There's so much to be THANKFUL for!

I still need to post pictures... time to do something instead of the crazy Halloween picture! Sorry for any folks that check my blog and keep seeing that (probably only Laura, Sariah, and Mom!). I love how Laura has been blogging about things she is grateful for this month. It's the little things that often go unnoticed and unappreciated! In Sunday School they showed a clip from Mormon Messages to talk about Thanksgiving, and I loved it. I especially appreciated one man that said, "I'm grateful for what is ahead!" At first, that may sound funny if we don't know what is ahead, but I loved that optimistic outlook. With the gospel of Jesus Christ, we always have hope in a new day and in the future. We know opportunities are ahead, and even if they are challenges, they are really opportunities to learn and grow. I look back and realize I couldn't have planned my life to go as it's gone, but it's been full of just the learning experiences I have needed! It fills me with joy to know more joy, experiences, and learning are yet ahead! With the Savior, I know I can rise to what may come. (Philippians 4:13)

I am eternally thankful for the Savior... my friend, light, strength, my song, the perfect example and loving elder brother.

I am so grateful for the scriptures. I enjoy a spiritual feast at my fingertips each day to guide me. The more I read and try to understand them, the more I see I have to still learn!

I will always be grateful for living prophets and their revelation and direction for us. When I really listen to them, I feel so guided and gain just the perspective and balance I need. I love sweet President Monson!

I am SOOO grateful for an amazing family!!!!!! I can't say this enough. Honestly, each member is so important. Each brother and sister (that includes in-laws), niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, grandparent, and my parents have played such an important role in my life. Their SINCERE and DEDICATED love for me always astounds and humbles me. I love being their sister, aunt, daughter, niece, cousin, and granddaughter.

I am so grateful for the people in this world. I love serving in the temple, with others in my ward and in my job. I love learning from others' unselfish examples and find such joy in each unique personality. I love good friends. I love making new friends all the time, seeing how the more people you meet, the more great people we realize are out there!

I am grateful for a good-working car and a warm and functioning home, and for the ability to pay for these things!

I am grateful for a great job and good students who teach me each year! Their notes, smiles, and desire to do what is right makes my day, each day!

I am thankful for technology, and the chance to call anyone wherever I am. For this laptop I am able to type on right now, for the ability to heat hot chocolate in a microwave and turn on a light at any moment.

I am thankful for good health and for modern medicine so I can still be alive.

Odd as this may sound, I am thankful for my trials. If life wasn't hard, it would be boring, I wouldn't progress, and I wouldn't have the chance to become who I need to be. I am grateful for lessons learned in trials by turning to the Savior, prayer, the scriptures, and good people who can share their insight and love with me.

I am grateful for my talents, and how the Lord is giving me a chance to discover more.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to travel and finish a master's degree before marrying.

I am grateful to know who I am, to be happy with life, to be content and also to not give up hope in my deep desires.

Well, if you made it this far, way to go! I am grateful for you too!