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.  

Blessed Prayer

It's been one of those wonderful weeks where prayer is my lifeline. It's the only thing that keeps me sane in a world full of twists and turns. I have such a good life, and I feel blessed. I love that I can pray in my mind or I can pray outloud. I pray mostly on my knees and sometimes, if I'm lazy, still laying in bed in the morning. I pray while doing dishes, or the laundry. Isn't it glorious that God gives us such an open line of communication? He never tells us that "It's just not a good time" or "I'll have to call you back." He just loves us and lets us pray when we're happy or sad or troubled or angry or full of thanks. He just listens, and if we look closely enough, always answers.

The Bath

Today I'm grateful for my bathtub. I'm grateful for all the modern conveniences that make baths possible: running water, pipes, smart people, houses, plumbing, a fabulous water heater and many more. I love baths. I love really warm bubble baths with yummy scented bath oil. I'm relaxed and content for however long I choose to stay in my watery dreamland, and that is something to be thankful for.

Sweet Grapefruit

In an attempt to become more grateful for the things in my life, I've decided to start a blog of some of the things I'm thankful for, or happy about, or just things that make my life better. Big things, silly things, substantial things and tiny things. I know I could do this in a journal, but putting it out there for the universe to read somehow makes it more real and concrete........... or something. Anyway, I hope it will help me thank God more for the good things in my life.

Day One: Grapefruit. A silly thing and not very powerful or grand thing for my first entry, but I love it just the same. It's a divine midnight snack. Cut in half. Dusted with sugar. Full of yummy goodness. And, when I'm done I love to squeeze the last bit of juice out of it and usually it gets on my face and hands. Then I'm sticky, and happy, and full.