An Attitude of Gratitude

'Tis the season for thanksgiving.  I have learned throughout my life that having an "attitude of gratitude" makes a world of difference.  I remember as a kid, trying to list everything I was grateful for, then getting bored and stopping because the list was too long.  


Later, I tried to develop a habit of writing in my journal each night, specifically noting the Lord's hand in my day.  The result has been INCREDIBLE!  The more blessings I notice, the more I seem to receive, and the more willing I am to bring cheer and blessings to others.  


Thanksgiving is a special holiday.  My husband gives me a hard time because I LOVE Christmas, and I never have an "off season" with Christmas music.  But for me, my relationship I have with my Savior Jesus Christ is everything to me.  I love christmas carols because they are pure testimonies put to music about Christ.  I love hearing boy bands, and famous country stars and classical tenors belt these touching ballads. So to me, I AM celebrating Thanksgiving by my desire to listen to Christmas music well before December!  


I have so many things to be grateful for, here is a list of a few:
1) My knowledge that I have a loving Father in Heaven, who knows me, and cares about me.


2) My belief that Jesus Christ is my Savior, who suffered and died for me that I may live with my family forever.


3) My handsome-hunk-of-a-husband.  I LOVE him! We have so much fun laughing and laughing everyday.


4) Hot Chocolate.  I live on this stuff in the winter.  If you drink it when you are truly cold, the calories don't count.


5) A wonderful, wonderful family.  I LOVE my family.  Every Sunday I spend over an hour on the phone with each member.  They are all great friends and I brag about them to anyone who will listen ALL the time!  I have a little brother leaving to serve the Lord on a mission to Brazil this Wednesday (first he is going to the MTC in Provo), and I am so grateful for his decision to dedicate this time in his life.


6) Uplifting music and movies.  I LOVE anything that touches my "feel-good" bone, and, if you asked my husband, I am a cryer and find myself sobbing in Lord of the Rings, or the Chronicles of Narnia.  I also love movies like Rocky that make me want to turn off the movie and do 1,000 push-ups and go on a 15 mile run.  


7) Modern-Day revelation.  I know we have a prophet of God on the earth today--just like Moses and Abraham and Peter and John led others and performed miracles in Christ's name, through His power, we have that same power and organization on the earth today, which is the greatest news in the world!


8) Long, strenuous, exhausting work-outs that leave you feeling sore but satisfied. I am grateful for progress and the pain it takes to get there.


9) Humor. What is Jackie Chan's favorite drink?.........................WAAAAAAATAAAA!!!!


10) People.  Everyone has a story and a smile.  I love finding both.  I love spending time with strangers and making new friends.  I am grateful for the people in my life now and those who will be in my life in the future.