Tuesday, December 21, 2010

21 Dec 2010

1) I'm thankful for the fact that the Christmas season is at least a month long.  This gives a nice opportunity to try and focus on Christ and the long term outlook on our lives.  Instead of a one day or a weekend-long holiday, Christmas gives a month to try and enjoy the blessings we have been given.

2) I'm thankful for a knowledge of Christ and His ministry.  I believe in Christ, and that belief gives me joy and happiness in this world.  When I hear of people who think that religion is a crutch, I often wonder how happy they are in their lives.  I get the impression (perhaps erroneous, perhaps not) that they are, in general, less happy and satisfied with life than those who have religion.  This makes me wonder why they don't choose to believe anyway.  It can't hurt if there really is nothing after this life, and it gives you the possibility of preparing for the next life if that turns out to be true!  Of course, it IS true, and it is because of the many gifts Christ has bestowed upon us that we have the chance to return to our Heavenly Father.

3) I'm thankful for the Holy Ghost, the comforter, the one who confirms the truth of all things.  It is because of the Holy Ghost that I can say that I know that Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and not just that I believe that He is.  The plan that God has created for us to be able to know and follow His will is truly amazing.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

30 Nov 2010

1) I'm thankful to be in a relationship as wonderful as the one my wife and I have.  I can only hope that she feels as blessed to be married to me as I feel to be married to her.

2) I'm thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who watches over me and my loved ones and blesses us so abundantly.

3) I'm thankful for all those who freely give of their time, talents, and energy to help and serve those around them, in whatever capacity it may be.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

24 Nov 2010

1) I'm thankful for a loving wife who is constantly giving of herself to benefit others.  I can't image a more wonderful wife, mother, and friend.

2) I'm thankful for the chance to take my entire family to a basketball game tonight.  I'm not a big fan of camping and many other traditional family activities, but I AM a fan of the fond memories that come from spending time together doing something different.  I'm glad that my oldest son will be able to come and share in these particular memories with us today.

3) I'm thankful for the continued guidance and help from my parents.  It's been just over a year since we lost my wife's dad, and I've missed him many times.  In addition to the wonderful people my parents are, experiencing this kind of loss has made their continued presence all the more precious to me.

Monday, November 22, 2010

22 Nov 2010

1) I'm thankful to be able to post another gratitude post to my blog.  Life has been pretty busy recently at work, at home, and at church.  Things have had to be cut, and my blog posts were one of them.

2) I'm thankful for kind, uplifting words.  I try to make sure that I feel good about myself, that my wife feels good about me, and that God feels good about me, and I try to let the rest go to the side.  That's pretty helpful (but hard) when criticisms come.  When praise or a pick-me-up comes, it's like finding $20 in a jacket pocket that you had forgotten about!  I just have to remember it's only $20, not a million, so my head doesn't get too big!

3) I'm thankful for the wonderful feeling that life was pretty much back to the way it was supposed to be, at least mostly, that I enjoyed Saturday evening and Sunday as my oldest son was able to spend the night with us.  His progress in his program continues, and he and the rest of us loved having him home with us.  We're looking forward to more of those in the near future!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

28 Sep 2010

1) I'm thankful for creative children.  My second son came up with a very clever choice while we were playing "I Spy" while driving home the other night.  He said, "I spy with my little eye / something that is flying."  Several guesses by the rest of us came up with nothing, so he gave us a clue that it was pretending to fly.  We still couldn't figure out what it was until I glanced over at him and saw him flapping his arms up and down.  Yes, he had chosen himself and given the clue that he was flying.  :D

2) I'm thankful for spiritual children.  A few days ago, my daughter was telling me that she had a dream in which Jesus saw her and came down and gave her a great big hug.  She then said, "I'm going to try to not make any more mistakes so that it can really happen!"

3) I'm thankful for loving children.  My youngest son was very excited that he was awake before I left for work today, so he played peek-a-boo with me by hiding behind the door, then opening and closing it so he could see me.  As I was getting ready to put my shoes on, he wanted to sit on my lap.  When I told him that I couldn't have him on my lap while I was putting my shoes on, he waited patiently for me to finish and then asked me to hold him.

4) I'm thankful for diligent children.  My oldest son has seemed to respond well to the challenge of having to pick himself up and keep trying after his recent struggles at his program.  He was asked to give the opening prayer at an activity that we were able to attend last night and gave a heartfelt prayer.  He earned his way back to full privileges after losing all privileges due to his struggles, and he seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to move forward.

Monday, September 27, 2010

27 Sep 2010

1) I'm thankful for the power of the priesthood and the chance that my dad and I had to give my oldest son a blessing last night.  I felt God's love for my son as I tried to speak the words that He would have my son hear as he deals with his struggles and trials.

2) I'm thankful for those people who give so much of themselves to help others.  I try to do as much as I can to pull my own weight and be self sufficient, but we all need some help sometimes, and I appreciate those who are so willing to give help where needed.

3) I'm thankful for the talents that God has blessed me with.  They make my life more enjoyable and fulfilling, and they also give me opportunities to offer assistance to others in need.

Friday, September 24, 2010

24 Sep 2010

1) I'm thankful to have my wife safely home from her cruise.  The kids were all excited to see her too, and we have all enjoyed being reunited again.  The kids were all in my spot in bed by the time I was done showering and getting ready for work this morning so they could spend some more time with Mommy.  :D

2) I'm thankful that my wife was able to get some productive business work done while on the cruise.  That was the stated reason for the trip in the first place, and I wondered how that might go with flaky internet access on the ship, but they were able to get a lot done in the time they spent because they weren't interrupted.

3) I'm thankful for the good feedback I've been receiving about my work contributions.  I'm trying to do the best I can for the projects I work on, and it's nice that people are noticing that.  It helps the project, and that in turn helps me support my family.