Gratitude

Every year we get the opportunity to gather with loved ones and celebrate our gratitude. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.

Traditionally, most of us think of all the wonderful things that we enjoy in this day and age. Most of us all have families and friends to come home to, roofs over our heads, food in our cupboards, American freedoms, modern technology and more "stuff" than we really need to make us happy. I too am grateful for these blessings.

It seems the older I get the more clearly I can see how much I really have been given. This year has been filled with many challenges and miracles. I can not possibly tell you all that I am thankful for, nor will I try. I will ,however, give you my top three.

Music:

I have always loved music. This year I was recruited by a couple of my young women to join ward choir. It sounded fun, so I did. I have always known that music was such a powerful tool of the spirit. I have re-discovered how good music can be a strength and inspiration for us. I have also discovered first hand how destructive it can be. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for the sustaining power it has proved to be for me this year. I-tunes & Deseret Book are lovin my re-discovery too.

Gods Hand:

I could probably write 10 novels about all of the tender mercies we have received this year. I cannot even begin to express the fullness of my heart. God has been with us continually. I wish I could type it all for you. There is just too much. Just know that no matter what is going on in your life that God is there somewhere in it all. While trials may abound, there is an opportunity to draw closer to him and to grow. He is there, he sees us and loves us. God IS who he says he IS. He is the gardner and he knows who you really are. You can trust him.

The Atonement:

I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the knowledge that I can be forgiven for my sins. In addition to this, I have learned that the Atonement is not just about repentance. In the Garden Christ suffered all pains, grief, sorrow and afflictions so he could know how to succor us in our afflictions. As we place our faith in him, he will bless us in the ways that we need to become who HE intends us to be. The angels will come and miracles can happen. He is the gardner. The trick is faith. Find it and exersize it. It can move mountains.

We send our love to you all and hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!