thankful heart

We spent Thanksgiving with Alex's parents. We had a good time. I was thinking how much I like Thanksgiving. It is probably my favorite holiday, because it's all about food and family. What can be better than that? And you don't have to worry about gifts. It's great. And it is a good time to remember all the blessings we've been given. In my journal, I was trying to write down a few of the things that I'm thankful for. Here they are:

-the goodness and mercy of God
-the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ
-Jesus' Atonement, making repentance possible
-prophets to guide us, even a prophet today, President Hinckley
-restoration of the gospel, with all of the priesthood authority, through the humble and faithful Joseph Smith
-the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other scriptures as witness and testament of Christ
-my own testimony of truth
-temples, to unite families beyond death
-my precious family
-my patient and forgiving husband, who is a hardworker
-my 2 amazing boys who teach me what life is all about
-a reliable job, with income to meet our needs
-2 reliable cars
-a modest home of shelter and comfort
-lots of nice things; clothes, shoes, t.v., computer, phones, and so many other luxuries
-FREEDOM and those willing to give their life for it
-healthy body, mind, and spirit
-good friends, available and willing to serve
-teachers, willing to sacrifice time to help us find truth
-doctors, dentists, garbage men, construction workers, grocery store clerks, and others who work to make life easier for those around them
-Education; schools, libraries, opportunities to learn
-Good books, music, and entertainment to enliven our minds
-Good food, easily accessible
-Nature, parks, the beauty of the earth
-Animals, to share in our journey and sometimes be our companions
-Opportunities to serve, to increase our love for those around us
-Talents
-Trials, to strengthen us and build character
-Memories, to cheer and strengthen
-Love, that keeps us going
-Time, to grow, to experience, to become

There's a good start to my blessings...


"When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done...
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by...
When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold. Count your many blessings; money cannot buy your reward in heaven nor your home on high...
So amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings; See what God hath done. Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your many blessings; See what God hath done."
- "Count Your Blessings," Johnson Oatman, Jr.