Gratitude #39

 

I am ashamed to see how long it has been since I had an "actual" Gratitude post.

 

I have been so consumed with so many posts...and still need to blog about so much... and I am so behind.. that this has been put out of the way..  but I can't think of any other way I would want to start off November than with some Gratitude.

 

As always... these things are not in any order... but just what randomly comes to my mind first.

 

(1)

 

I am Grateful for Service.

 

I will stand as a witness and will declare until I am dead..

 that Service brings the truest Happiness.

 

Every time I feel swallowed up in my woes.. or I get consumed with sadness over Dad and hard things in my life.. I know I can bring myself out of it -- by simply focusing "outside of myself" and helping someone else out. It's a simple recipe.. and  Works every time.

 

While I cared for  Grandma in my home this last summer.... people were always singing praises over my service to her.. but I truly feel as though her time spent in my home was for me.

 

She helped me as much as I did her.

 

Some days.. I miss her so much.  Something fierce actually.

And then I thank the Lord that I had the opportunity to gain that Love and friendship with her -- that I never had before -- all of my life.

 

I will always consider her another Best Friend in my life.

 

As I was winterizing my front yard this past week-- I pulled out my dead flowers.. and felt sad-- as I remembered planting them with Grandma sitting there admiring me doing so.

 

Now-- she was gone.. and the flowers were gone.

 

Death seemed so consuming to me.

 

And then I thought about how death is not the end.. and is only for a short time.. and then it will be spring again.. and flowers will grow and surround me once again.

 

And then I felt grateful that it will even be the same for my Father and Grandparents.

~ Even though it won't be as quickly as Spring.. I do believe that because of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...  I will once again see my Family members again.. and they will come back from Death and Rise again.  Whole and new.

 

It was a sweet analogy to think about while I was gardening.

 

It's no wonder I love Spring so much.

 

New life.

 

I look forward to the day -- when I can see them again.

 

♥

 

(2)

 

I am grateful for this Utah weather.

 

While many of my flowers have died.... I still have 4 pots of beautiful geraniums and petunia's showing me how beautiful and strong they are to have made it through snow and some nightly freezing temperatures.

 

I am amazed that it is the 3rd of November.. and I still have some flowers.

 

And 60 and 70 degree temperatures.

 

I LOVE IT.

 

 

 

(3)

 

I am Grateful Chad is working from home.

 

It is always uncertain -- with the field that Chad is working in.. how long a job will last.

Rumors go around... meetings happen... and yet--we are assured all is well.

But.. I know better.. and choose to be grateful for employment each and every day.

 

While Chad has offers to change jobs coming in weekly... I am in LOVE with him being home with me.. and as long as we can keep this job..we will.

 

It is simply bliss.

 

No commute... the Priesthood in my home almost 24/7 and lunch with my best friend almost every day is the happiest thing I can think of. We have even saved money since then.

 I am SO grateful for this opportunity. 

 I think he even works harder.. and is more diligent with his time -- being at home.

  He is such a good and honest guy!

 

(4)

 

I am grateful for Friendships.

 

I am so grateful for the friends that call me because they were just thinking of me.

For inspiring things that you say or post on your blog or facebook.. that were just what I needed to hear.

For not judging me.. but overlooking my faults and weaknesses and loving me.

For sending me a note.. or listening to me on the phone.. when you are super busy yourself.

For all of you that continue to come to my blog and read about my life.. when I haven't been to yours in forever.

For those of you that have commented this year on my blog.. and given me words of wisdom and encouragement -- when I have felt so low and worthless.

I am blessed beyond measure -- with good friends.  Near... and across the ocean.

 

(5)

 

I am Grateful for Order.

 

My house has taken me almost 3 weeks to go through.

One project has led to another.. and another... and another.

De-junking.. changing everything around, selling furniture, and creating new spaces has consumed me.  I have been selling so many things -- I even had a man come and look at furniture -- during trick or treating time on Halloween.  It feels so good to do this now-- so I can help others in the Spring time months -- feel more peace and happiness in their spaces.  I truly love to see order.  I love to see people live more simple and easy lives.  I am so proud of friends and clients that give up "stuff" and live with less.  It creates a peace and harmony that is not describable.

 

(6)

 

I am Grateful for My blessings and my trials.

 

Both have given me an incredible amount of knowledge and empathy for others.

I feel overwhelmed at all I have been dealing with -- for the past 3 years.. but I can see how much change and growth has come into my life -- that probably would have never been there if I didn't experience those hard things... and seeing and feeling  some of the most beautiful experiences of my life, has given me comfort -- and a testimony of many true and simple things.

 

(7)

 

I am Grateful for my Health.

 

Since Grandma died.... and I was on so many vacations.. I have not been as diligent with my exercise and eating habits as I should have been.  I always have it going through my brain.. and I still think about everything that I put in my mouth.. but I haven't been so consistant with calorie counting.... and taking care of myself.   I miss it.

I stand on the scale every once in a while.. and feel fortunate that I have only gained 10 pounds back -- out of the almost 40 that I lost.  I still feel great.. and I am going to be more diligent!

 

I am kinda obsessed with Dr. Oz. 

 Seriously.. I can't believe how much my life has changed since I started recording and watching his show.  Chad and I have made great improvements to our lives because of his techniques, ways of living and health advice.

 

Because I feel like a 70 year old woman some days -- with my Arthritis and back pain..

 I feel grateful for the days I feel great... and my normal age.

 

Onward.. ever onward... focusing on my goals with my health.

 

(8)

 

I am Grateful for 3 darling and good kids.

 

I sometimes wonder how they got to be mine.  Such valiant spirits. 

I watch each of them.. and can see the courage, love and forgiveness they each possess.

They are Noble.

They have witnessed many Deaths.. and experienced things I didn't have to experience in my life until I was an adult.

They are good souls.  They are my best friends. 

They have genuine love and kindness in their hearts. 

They want to be good.  They are good.

 

I am a blessed Woman, Friend, Wife and Mother.