Monday, November 22, 2010

Giving Thanks





This is what our house looked like Sunday morning. It was beautiful, and made me very thankful I was able to enjoy it INSIDE in the comfort of my warm home. I wonder how many people did not have that luxury during this storm? Being the week of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for so many things:

My sweet husband. He does so much for our family. He lives with 3 hormonal teenage girls and a pre-menopausal wife, and yet he still manages to keep his sense of humor and positive attitude. How is that not amazing?

His parents. They call every week and take such an interest in our family even though they are far away. They raised such wonderful children and are a great example to all of us lucky enough to be in their family.

My mom. She is such an example of strength. Physically she is so strong I think she forgets sometimes she is 71. You would never know it. I think she can probably still lift as much as me. However, she is also an example of emotional and spiritual strength. She has been through some tough things in her life, but she just keeps going and stays positive. I really sdmire that.

Our kids. They bring so much joy and happiness in to our lives. Seriously, what would we ever do without them? Each one brings a different personality and contribution to our family and they are a great combination of humor, drama, intelligence, and wisdom. I love each one of them and wouldn't have them any other way.

All the wonderful people in my life who love me and care about me. Brothers, sisters, in-laws, ex-laws, friends, co-workers, neighbors, you name it. I am truly blessed.

Material blessings. A comfortable home, a great job, a car that works, health insurance to cover the cost of my aging, falling apart, body....you know what I'm talking about.

Technology. Seriously. A hundred years ago either me or Rachel, or possibly both of us, likely would have died during her birth. 24 years ago when we lived in Okinawa we had no email, no Skype, no cheap long distance phone calls. We only heard from our family via the U.S. post office. How crazy is that? But now....when Britt opened her mission call, even though Corey was away at college, he was right there on her lap top watching her open it with the rest of us. How COOL is that?? Yep...gotta love technology!

My testimony of the gospel. I have known from a very young age, before I really even knew much about the church or anything else, that God existed. No one taught me that, I just knew. I wanted to be good for Him, and I felt bad when I did something I knew wasn't right. I still feel that way. I know in my heart that God lives and that His son, Jesus Christ is my Savior. They say "knowledge is power". How powerful is that little piece of knowledge??

Well, that is the short list. I could write a much longer, more detailed one, but I'll keep that one in my mind and my heart.

1 comment:

Jamie said...

I like your list and I like your pictures! Thanks for sharing.