and play and serve.

I have been reminded of how fragile life and good health can be lately, and I am thankful for the blessing of health that my family enjoys.

happy birthday Stella!

Of course I am thankful for all of my children, but today we celebrate our Stella, who turns nine years old. If I could describe Stella in three words, they would be: quiet, thoughtful, and kind. I don't know how I got lucky enough to be her mother, but I sure am grateful for the opportunity!

not procrastinating

I love sending Christmas cards, but I usually don't think about it until December, and then it's a mad dash to get them out on time. But not this year! Hooray! I have already started assembling our cards and will have them ready to put in the mail long before December even starts. It feels really good to be so on top of it, and I am grateful that this year, for once, I didn't procrastinate.


cute personalized stamp from Relish Design Studio.

prayer

As I knelt by my bed this morning to say my prayers, gratitude for this simple act washed over me. What a privilege and blessing it is to pray to a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers my prayers. I haven't always been the best at it, but as I have made a greater effort to really pray, and not just say prayers, I have recognized a difference in my life. Taking a few minutes to center myself in the morning, speaking to my Heavenly Father, makes my day feel more peaceful. I am more aware of the needs of others, and I am more generous. I am thankful for the privilege of prayer.

If you have a few minutes, here is one of my favorite talks on the subject:

my calling

Every Sunday, I teach the 15 year old Sunday school class at church. Sometimes we have really great discussions. Sometimes we don't. But every week I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them as their Sunday school teacher. Our church runs on volunteers. These opportunities to serve are called "callings". These callings come from our leaders through the inspiration of the spirit, and I am so grateful for them. My callings have helped me to stretch and grow and learn new things. They have caused me grief and joy and everything in between. And through them, I feel like I come closer to my Heavenly Father. So even if my class of 15 year old boys slump against the back wall of the classroom, avoiding my eye contact, I am grateful for the opportunity to teach and testify to them each week.

winter grass

I spent all morning mowing, edging, raking, and fertilizing our winter lawn. It is a lot of work, but I think it's so pretty, so I don't mind. I am thankful that I have the strength and energy to take care of it, and I am thankful for the beauty it adds to our home. It is soft and bright green and feels so good under my bare feet.

Don't mind the kitty. The only thing on Stella's birthday list this year is another cat, so we are auditioning kittens this week. Shh, don't tell our other cat, Inez.

a break

It felt really good to turn off my early morning alarm and sleep in today. Oh man, I am thankful for a day off! And I am grateful for the men and women who made this day, and all of my days in this free land possible. Thank you, veterans! Veteran's Day always makes me feel extra patriotic, and that is a good way to feel this week, I think. So today I am grateful for a fun morning spent with my children at our favorite antique store, and for the freedom to live in this country that I love.

friends

Sometimes I can go days without seeing anyone except my little family, and that's ok. But sometimes it's nice to get out of my house, too. Today was one of those days. It started with a visit to a friend in my neighborhood, where I hopefully lightened her load a little by doing her dishes and straightening her kitchen. Then I ran into a friend at the grocery store, a friend I've been meaning to call for days but hadn't yet. We visited for a minute and I admired her new teeth. And then I spent some time with my good friend, Beth, and her perfect little twin babies. And when I got home, there was a sweet note in the mail from Ellen Patton, friend to the world.

I am thankful for friends, for their kindness and sincerity, and for the brightness they add to my life. I have always admired my older sister, Leslie, who calls everyone she meets a friend. I think the country could use a little bit of that right now, don't you think, friend?

the benefit of the doubt

I have been witness to a lot of love in my neighborhood lately--neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends, and family supporting family. I have been awed by the kindness and care that I have seen extended from one to another. And so this is what I know: people are good. In their core, people are good and kind and want what's best for each other, even if we don't agree on what that "best" is. So let's give each other the benefit of the doubt (especially today!). Let's assume the best and focus on the good we see around us.

I am thankful when others extend me that courtesy, and I am happy when I can do the same for them. Looking for the good in others might not come most naturally, but when I make the effort to overlook faults and seek understanding, I feel peace. I feel love. I feel generosity, and I am thankful for the way those things make me feel.

running

Sadly, I've lost my running partner to the rigors of ASU's full-time MBA program. And so most days, you can find me shuffling through our neighborhood alone. Without Mike to push me, I am sure my pace has slowed considerably, but I like these slow, quiet (I never listen to music), solitary outings. After working all morning to get breakfast on the table and lunches packed and kids out the door, it feels good to take a little time by myself to get my heart pumping. I come home, exhausted mostly, but also ready to start my day. I am thankful that five years ago I decided to try running. It provides me with an opportunity to clear my head, seek inspiration, and build my endurance all at the same time. I can't tell you how many times I have received answers to prayers while I've been running. I am thankful that my knees haven't given out on me yet and that the weather has improved so that each morning I can lace up my running shoes and do it again.

opportunities and answered prayers

When we were trying to decide if Mike would attend BYU or ASU for his MBA program, one of the biggest deterrents to moving was leaving the schooling opportunities for our children here in Arizona. I am sure there are great opportunities in Utah, too, but I loved the path my kids were on here and I was hesitant to change it. As I dropped Mabel off early this morning at her high school, I remembered how grateful I am that she gets to attend the school and program that she does. It was a difficult decision to send her there instead of our neighborhood high school, a decision that required lots of prayer (and some fasting). Ultimately, Mike, Mabel, and I all felt really good about it, and I am so grateful. Personal revelation is a gift from Heavenly Father, one that I rely on daily. Being able to pray to Him, and then receive answers to my prayers through the prompting of the spirit is miraculous and wonderful and something I hope I never take for granted.

fast

The first Sunday of every month is fast Sunday in the Mormon church. That means we skip two consecutive meals, donate the money we would have spent on those meals to help the poor, and focus on coming closer to Heavenly Father. Sometimes more than prayer is needed to find the answers we seek. Sometimes we need the combined faith of our family or congregation, unified toward a specific goal or cause. This is when fasting, along with prayer, is helpful. Fasting is something we do to show Heavenly Father that we are willing to sacrifice for needed blessings, to improve our communication with Him, and to improve ourselves.

Today is fast Sunday and I am thankful for the opportunity to unite my prayers and faith with the members in my congregation for a specific purpose. When I fast, I feel like I am more sensitive to the Spirit. I feel like my prayers become more heartfelt and more sincere. When I spend my day focused on finding answers, instead of feeding my body, the answers seem to come more easily. It is a blessing, and one that I am grateful for each month.

(Also, it keeps my kitchen really clean. I am thankful for that, too.)

You can learn more about fasting here.

the plan

Mike and I spent the morning at the funeral for our neighbor, a young 33 year old father of three whose life ended after a brave two year battle with cancer. I have been in a position to help his wife for the past few months and I have marveled at her strength and courage. But today was a hard day. In the midst of sorrow, however, there is hope--hope for an eternity together for this family who was separated prematurely. Hope for brighter, happier days ahead, all made possible through the sacrifice of our Savior. I am thankful for the Plan of Happiness. Death is part of this plan, but I believe that because of Jesus Christ, death is just a doorway back to our Heavenly Father's presence. This belief brings me peace and comfort during difficult times, and I am thankful for it.

To learn more about what Mormons believe about life after death, look here.

Photo of the pretty skies above the Mogollon Rim.

mco and a happy weekend

I know I've talked about this before, but Mabel sings with the Millennial Choir and Orchestra. This dominates our Thursday nights, as we spend our evening far from home, waiting for her to rehearse. The director of the choir requires perfection from the participants, and they rise to it, every time. I am thankful that we are able to provide this experience for Mabel. I have seen her singing ability and her faith in Jesus Christ grow as she sings the songs of His birth, and I gratefully sacrifice our Thursday evenings for it.

If you live in Dallas, Utah, Idaho, Orange County, California, or here in Arizona, you can find information about their Christmas concerts here. This concert is always a highlight of the Christmas season for me, and I highly recommend attending a performance if possible.

I started listening to Christmas music yesterday while I was doing some alterations, and I don't regret it one bit. I love Thanksgiving, and I am in no hurry to get to December, but filling my home with Christmas music just feels right. It definitely put me in a merry mood.

We are looking forward to perfect weather this weekend, time off of school, and hopefully a date night. How about you?

Have a happy weekend!