Let Freedom Ring

This weekend I've been grateful for the founding fathers. I think they were men of courage. They signed the declaration of independence knowing that it was a treasonous act, and they could all be hung for doing so. They prepared for war and realized that it would not be easy, but worth it. Worth it for them, and worth it for us. A free country is something worth being grateful for. And, I really like fireworks.

Cecily JeNae

Today I am grateful for my girl. Not just that I'm a mom in general, but that I'm the mom to THIS spirit in particular. Of course, I think she's the best, and the cutest, and the smartest, but it's more than that. She seriously has a fun, funny, sometimes crazy, always amazing personality. She laughes at my jokes, and I laugh at hers. I'm pretty sure we're best friends. And best friends with dad. And I'm pretty sure that it will stay that way for a while. She's

the coolest. That's right. The coolest.

Trials

Today in church we spoke about happiness through our trials, and the light at the end of them. There is always light as long as we learn. I am grateful for the small trials I have been given, although I have never been happy about them at the time. Sometimes I feel like I have been spared the "really bad" trials of life so far but I don't think anyone has a monopoly on pain. We cannot possibly compare our trials to another persons, because we all have unique emotions, reactions, and spirits. God chose our trials to help us grow, I think. I'm trying to grow. I suck at it a lot. I feel like it's a good time for me to write this, because as of right now, all is well. But, tomorrow always brings change, and I may need to look back and take my own advice.

This Little House

Today I'm grateful for our cute little apartment. It's nice, and it's close to Mike's work, and it's cheap. I'm especially happy that it's cheap 'cause that means we get to save some money for our eventual house. Our landlords did a great job fixing it up, and its got just enough "old charm" mixed with "modern convenience." Our neighbors (who are also the owners..) have 3 kids that Cecily adores and wants to play with nearly every day, which is tons of fun for both she and I. I get to talk to an adult, and she gets to run around in the yard. We even have a garden. Carrots and tomatos comin' our way! Who could ask for more? I wish I had a picture to post of it, but I haven't taken one yet...

A Mother

As I was laying in bed last night it occurred to me how grateful I am to be a mother. I feel so lucky that I didn't have trouble getting pregnant, staying pregnant, or giving birth. I don't know why this is given to some people who don't deserve it, and withheld from some beautiful women (many that i know and am close to) who deserve it beyond measure. There is a woman I know who has a mothers heart, but has had several miscarriages and has not been given that gift in this life. Cecily just adores her. It makes me melt to see C.J. yell her name and run to her in the hall at church, but it also makes me hurt to think of her pain. The sunshine in all of this is that I know God is just, and that He will give her blessings beyond measure either in this life or in the next. It's also good for me to realize what a tremendous responsibility and gift I have from Heavenly Father. I have an amazing little girl.

My Body

Today I'm very happy that I got to come to earth and get a body.  Sometimes I don't like the shape of my body, or I don't like when my body doesn't work as well as it should.  I'm fighting a cold right now..... but I'm glad that God gave me the ability to fight off the virus, and it's especially nice that He gives me enough strength to take care of my baby girl in the midst of it all.  In the grand scheme of things, I'm workin' pretty well at the moment, and although I know my body will break down and get old and wrinkly, I'm grateful to have gotten one at all.  In particular, I feel lucky that I can see well and I have straight teeth.  Along with my many (and I mean MANY) imperfections, I like those 2 things best.  

Giving Talks

It's been too long since my last post.  I have much to be grateful for.  Today I'm happy that I have to give a talk in church. It gave me a much needed push to focus on Christ, on service, and on being happy. 

 God, in His wisdom, knows when we need pushing.

  Over the past few weeks I have been remiss in counting my many blessings and have instead been a bit selfish.  Now I want to shout from the rooftops how grateful I am for the world and everyone in it.  Yes, as much as I hate (and I mean REALLY strongly dislike) standing on a pulpit and spouting what little knowledge I have for the congregation, it's worth it because of the things I have learned (and continue to learn) from it.