Attitude of Gratitude and The Atonement

Greetings Friends!

First, let's get back to the Attitude of Gratitude, with my five list:

1. Internet Access
(I am glad for this thing called the internet, through which I can learn and read and write stories with my best friend, and keep in touch with friends from all over the world!)

2. Luna, Duncan, Mei-Mei
(I love my sweet pups. They remind me to be kind and to live in the moment. They require I reach outside of myself to offer care and love and cuddles and comfort).

3. Shelter
(I had the experience of running into a woman and her two children who are literally homeless. They live out of her van, in a rather frightening situation. I bought the kids lunch, but wish I could do more. I am so grateful to have a roof over my head and running water and all the necessities that a home supplies that we do not think about on a daily basis and often take for granted).

4. Safety
(A dear relation of a friend of mine is experiencing a high level of harassment. We're talking crazy things, like death threats, and more. I told my friend about the Aspire App that you can put on your phone, created by Robin McGraw, that will alert designated friends and authorities if you need help and are confronted with a dangerous situation. This app is used to help women get out of dangerous and abusive relationships, etc. I also clued them in on the Companion App. This app was crafted to let others know when you are walking/traveling by foot and that you've made it safely to your destination. There is a button to alert the police and one to alert other people that you don't feel safe, in case you think you are being followed. Beyond that, I pray for the girl at the center of the drama and urge that she do all within her power to protect herself and her child from those who might attempt to do her harm).

5. My Mom
(I know, you may think it is cliche, but it is true. I am grateful for all she does to make her house into a home. All of the little touches and decorations and things that signify that she is here, that this is a place that her spirit finds rest in. I am grateful for all that she does for me, a few night's ago she polished my leather tennis shoes! She is a blessing and a best friend, and home wouldn't be home without her). 

For the last two weeks, we have been reading from 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. I have really been struck deeply by the verses that relate to the atonement. At this week's gathering, we discussed the difference between principles and doctrine. A principle is "concentrated truth, packaged for a wide variety of circumstances". It is an enduring truth, law, or rule, that is portable to a variety of situations. If it is only true inside the context of a single story, then it is not a principle (because it is not portable, cannot be applied to your life). Years ago, I was taught by an institute of religion professor that you should always look for the principle within the program. The programs of the church may alter or change as time goes by. The programs will adapt but the principles of the gospel and the church will always remain the same. We need to make sure we don't get caught up in the program and not pay attention to the principle the program is trying to teach us. We learned that a doctrine is a fundamental belief, an unchanging truth, or an eternal law. One example of a doctrine can be found in 2 Ne 9, where it states that a person will not be held accountable for the laws and rules of the gospel that they do not know or have not learned here on earth. God will not hold us to a standard that we did not know existed. One of the sister's in class, brought up the point that her 9 year old son was worried about his salvation because he wasn't sure he believed in God or the gospel. His mom pointed out this doctrine to him, that it is okay if he doesn't know for sure what he believes at this point in his life, because he is 9 years old, but that his parents will not lead him wrong. That he is responsible to learn and keep studying and to trust that his parents will look out for him and guide him. That the Lord will not hold him accountable for the fact that he is still learning and hasn't had a strong witness of the truth yet. In short, that Heavenly Father is fair, and will judge us according to what we know (and if we do not know certain things, he will not judge us based on what we do not know).
During our directed study session, my group chose Option 1, where we were required to look at the verses in 2 Nephi 9, in the Book of Mormon, and write down aspects about the Atonement of Christ. My verses were 4-9 and I contributed that these verses had to do with the clear necessity of the atonement. We were subject to death because of the Fall of Adam. Both physical death, of the body, and spiritual death, of the soul, which is also known as separation from God. The Atonement is the necessary component to bring us back into Heavenly Father's presence. Without it, we would be subject to the Devil, and miserable like him. In verse 10, we learned that God planned a way for us to escape physical and spiritual death. In verse 13 we are shown that it is a mercy the Lord has planned for the atonement to apply to us because otherwise we would have a perfect knowledge of all our sins when we stood before God at Judgement and we would not be able to bear to be in his presence. Verses 17 and 19 talked about how God will fulfill the laws of Justice and that if we keep his commandments, we can live with him again. It also talked about the great mercy of Heavenly Father and that we will be delivered from Satan by the Atonement of Christ, because we can repent. Verse 20 talked about how significant it was that God "knows all things" and that his omnipotence was and is necessary, in order to bring to pass the "immortality and eternal life" of man. His wisdom has allowed him to plan around the ways the Devil has tried to foil the plan of salvation. His knowledge of each of us, allows Christ to succor us in our pains and sorrows and to aid us specifically in our journey back to Heavenly Father.
I was struck by the verses in the scriptures that talked about how no other nation would crucify Christ. That's such a heavy sentiment, there. No other nation in the world (and quite possibly no other world in the known universe) would have crucified the Son of God. They would have recognized him and worshiped him, instead. What does that say about the wickedness of the people at that time? How hard were their hearts? How closed were their minds? It just blows my mind to think that people could be so blind and inhuman. (Or perhaps it is all too human, and simply the darkest aspects of humanity?)
I really like the fact that we are essentially living during the time of the reunification of Israel spoken of in 2 Nephi. We are seeing with our own eyes, the various members of the tribes come into the church. It is the fulfillment of prophecy, going on right this second. (It kind of gives you chills). We are an "ensign to the nations" and it is our responsibility to share the gospel and spread the message of Christ. (Years ago, I heard something from another institute professor, Brother Monte Nyman, about the tribe of Ephraim: "We are Ephraim, We Gather" ... that phrase has stayed with me ever since it fell into my ears. I feel like those who are of the tribe of Ephraim are compelled to share the good news, to speak of the atonement and invite the world to listen). One of the men in our pathways gathering is named Adone. He is from Africa and he is a convert to the church. He expressed to us his testimony of the gospel and of the continued modern revelation that we receive from the Prophet and Apostles of the church and how it touched his heart and made him want to investigate the church (from his previous religious roots). It reminded me of my own roots, as a convert to the church. As well as the difference you can witness in your life, when you look at life before the gospel and the influence of the Holy Ghost and life after the gospel, with the principles incorporated into your daily life, echoed in your interactions.
For those of my friends who are not LDS, if you have any questions about the gospel or about the church as a whole, I invite you to ask me. I will do my best to find an answer for you, if I do not know the answer myself. I also invite you to share with me the uplifting principles that you have experienced in your own life, regardless of what religion or creed you belong to. We all have room and space to learn from each other!

Attitude of Gratitude and Things That are Worth Your Time

Welcome back, readers and friends!

First off, back to our five list for 'attitude of gratitude':

1. Answered Prayers.
2. The Welcome of Family.
3. Safe Travels.
4. Minor Injuries.
5. Half-Baked Ice Cream.

Brief Explanation:

Really grateful for answered prayers. Prayed hard for good weather this past weekend, so we could travel safely to the family reunion. The Lord answered that prayer, we made it to the reunion and were on our way home when the rains finally began to fall in our area of the East Coast. Being around family was a blessing and really helped to recharge my emotional batteries. We all had to introduce ourselves (we made Dad do it for our group!) because the older people had no idea who the younger ones were and those of us who fall into the 'young' category didn't remember the names and faces of many of the older people. It was fun, though. People clapped for you at the mention of your name. Family, the only people who applaud you, just for showing up! (Haha, I hope Heaven is like that! Wouldn't that rock? You know it would!)
That takes care of items 1-3. Now on to 4. Early Tuesday morning, I was woken up around 3:30 by Luna, our puppy, who had a potty accident and needed a bath as a result of the issue. After rousing the husband to watch her, and keep her sequestered in the tub for the two mins it took me to get dressed, I bathed her and then got the blow dryer to dry her fur off. Her hair is thin and she catches chill easily. She hates the dryer and kept escaping me. I snatched her up, and while I was moving with her across the room, I tripped over my broken latched sandals (which I had worn because I knew they would get soaked giving her a bath). I dropped her on the way down, to my horror. I landed solidly on my 'good' knee, the one I rarely injure, and it took me several moments to gather my wits and attempt to get up again. Luna fell about a foot and a half off the ground and landed on her feet. Bless her heart, she stayed right next to me, looking concerned. (Her canine sibs have shown no such worry, when they have encountered my klutzyness). So, the end result, was that I had trouble walking for a few days (and stairs were killer) but I was so grateful I did not fall on Luna (and break her spine, she is a very small shih-tzu mix). I am also grateful I did no lasting harm (knock on wood!) to myself.
The last item on the list is ice cream. My husband brought some home a few days ago, for FHE. He knows my favorite flavor and surprised me with it. He snacked on raspberry sorbet and I put off eating my ice cream until tonight, which is homework night! Every night that is homework night should also be ice cream night. Because that is the world that I live in!

Moving on, I wanted to tell you more about my ongoing Pathway experience. I would easily recommend the program to anyone interested in going back to college. The friends you make are fun and the gatherings you attend are both enlightening and inspiring. At the gathering this past week, we discussed several things that I found interesting (as well as profound). The first thing had to do with three keys to the principal of being a lifelong learner. The first key was that we have infinite potential, as God's child, to learn anything we put our efforts into. This is because of the divinity that we possess in our relationship with Heavenly Father. Henry Eyring was quoted as stating, "I believe that every brilliant conquest made by man is but a manifestation of the divine spark, which sets him apart from the rest of creation. Man is in the image of God, destined to go on learning and perfecting himself throughout eternity." We have infinite potential (and it is amazing and sad how often we lie to ourselves and believe we are incapable of learning certain things). The second key is that to learn you need to have childlike humility. Being humble makes you teachable and willing to learn. The third key is to keep the Holy Ghost with you, to aid in your learning, by living a clean life. You have to make sure your actions do not detract from the Spirit's ability to be present with you and that the things you surround yourself with (including media) do not impede your ability to connect with the Holy Ghost, and thus with God.
One of the points that jumped out to me was the idea of attitude and how we look at what we are trying to achieve. Katie Swank brought up the point about the recent Harvard debate team losing to a group of prisoners and how the prisoners had to jump through so many hoops just to get allowed the clearance of the reading material that they needed to study for the debate. Clearly, they had more obstacles to overcome, in this regard, then the college students who had the whole of the internet at their fingers, but it was the approach of the prisoners to obtaining, assimilating, and appreciating that knowledge that made the difference. (Also, the Harvard team said that the prisoners were the most well researched, well spoken team they had ever had the pleasure to debate with!)
In the talk, "Attitudes in Affliction", Kirk Astel brought up the idea that it was Nephi's attitude, and the attitudes of those who followed him, that made the difference in their journey in the wilderness. That the women became strong, like unto the men and were able to bear the journey. That our outlook depends on what we are focusing on: are we looking at the past? or wealth or lack thereof? Or are we looking at the blessings the Lord has given us? The many good things in our lives? The prisoners could easily have given up on the debate, due to the frustrating wait period over obtaining approval for their materials, but they didn't. They looked forward to gaining knowledge and being able to present and share what they had learned. (And keep in mind, these are gentlemen who will, most likely, never see the light of day, as they are sentenced to more years then they can possible live to serve, due to the nature of their crimes).
Adama Kone taught the class for the religion portion of the gathering. We talked of symbolism and how it is used to put stories in a context that your audience can better understand them. It was suggested that symbolism adds levels of layer and texture to what is being taught (to the point that you can review the same story later and gain new insight from it, that you did not learn the first time around). We talked about how symbolism is made to fit the people whom you are teaching, that you are using objects and places that they have a familiarity with and that they may easily relate to. We also spoke about the importance of prophets and how God calls them forth from the people, as well as the idea that a prophet can expertly teach you on any subject that God wishes him to teach to you. (This echoed the sentiment that I learned, way back in Institute of Religion about a prophet being given the knowedge and authority to speak on any subject, at any time. That the authority comes from God and God would not allow the prophet to tell you something that was false or detrimental to your eternal learning and progression).
As we talked about Nephi, it occurred to me that you can learn from ANY example, good or bad. That if you look at the life of Nephi, his is a life that you would want to emulate and follow in his footsteps. As you look at Laman and Lemuel, you can also learn from their example. What you learn, is who you do not want to be. Both examples teach you an important lesson. We divided into groups and in our group, we talked about Laman and Lemuel and how one can best prepare to help people who uphold their types of attitudes. Laman and Lemuel were prideful, they had their hearts set on worldly goods, a life of ease, and riches. They wanted what they did not currently possess. And they were lazy, in that they never 'asked of God' in regards to the visions that Nephi and Lehi had. They could have learned so much, had they put forth the effort to inquire of the Lord, but they chose not to. In the end, my group concluded that you cannot change the hearts of men, only they can do that for themselves. What you can do, is be a good example to them. You can live a righteous life, keeping the Spirit with you and sharing what you learn, gospel and secular truths, with others. You can encourage them to make sure they go to the right sources of information (scriptures and Heavenly Father). Lastly, you can make sure that you are both diligent and persistent in your efforts to reach out to them. God never gave up on anyone, so we should not either.
The last thing we talked about was the scattering and gathering of Israel. What struck me about this topic was the idea that the Lord scattered Israel in order to preserve them. If he had not scattered them, they might never have returned to the truths of the gospel. (That was a 'wow' moment for me. I knew that the scattering was partly a punishment, but the fact it was also something done out of love, to bring about something greater, was amazing to learn).
All of the various things this week have made me consider the question: what am I made of? What is at my core? I know the gospel is at my core. Years ago, I ended a relationship with a boy who wanted to marry me. I ended it because, while he claimed to love me, he didn't really understand or know me. At my core. From the time I was twelve, I grew up with the gospel of Jesus Christ. By the time I was in college, that gospel was a living part of me, like the rings inside a tree that mark its growth. It was not something outside of myself, something I could set aside for him, to make him comfortable. I didn't want a life without the gospel and I didn't want a partner in that life who refused to share in living the principles. I think, when we all take a hard, long, look at ourselves, we'll find out those things that are most precious to us and we'll realize what we can live without and what isn't worth living without.

Putting It Together ...

Those of you who read this blog, I know there are like three people (and could be more after I boost the signal a bit), know that it is dedicated to the idea of gratitude in all things. Well, I certainly have a lot to be grateful for this week and I am going to take a moment to share with you some of the triumphs and challenges that took place. As some of you know, I have started a program called Pathway through BYUI. It is the initial step in my return to college and obtaining that coveted Bachelor's Degree. Well, I am happy to report that the classes have started. This semester I am taking a Life Skills class and a religion class that focuses on the Book of Mormon. (In particular 1 Ne thru Alma 30). In addition to the online portion of the class, we have a weekly meeting, called a gathering (props if you heard that word and immediately thought of 'Gargoyles'!) during which we participate in group study and each take a turn leading the class and facilitating the learning. Those who know me, know I am rather shy in person. Online is a different matter, as the written word is my forte. But in person, I tend to keep my head down and my mouth shut, as I observe my surroundings and wait until I feel safe enough to speak. (Yes, I was severely bullied as a child and it does have an effect on my self esteem, even in adulthood.) Well, last week, at our first gathering I was caught off guard and asked to be the Lead Student for the upcoming week. Out of reflex, I immediately said 'yes' and spent the last week in utter terror. (You may laugh, only because I am out of range to personally smack you). There was a great deal of study, pondering, and much prayer. I will also admit to some amount of murmuring (complaining). Last night, the time arrived and I, filled with dread, completed the finishing touches on my signage for my lesson and went to the gathering. Katie Swank served as the Lead Student for our Life Skills class (and did an amazing job!) She excelled at making everyone feel included and validated, while presenting the lesson material in a thorough and concise manner. I really think she did a great job. When it was my turn, I stood up and grabbed my outline. (I spent some time making an outline of a lesson plan, which included specific topics and thoughts, as well as timing for each activity). I will say, I totally appreciated Sis. Gomez's opening prayer and her request for the Spirit to be there and for me to do well and be strengthened. I started off by asking the class to share some of their successes and challenges that they had during the week (as it related to the lesson material of reading 1 Nephi chapters 1-5). Several people admitted to being challenged by time management and being able to complete the various tasks for the lesson. They also brought up that they felt the Lord bless their efforts as they attempted to type up answers while fighting off fatigue and weariness from a long day of jobs and/or family. I then shared a little of what I had learned from the reading. I felt it took a lot of dedication for the family of Lehi to leave their home and follow him into the wilderness. (Even though Laman and Lemuel complained, they still went with the rest of the family on the journey and they still did their father's bidding in returning to get the plates of brass). I spoke about the difference between complaining and upholding someone who is in service of the Lord and asked everyone to consider which type of person they were in their own lives. I also brought up the fact that God will strengthen you to do the work that He calls you to do. He will aid you in accomplishing His will and completing the tasks He has set you. (Much like He did in helping me to stand up in front of a room full of people I barely knew and speak to them!) I then reviewed with the class the lesson from the previous week. We discussed the Introduction to the Book of Mormon, the Testimony of the Three Witnesses, the Testimony of the Eight Witnesses, and the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. We talked about how these witnesses and their words shaped the way we currently see the Book of Mormon. The testimonies, in particularly the testimony of the Prophet, touched several people very deeply. One Sister said she had read the words before but this time they reached into her heart and touched her more deeply than in previous readings. The book became more precious to her as a result. One Brother spoke about how, growing up near the site of Palmyra had enhanced his testimony by being able to personally visit the places where the Prophet grew up and lived. We moved on to learning a new study skill. Because I was the first Lead Student and no other skills had been presented, I was able to pick which skill I wanted from the list of nine. I chose the skill of visualizing. I explained that it could be broken down into three parts: setting (comprising location, people present, and action), details (often overlooked), and questions (such as who else was there? what else was happening at the same time? etc.). (Personally, I liked the question of 'what are the scriptures not saying that must be happening?'). I pointed out the quick visual I had created (just large representations of the words 'visualize', with smaller ones for 'setting', 'details', and 'questions'). I encouraged the class to use this new study skill during the upcoming week as they read their next scripture block. As is often the case, I skipped some of my plan, in an effort to conserve the short amount of time we had. I had planned on giving out slips of paper and letting everyone write down 3-5 things they would take with them on a trip. Then I would collect all the papers, read off some of the items, and then tear them up and throw them away. This was in illustration of the fact that Lehi's family got to take very little of their property with them in the wilderness. I would then pose the question of how would it feel, if you were in their place? What would you give up to follow the Lord? I was also going to ask them to consider the perspectives of Sariah (leaving her friends and comforts of home and worrying over losing her sons), Laman and Lemuel (as it pertained to the faith they DID have, in that they did follow their father into the wilderness and did attempt to obtain the plates), Nephi's Sisters (mentioned in 2 Ne 5:6), and of Zoram (being given Nephi's word that he would be a free man). Again, this was shelved due to time constraints. At this point, I divided the class into four groups and had them work on the directed study. There were four options and we made sure each option was covered. Each group had about 15 minutes to work on their assignment before presenting their thoughts to the class as a whole. (Again, we shortened the time a little because the previous class, Life Skills, ran over a bit). I was thrilled to see my fellow classmates working so openly with one another. There was mutual give and take and everyone came away edified by the learning process. It was a really cool thing to view and be a part of. From Option 1, it was discussed how Nephi was able to see the goodness and mysteries of God because of the afflictions he experienced (which is a way of looking at things that I may have not previously considered). And that the resulting knowledge, as well as his obedience, lead to him being highly favored of the Lord. From Option 2, the topic of tender mercies was discussed. The Lord protected Lehi and his family from the coming destruction of the city. He lead them through the wilderness and He aided them in getting the brass plates. He stood by them every step of the way, even when they were scared but still willing to go about doing His work and accomplishing the tasks He had set for them. Option 3 discussed Laman and Lemuel's rebellion. They were vain and prideful and attached to worldly things. They did not take the time to ask of God or seek insight into His teachings. They also did not show respect for the Lord (or at times their own family). Nephi did the exact opposite. He did not rebel because he studied the words of the Lord, he prayed and asked for confirmation and understanding. He honored his father and tried to be obedient to the teachings he was given. Nephi was humble and teachable, whereas his siblings were not. Slaying Laban was difficult for Nephi but the Lord granted him understanding, that his people would dwindle and diminish in their unbelief if they had no access to the plates of brass, and that Laban was delivered into his hands by God for the purpose of obtaining those plates, to fulfill God's promise. Overall, Laman and Lemuel complained and chose not to be positive and not to seek further light and knowledge, which was readily available. Nephi studied things out for himself and then asked Heavenly Father for confirmation and guidance. He also supported Lehi, his father, in his efforts to follow the will of the Lord. I think Nephi showed great faith in committing to follow his family into the wilderness, leave behind the world he had known, and most of his possessions. He showed great faith in being determined to not return to his father without the plates of brass. And greater faith still in doing the will of the Lord, and slaying Laban, which was something that was particularly challenging for him. (Quick Disclaimer, I previously wrote about the various options in an assignment online, I reposted about them here, in this blog, because they were part of my learning experience and I thought they were pertinent to this summary). I closed out the evening with a few thoughtful questions. I asked everyone how the activity they just completed would help them become a better disciple of Christ. I also asked if they could teach another person, later this week, about one of the principles they had just learned, which principle would they choose to share and why? Many people mentioned having the Holy Ghost aid in the teaching and learning process. Some mentioned that it takes exercising faith to gain new knowledge and understanding. Others brought up the point that with God on your side you can accomplish all things, even the impossible. We ended the night with a few quick moments for reflection. I posed the question of whether or not their learning this evening would affect their Becoming Project? If so, how? I also reminded them that they can continue the discussion, if they so desire, by utilizing the gathering discussion board. Overall, it was an amazing experience. I can testify that involving the Holy Ghost, in any and all learning, really takes your class to the next level. I really appreciated that everyone in the class participated. They volunteered to read the handout I gave on Visualization. They volunteered to pass out papers. They did not complain about presenting for their groups. They gave amazingly thoughtful and insightful comments and testimonies about their own life experiences. They were kind and raised their hands to be called on. (And they were really very understanding ... I could not read the name tags that everyone had because the print was to small for me to see clearly with my 'low vision' so I asked people to please raise their hands and I would point to them and let them speak. They did so with grace and did not make me feel awkward for having to deviate from normal procedures). I think we were all edified by the experience of learning together. We each had something to give and share and we each learned new insights along the way. During the quick feedback session, I was told that I did well with the visuals and with making eye contact and paying attention to each person that was called on. I was told I did a great job and people were not sure why I was so afraid to stand up and speak. (The little pessimistic voice inside my head wants to say people are just being nice, since I know I stumbled over my own words - a great deal more than I would have liked - and things did not go completely as planned). I am telling the little voice to shush and trying to take things at face value. I truly felt everyone in the class was generous with their words and truly respectful and kind to one another and I entered the situation with a prayer in my heart that people would receive the inspiration that they needed to hear, specifically, and that nothing I did or did not do would get in the way of that learning experience. I think my prayer was answered.

Intervention Weekend

Today I am thankful for: 1. Angels watching over my loved ones. Parents were in a sideswipe today. No one was injured but the white truck has some nasty black marks on it. 2. Priesthood Got a blessing from my husband today when we were alone at the house. So nice to be able to ask and receive guidance from the Lord and to feel He remembers me/us. 3. Outback One last Summer Meal to say good-bye to vacation. He starts part time job tomorrow and school again in Sept. Also was our "I Love You" Versary! 4. Intervention The Con was a great way to meet fellow creatives who are also fans of Who, Sherlock, and other Pop Culture things! And Steve got to do some voice acting work with Terry Molloy! Aka Davros! 5. Knowledge The marketing skills I learned at Con. The spiritual things in our scriptures (2Ne 7-8) The knowledge that God watches over us always, especially in the midst of our trials.

Attitude of Gratitude (It's been a long time!)

Today I am grateful for: 1. Good Food We visited Red Robin and got Steve his Birthday Burger and me the Ensenada Chicken. A mint brownie shake for dessert! 2. Internet TV Shows We caught up on Mr. Robot, Teen Wolf, and Falling Skies. (What a marvel it is to be able to watch things at any time that is convenient for you! To be able to shuck that burden that existed with viewership, when if you missed the original air date you might never get the chance to view it again!) 3. Daddy being cancer free! He had tests to see if he had developed bladder cancer, as he was presenting some pretty scary symptoms but we got good news and are Very Relieved. 4. My Companion He loves me even when I'm grumpy. Yesterday, Aug 6, was the anniversary of the day we first met in person. He barely said hi to me at our first encounter (and eleven years later I can't seem to get a word in edgewise!) 5. Hope I feel trapped some days. I hate our financial situation. But I am grateful that God is mindful of us and that there is always a spark of hope for the future. BONUS 6. Writing Partners (Aimee) We have entered a contest together and this has served to sort of rekindle our desire to work together and my desire to go back and explore and complete previous novellas. It is both exciting and daunting!

Attitude of Gratitude Day 13

Today I am grateful for:

1. Bonus Check. We randomly got a bonus check from one of my husband's jobs. The amount of the check was just enough to cover our huge electric bill (which are horrendous out here in the summer). We were struggling on figuring out how we were going to pay this bill (as they wanted immediate payment of the money owed on the last bill, that we'd paid in increments, and full payment of the new/current bill within two days after that). This covered the costs and gave us room to breathe. We are so very thankful for a kind Father in Heaven who gives us support and relief at the exact moment we need it!

2. Pizza! Yes, it is a little thing but it was nice to have a meal that didn't come from the freezer last night!

3. Time Off. It was so relaxing and lovely to spend an entire day and night with my Sweetheart. He wasn't on the schedule last night so he had the entire day off and we spent it together. We hung out, ate pizza for dinner. Rented Prince of Persia and watched that from Redbox. Enjoyed watching Doctor Who's newest episode (God Complex) and I was able to introduce him to CW's 'Secret Circle' which he found to be fairly decent. (The night before he finished watching 'The Ringer' and said it had potential and caught up on 'The Vampire Diaries' since I'd already caught the season opener). And when I grew tired he came to bed to read to me but we just ended up linking hands and sleeping. I feel so safe when he is beside me. :)

4. The Gospel. I'm thankful to know where my blessings come from. To know that someone up there is looking out for me and is mindful of my needs and those of my family and friends. To know that the loved ones that have been such a part of my thoughts of late are still there, just a bit beyond physical reach, and are still mindful of me and looking out for me in their own limited capacities. I miss them a great deal but I know they are engaged in doing many valuable things on their side of the veil.

5. Photos. Yesterday I spent several hours looking through photos from college. (Mostly). It warmed me inside to think back on all of those times. All of the fond memories. There was the time Manna, Byrant, Aimee, Mel, and I went to RennFaire (Mel and Aimee tried on Pixie Wings). There were photos from when Michelle Bellante threw me an 'Aunt' Party a few days after Emily was born. (We had sparkling apple cider and blew bubbles, it was so fun!). There were pictures of snow and pictures of Tangie's car after she wrecked it. Pictures of Barslund, Sam, Angela, Calla and I all hanging out. (Not so much me as I was always behind the camera). I had a really nice shot of Josh-n-Les and Jase-n-Tanya that would have been framable if Josh hadn't been making this big goober face in it! Just a lot of warm, happy memories. (I need to invest in a high quality scanner so I can share these shots with others. I think they'd enjoy them as much as I do!)

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for:

1. Kindle. I've been sick lately and I've really enjoyed having my Kindle and being able to plow through books (without the typical eyestrain).

2. Secure Employment (knock on wood). I'm grateful for how hard Steve works to support us, even in times of trial. We're stretched to the limit financially right now but I am really glad we can meet most of our bills.

3. Aslan. The new car is doing well. (knock on wood). We just had the oil changed. It's so nice to have a car that doesn't break down every second. Reliability is a treasure.

4. Internet. It keeps me in touch with the world at large and keeps me informed on events. I appreciate that. (I wonder if my History teacher in 9th grade ever imagined how current events would be disseminated in the future? He used to make us subscribe to TIME magazine and do reports on the articles every week. It was his way of keeping us up to date on world and national issues. Now we can do the same thing with the click of a button).

5. Mom and Dad. I'm thankful that they were kept safe during all the flooding and crazy storms in the East.

6. Aimee. She was also kept safe and sound during the rains and such.

7. Cara and Russ. A tree fell in their back yard. If it had fallen the other way it would have taken out the adults bedroom (leaving their kids orphans). I saw the pics and it was a big dang tree. So glad they were kept safe.

8. A/C. It's costing us a lot of money (tho a bit less than last year but still up there because the company has increased rates).

9. Food. We've at least been able to afford groceries. Fresh fruits and healthy items for Steve (and me occasionally! Working on that, I promise!) We've had a few times where the budget granted us enough personal money to order a pizza.

10. Prayer. I've been ill and listless the past couple of weeks. Depressed too. But I think the prayers are kicking in and I've been able to clean some today and to feel like I've at least accomplished a few things.

That's all for now! Catch you next time!