Thursday, November 25, 2010
Gratitude: Day #25
I am grateful for quiet moments to spend with Chris. I like the loud times with the whole family, but I really look forward to having a little quiet conversation with my husband.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Gratitude: Day #24
I am grateful for relationships. At one point in my life, I realized that much (but not all) of what this life is about is building relationships. I am grateful for my relationship with my Savior most of all. I am also grateful for my relationship with my husband, my children, my extended family, and my friends. I am grateful for the influence of others on me and grateful for the bonds we share.
Among the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that relationships are eternal. We build temples to seal together eternally family members. The kinds of relationships we build here will continue in heaven. Scripture states, "And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy" (D&C 130:2).
I am grateful to know that building relationships is a worthwhile part of my life and something that will bless me eternally.
Among the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that relationships are eternal. We build temples to seal together eternally family members. The kinds of relationships we build here will continue in heaven. Scripture states, "And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy" (D&C 130:2).
I am grateful to know that building relationships is a worthwhile part of my life and something that will bless me eternally.
The Storm That Wasn't
First, some lovely pictures. We got a little snow last Saturday night. This was Sunday morning:
Pretty, no? Yes. And it was such a lovely day. The sun came out and the roads and sidewalks were cleared (by the sun) by mid-afternoon. My favorite kind of winter day. The snow was so wet and heavy. I love it when we get a very wet snow early in the winter season because the ground is not at all frozen. All that water can go deep into our earth, where we need it so much.
Well, this was just the beginning of winter. A blizzard warning was in effect for Tuesday evening. Wow! Everyone said. We must be ready. Schools closed early (like university-type schools) to allow people to get home. People left work early. Some businesses shut down to allow employees to get home safely. We were ready.
I woke up this morning (Wednesday) and turned on Facebook. Yes, this is something I do first thing in the morning. I'm not proud of that, but I do it anyway. Almost every day when I turn on FB, I am greeted by an onslaught of posts where my friends complain about the weather. It seems that almost all my friends in Utah hate the snow and cold. They also complain about the heat in the summer, so you know, take it for what it's worth. Anyway, this morning, I was greeted by an onslaught of posts where my friends in Utah complained about the lack of weather. That's right. "Where's the snow?" "What storm?" And on and on and on.
I feel like writing a blentry about this storm that wasn't. And so I will. I will even divide it into sections.
Forecasting the weather: Is there any job that is more mocked than the weatherman? Really. When they're right (which they are kind of a lot), we ignore them. When they're wrong, we ridicule everything about them. The blizzard warning yesterday came as a result of watching weather patterns. Meteorologists have education coupled with complicated equipment that can determine with some accuracy the future. That's amazing! Yesterday, we were warned of blizzard conditions. By definition, a blizzard differs from a snowstorm because of the wind--not the amount of snow. There can be very little snow falling and we can have blizzard, white-out conditions because of the lack of visibility and intense wind. The official warning said there would be a strong cold front with wind gusts and bitter cold air. Salt Lake Valley was warned that the cold front would hit around 5:00 p.m.
What actually happened: Around 5:19 p.m., snow started falling at the Salt Lake Airport. There was a 12 degree drop in temperature (Fahrenheit) in 20 minutes! And visibility was limited to less than 1 mile. Those are blizzard conditions--right on time. By 10:20 p.m., roads were extremely hazardous. 88 accidents had been reported, as well as 116 other cars needing some sort of assistance. Those are blizzard conditions. This morning, many places in Utah saw little or no snow. But here in West Jordan, we had 8 fresh inches! How delightful.
Preparation: My dad heard a meteorologist on the radio. I didn't hear him, so I may get this quote a little wrong. Early in the day, the meteorologist said, "This is a blizzard warning, but it's not the Apocalypse." Ha ha! That's funny. But, let's think about the culture we live in here. We love to be prepared. We have food storage, emergency 72-hour-kits, candles, firewood, ways to cook without gas or electricity, etc. It's a teaching of the dominant religion and part of our culture here. But, alas, we rarely have an emergency. We don't get hurricanes, volcanoes, tornados, violent rain, intense snow, freezing rain, ice storms, etc. They say we're due for an earthquake, but it's not happening that often. I recently read a story on MSN.com called "Mother Nature's Favorite Places." Utah was ranked #5. How was it judged? Rarity of any kind of natural disaster. So, we sit here with all of our preparations and nothing to do with them. I think there was a little excitement at the idea of being able to hunker down and get through the horrible conditions. Of course, I don't think there were even any power outages reported. We are all fine.
Family Night: This was the best part of the day. Everything was closed. The warnings told us to all go home and stay home. People obeyed. My FB friends--and it is by them that I judge the world--all seemed to be enjoying family time: games, movies, stories, etc. Imagine how blessed we were! Two days before a major holiday, we couldn't prepare. We couldn't go to the store or travel or do anything. We stayed with our families and spent time together. We were quiet and at peace. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be with my family, and I don't think I'm alone in that.
In the end, I think we were very blessed that this storm wasn't as bad here as it was north of here. The weather patterns showed a severe storm that was gaining in strength. What a blessing that it relaxed a little before it reached us. The cold temperatures are what they are. I prefer the 30s to the 12s. :) But it's so pretty. Look at my pictures from this morning:
But then again, I like snow. I like winter. And I took meteorology in college and have a sympathy for those in the profession.
Pretty, no? Yes. And it was such a lovely day. The sun came out and the roads and sidewalks were cleared (by the sun) by mid-afternoon. My favorite kind of winter day. The snow was so wet and heavy. I love it when we get a very wet snow early in the winter season because the ground is not at all frozen. All that water can go deep into our earth, where we need it so much.
Well, this was just the beginning of winter. A blizzard warning was in effect for Tuesday evening. Wow! Everyone said. We must be ready. Schools closed early (like university-type schools) to allow people to get home. People left work early. Some businesses shut down to allow employees to get home safely. We were ready.
I woke up this morning (Wednesday) and turned on Facebook. Yes, this is something I do first thing in the morning. I'm not proud of that, but I do it anyway. Almost every day when I turn on FB, I am greeted by an onslaught of posts where my friends complain about the weather. It seems that almost all my friends in Utah hate the snow and cold. They also complain about the heat in the summer, so you know, take it for what it's worth. Anyway, this morning, I was greeted by an onslaught of posts where my friends in Utah complained about the lack of weather. That's right. "Where's the snow?" "What storm?" And on and on and on.
I feel like writing a blentry about this storm that wasn't. And so I will. I will even divide it into sections.
Forecasting the weather: Is there any job that is more mocked than the weatherman? Really. When they're right (which they are kind of a lot), we ignore them. When they're wrong, we ridicule everything about them. The blizzard warning yesterday came as a result of watching weather patterns. Meteorologists have education coupled with complicated equipment that can determine with some accuracy the future. That's amazing! Yesterday, we were warned of blizzard conditions. By definition, a blizzard differs from a snowstorm because of the wind--not the amount of snow. There can be very little snow falling and we can have blizzard, white-out conditions because of the lack of visibility and intense wind. The official warning said there would be a strong cold front with wind gusts and bitter cold air. Salt Lake Valley was warned that the cold front would hit around 5:00 p.m.
What actually happened: Around 5:19 p.m., snow started falling at the Salt Lake Airport. There was a 12 degree drop in temperature (Fahrenheit) in 20 minutes! And visibility was limited to less than 1 mile. Those are blizzard conditions--right on time. By 10:20 p.m., roads were extremely hazardous. 88 accidents had been reported, as well as 116 other cars needing some sort of assistance. Those are blizzard conditions. This morning, many places in Utah saw little or no snow. But here in West Jordan, we had 8 fresh inches! How delightful.
Preparation: My dad heard a meteorologist on the radio. I didn't hear him, so I may get this quote a little wrong. Early in the day, the meteorologist said, "This is a blizzard warning, but it's not the Apocalypse." Ha ha! That's funny. But, let's think about the culture we live in here. We love to be prepared. We have food storage, emergency 72-hour-kits, candles, firewood, ways to cook without gas or electricity, etc. It's a teaching of the dominant religion and part of our culture here. But, alas, we rarely have an emergency. We don't get hurricanes, volcanoes, tornados, violent rain, intense snow, freezing rain, ice storms, etc. They say we're due for an earthquake, but it's not happening that often. I recently read a story on MSN.com called "Mother Nature's Favorite Places." Utah was ranked #5. How was it judged? Rarity of any kind of natural disaster. So, we sit here with all of our preparations and nothing to do with them. I think there was a little excitement at the idea of being able to hunker down and get through the horrible conditions. Of course, I don't think there were even any power outages reported. We are all fine.
Family Night: This was the best part of the day. Everything was closed. The warnings told us to all go home and stay home. People obeyed. My FB friends--and it is by them that I judge the world--all seemed to be enjoying family time: games, movies, stories, etc. Imagine how blessed we were! Two days before a major holiday, we couldn't prepare. We couldn't go to the store or travel or do anything. We stayed with our families and spent time together. We were quiet and at peace. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be with my family, and I don't think I'm alone in that.
In the end, I think we were very blessed that this storm wasn't as bad here as it was north of here. The weather patterns showed a severe storm that was gaining in strength. What a blessing that it relaxed a little before it reached us. The cold temperatures are what they are. I prefer the 30s to the 12s. :) But it's so pretty. Look at my pictures from this morning:
But then again, I like snow. I like winter. And I took meteorology in college and have a sympathy for those in the profession.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Gratitude: Day #23
This morning during our family prayer (or was it last night?), Bethie prayed, "Thank you that Jesus loves us." I think that is exactly what I am thankful for today. I know that God the Father and Jesus live. The primary way I know God lives is because I feel His love in my life. His love is evidenced through the beautiful creations all around, through the love of His children one for another, through the many blessings He gives us daily. Our lives are filled with mercy and love. The greatest evidence of God's love for me is in the sacrifice of His Son: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
I find myself wishing that I had better words to express my gratitude.
I find myself wishing that I had better words to express my gratitude.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Gratitude: Day #22
Today I am grateful for health. For the most part, our family enjoys very good health. We have our little problems, but they are so little. We thank our God for the gift of health. That's all.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Gratitude: Day #21
I am grateful for my parents. Because I am a mom, I often think about the way I was raised. Sometimes I wish I could figure out how my parents did what they did. I know the end results--which are pretty terrific, if I do say so myself. Anyway, they are good at being parents. But wait! There's more! They're not just good parents; they're good people. I look up to them and admire them. Thank you to Mom and Dad for being great!
Gratitude: Day #20
Last Sunday, I taught our Young Women class about gratitude. We were talking about how it can affect others positively when you say thank you often. I told the girls how I feel worthwhile when I do mundane things because my husband always thanks me. Every time Chris opens his drawer and finds clean underwear, he thanks me for doing the laundry. Every time he opens his closet and finds newly laundered shirts, he thanks me. Every single time. I am grateful for his gratitude because it makes me feel like my smallest acts of service are noticed, appreciated, and worth my time and energy.
Tonight, I went out alone. When I left, there were approximately six or seven unfolded loads of laundry covering my bed and my bedroom floor. When I got home, it had all been folded and put away. All of it! I am so grateful to be able to start the new week with a clean house and clean clothes. I am grateful to Chris for taking care of the laundry tonight while I was out playing. He's really something, that Chris.
Tonight, I went out alone. When I left, there were approximately six or seven unfolded loads of laundry covering my bed and my bedroom floor. When I got home, it had all been folded and put away. All of it! I am so grateful to be able to start the new week with a clean house and clean clothes. I am grateful to Chris for taking care of the laundry tonight while I was out playing. He's really something, that Chris.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Gratitude: Day #19
We just got home from seeing my niece in her high school production of Bye Bye Birdie. She did a great job. She's a great kid. I started thinking about my nieces and nephews. I sure love them. I have a total of 37 nieces and nephews...and one on the way. I feel close to almost all of them--some I don't know as well. I am so grateful to have so many great kids in my family. I love them and am grateful to be an auntie.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Gratitude: Day #18
Everybody needs friends. What a blessing it is to have good friends. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with good friends. I am not very outgoing, so it always surprises me when people want to be my friend. I am thankful for those who reach out to me and become my friends.
Gratitude: Day #17
I went to bed with a headache last night. Bethie was up most of the night. She had a late nap--I guess she was exhausted from all the birthday partying. Anyway, taking care of Beth all night did wonders for the progression of my headache. By the time I woke up, all I could think about was going back to bed to get rid of the pain.
You might be wondering what this has to do with gratitude. Well, I'll tell you. I used to get much worse headaches with much more frequency. Having such a screamin' headache today made me recognize that it has become a rarity for me. And it was so much less intense than they used to be. I thank a combination of Vitamin D, chiropractor, and yoga. And I am grateful I don't have the same intense headaches I used to have.
You might be wondering what this has to do with gratitude. Well, I'll tell you. I used to get much worse headaches with much more frequency. Having such a screamin' headache today made me recognize that it has become a rarity for me. And it was so much less intense than they used to be. I thank a combination of Vitamin D, chiropractor, and yoga. And I am grateful I don't have the same intense headaches I used to have.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
and many more...
My baby girl turned four today. I can't believe she's so grown up. She is as sweet and delightful as the day she was born. Let's watch her grow...
Elisabeth Lilinoe Woods
November 16, 2006
with her Daddy
A better picture of the little angel.
First birthday. She is such a happy little girl, but her face is not full of huge smiles.
2nd birthday and the wonderful addition of Baby Turtle to the family.
3rd birthday. She wanted nothing more than a Blue's Clues birthday.
And today. A ladybug for my little ladybug.
Bethie makes me smile down to my toes. I love her so much.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Gratitude: Day #15
We had a family home evening lesson about gratitude this evening. I gave each of the children a little gratitude journal that they can write in for the next couple weeks as we prepare for Thanksgiving. Their first entries tonight were so sweet. Ammon wrote, "Animals, the prophet, food and friends." In her very best handwriting, Sarah wrote, "Water, God, Jesus, family, world, Mom, Dad." Nathan drew a picture of a keyboard and I helped him spell, "Piano." As she opened her journal, Bethie asked me, "How do you spell Heabenly Fa-der?" Before I could answer, Sarah started helping her spell "God." So, Beth said, "G for Heabenly Fa-der."
Today wasn't my best parenting day. I was a little out of sorts. But what a great way to end the day! I am so grateful for my children. Is it cheating if I quote from someone else? My sister-in-law, Laura, wrote, "People say that motherhood is near to divinity. That may be true, although I think I have a long way to go. But I believe with my whole heart that because I am a mother, divinity is near to me in the form of my children, and the very fact of their presence in my life testifies daily to me of the goodness and mercy of God."
I believe what Laura wrote is true for me and my life. I thank my Heavenly Father that He allows me to be a mother to my precious little ones.
Today wasn't my best parenting day. I was a little out of sorts. But what a great way to end the day! I am so grateful for my children. Is it cheating if I quote from someone else? My sister-in-law, Laura, wrote, "People say that motherhood is near to divinity. That may be true, although I think I have a long way to go. But I believe with my whole heart that because I am a mother, divinity is near to me in the form of my children, and the very fact of their presence in my life testifies daily to me of the goodness and mercy of God."
I believe what Laura wrote is true for me and my life. I thank my Heavenly Father that He allows me to be a mother to my precious little ones.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Gratitude: Day #14
I like Bible stories. Today at church, we read the story of the ten lepers. It's a great story. I have nothing else to say about it. I'm grateful for Bible stories and I think I'll turn off the computer and go read the Bible.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Gratitude: Day #13
Today I am grateful for organization. If you happened by my house (the basement part where I live) today, you would say, "What in the world do you know about organization?!" And I would say, "Um, I've been busy blogging about being grateful." And then we would go upstairs where things are tidy.
But I'm not talking about a clean house today. I will hopefully be grateful for that sometime soon. Today I am grateful for organization in family, community, and nation. We live in such an orderly place. I am especially grateful for the organization and order of the church I belong to. It is a great thing and to me, a testimony of the divinity of the church that things are organized and function the way they do.
But I'm not talking about a clean house today. I will hopefully be grateful for that sometime soon. Today I am grateful for organization in family, community, and nation. We live in such an orderly place. I am especially grateful for the organization and order of the church I belong to. It is a great thing and to me, a testimony of the divinity of the church that things are organized and function the way they do.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Gratitude: Day #12
I asked Chris, "What am I thankful for today?" He said, "You're thankful I came home from work early." (And by "early," he means in time for dinner.)
You know, I think he's right.
For the first few years of our marriage, Chris worked several jobs at once. He was often in school--even after he finished his bachelor's degree, he had to return to school for a teaching certificate. On top of all the jobs and the school, he has this little hobby. He likes to write and record songs. It's a very time-consuming hobby. Because of Chris' crazy schedule, I have been used to doing many things (sometimes it feels like everything) on my own.
And then, a couple years ago, Chris started simplifying his schedule. He cut out some of those extra sources of income and started to spend more time at home. I got used to having him around. And I like it.
Recently, he started school again. His schedule is demanding. I have missed him more than I thought I would. I thought I would slip back into that "doing many things on my own" state easily. I was wrong about that.
And Chris is right about tonight. I am very grateful he was home for dinner. I love it when Chris is home.
You know, I think he's right.
For the first few years of our marriage, Chris worked several jobs at once. He was often in school--even after he finished his bachelor's degree, he had to return to school for a teaching certificate. On top of all the jobs and the school, he has this little hobby. He likes to write and record songs. It's a very time-consuming hobby. Because of Chris' crazy schedule, I have been used to doing many things (sometimes it feels like everything) on my own.
And then, a couple years ago, Chris started simplifying his schedule. He cut out some of those extra sources of income and started to spend more time at home. I got used to having him around. And I like it.
Recently, he started school again. His schedule is demanding. I have missed him more than I thought I would. I thought I would slip back into that "doing many things on my own" state easily. I was wrong about that.
And Chris is right about tonight. I am very grateful he was home for dinner. I love it when Chris is home.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Gratitude: Day #11
Today is Veterans Day here in the ol' U.S. of A.--and beyond. Therefore, it seems apropos to express gratitude for our military. I've had a complicated relationship with the military. Inside my heart, I want peace and kindness. When I was younger, I struggled to balance military action with a Christian desire for peace. How can we ever justify war? I'll tell you how. Peace doesn't mean we're sitting on rocking chairs watching grass grow. Peace is active and needs to be defended and fought for. I think I will use a few cliches here. Freedom isn't free. We're the home of the free because of the brave. I have come to an understanding and deep appreciation of the importance of military. The sacrifice of the men and women in uniform is tremendous. Their families also sacrifice a remarkable amount. I am deeply grateful for my country, for my freedoms, for my prosperity, for my peaceful life. I owe a debt of gratitude to every soldier who has ever volunteered--or been drafted--to do what I can't do for myself. I am especially grateful for those close to me: my brother and nephew. Thank you to the veterans!!
Gratitude: Day #10
I am grateful for water. We have clear, clean, beautiful water that comes right into our house. The water we use in our toilets is cleaner and safer than the water most people in this world have to drink. I think our access to clean water is amazing. Chris grew up in California and he told me once that his favorite thing about living in Utah is that we have ice cold water straight from the tap. Our water comes from high in the Rocky Mountains and it flows out beautifully cold. It's a little extra bonus for us. Water. It's a great thing.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Gratitude: Day #9
Who had this crazy idea to write a gratitude post every single day? Because that person probably forgot that I would forget all about writing my blog some days. Tuesday was one of those forgetful days. I got home from my yoga class at about 10:30 p.m. and I was tired. And quite relaxed. So my day was done.
Speaking of yoga, I think I will say that I'm grateful for it. I know it sounds silly, but I enjoy doing it. It's a kind of exercise that is just my speed--slow, relaxed, and laid back. I'm glad I found a free class, because otherwise I wouldn't be doing anything physical. And I'm grateful that it is making me feel stronger, more flexible, and I'm pretty sure it's improving my posture. I've always wanted to have good posture, but I just can't be bothered standing up straight.
Speaking of yoga, I think I will say that I'm grateful for it. I know it sounds silly, but I enjoy doing it. It's a kind of exercise that is just my speed--slow, relaxed, and laid back. I'm glad I found a free class, because otherwise I wouldn't be doing anything physical. And I'm grateful that it is making me feel stronger, more flexible, and I'm pretty sure it's improving my posture. I've always wanted to have good posture, but I just can't be bothered standing up straight.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Gratitude: Day #8
I'm grateful to be home. I'm grateful for a husband who loves me. I love him, too. I'm grateful that I enjoy my children and my time with them.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Gratitude: Day #7
Today I am simply grateful for the opportunity to hang out with my brother, his wonderful wife, and wildly entertaining children. We have had a great weekend. It was well worth the long drive.
Gratitude: Day #6
(This one is for Saturday. I was busy with family and didn't feel like turning on a computer.)
I had a wonderful day with my brother and his family. My niece was baptized. It was so special for her. Being present at her baptism combined with conversations I had with my brother and his wife later in the day left me very grateful for my testimony. I am grateful God has blessed me with faith and an understanding (however small) of His love. It affects every aspect of how I view the world.
We live in a confusing world, where people are easily "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14). In comparison, a testimony of the Savior can help anyone build a solid foundation: "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall" (Helaman 5:12).
I had a wonderful day with my brother and his family. My niece was baptized. It was so special for her. Being present at her baptism combined with conversations I had with my brother and his wife later in the day left me very grateful for my testimony. I am grateful God has blessed me with faith and an understanding (however small) of His love. It affects every aspect of how I view the world.
We live in a confusing world, where people are easily "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14). In comparison, a testimony of the Savior can help anyone build a solid foundation: "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall" (Helaman 5:12).
Friday, November 5, 2010
Gratitude: Day #5
Today we finally reached our destination: IOWA and my brother and sister-in-law's home. Driving through this part of America has been so pleasant. There's really no other word to describe how I felt looking out the windows. Pleasant. And I am so grateful for farmers who provide my food. I can barely keep a tomato plant alive, but I like to eat. Left to my own devices, I would be pretty hungry. So, I am grateful for our farmers and their pleasant farms.
Gratitude: Day #4
Yeah, I didn't actually post on Day #4 because I was busy driving. And driving. My friend had warned me: Nebraska just keeps on going. He's quite right. Wyoming isn't exactly an easy jaunt, either. We drove across the entire state of Wyoming and the entire state of Nebraska and it was kind of a long day. At one point, Nathan said (in his most dramatic voice), "This has been the longest day of my life!" And Beth kept looking out the window saying, "Why are we driving in circles?"
Anyway, I thought of a bunch of things I am grateful for whilst we were driving, but by the time I went to bed, I was most grateful for good friends. I stayed up way too late visiting with two of my favorite friends who live in Nebraska. Our family was in a place we had never been, but yet we were immediately at home in the Bryans' house. It's always good to be home.
Anyway, I thought of a bunch of things I am grateful for whilst we were driving, but by the time I went to bed, I was most grateful for good friends. I stayed up way too late visiting with two of my favorite friends who live in Nebraska. Our family was in a place we had never been, but yet we were immediately at home in the Bryans' house. It's always good to be home.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Gratitude: Day #3
Tonight with our church youth group, I went downtown to feed some homeless people. They were kind, polite, and very thankful for the little food we had to share. I am grateful to have spent time with these children of God. I am also grateful for the many luxuries--including food--that I enjoy every day.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Gratitude: Day #2
Today, for obvious reasons, I am grateful for the right to vote. I have always had this right and can't imagine life without it. I vote in peace and order.
My brother was serving in Iraq during their first free elections. He has a really incredible picture of some Iraqi men, with big smiles on their faces, holding up their thumbs (dyed in ink) to show they had voted. It's a happy picture. I'm glad I can take part in my own country's political process.
My brother was serving in Iraq during their first free elections. He has a really incredible picture of some Iraqi men, with big smiles on their faces, holding up their thumbs (dyed in ink) to show they had voted. It's a happy picture. I'm glad I can take part in my own country's political process.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Gratitude: Day #1
Thanksgiving is this month. I thought I'd do something I've never done before--at least not publicly. I'm going to list things I'm grateful for. Just one a day. Hopefully, I'll be able to come up with something for every day.
As I turned a corner today, I saw flashing lights in the distance. Without thinking, I pulled over to the right side of the road to allow the emergency vehicle easy and safe passage. I know it sounds silly, but I always love seeing people pull over when an emergency vehicle asks them to. (They ask with bright lights and loud sirens--not unlike the way my kids "ask" for things.) Sometimes people are a little late responding because they didn't notice the need. Why do I love this common occurance? Because I think it represents civility. I am grateful to live in a civilization of order. We obey a variety of laws as we drive around and it creates peace.
(I am aware that not everyone obeys driving laws, but I am focusing on the positive because I am showing gratitude.)
As I turned a corner today, I saw flashing lights in the distance. Without thinking, I pulled over to the right side of the road to allow the emergency vehicle easy and safe passage. I know it sounds silly, but I always love seeing people pull over when an emergency vehicle asks them to. (They ask with bright lights and loud sirens--not unlike the way my kids "ask" for things.) Sometimes people are a little late responding because they didn't notice the need. Why do I love this common occurance? Because I think it represents civility. I am grateful to live in a civilization of order. We obey a variety of laws as we drive around and it creates peace.
(I am aware that not everyone obeys driving laws, but I am focusing on the positive because I am showing gratitude.)
Sometimes I need a little help...
Hey there. Remember me? Listen fellahs. If you ever notice a time when I go weeks without updating my blog; I can't seem to think of a status update for Facebook; or you see me in person and find me sitting and staring in a house that is knee-deep in mess, please remind me to take my Vitamin D.
I just get so tired and forget how to think.
Well, I took some vitamins and then I blogged a bit. Enjoy.
I just get so tired and forget how to think.
Well, I took some vitamins and then I blogged a bit. Enjoy.
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