Daily Grateful-David’s Job

I am so grateful for David’s job and all that it allows for us. Most importantly that it allows me to be able to stay at home with the kids. I am grateful that he enjoys his job, and excels in what he does. In this uncertain economy, it comforts me to know that his employers value him and what he does. David is such a hard worker, and has made many sacrifices to get to where he is professionally. He has definitely paid his dues, and while they might not yet be paid in full, he as definitely seen some great appreciation from his employers.

Daily Grateful-Modern Technology

I am so grateful for the modern technology that we have these days. It is amazing the things that we can do. I am able to deposit a check into my account from my phone. I can send a message to someone either through text message, email or facebook and they get it immediately. I am able to share pictures of my children, with ease, to my friends and family. I am able to talk, face to face, with my family who is far from me, both on my phone AND on my computer. It is just amazing to me the things that we can do, and I have only touched on a few of them. Being that I live so far from the rest of my family, it is so nice that they can still feel involved with my kids and be active in their lives. It amazes me how far we have come since I was younger. I remember having a TV with bunny ears and no remote (that makes me feel old). But I am in awe that in only 31 years, the world has been able to change so much and come SO far in a technological way. I can only imagine what is yet to come…

Daily Grateful-Preparedness

I know that on a day like today, Election Day, most people will say that they are grateful to live in a Country where we can vote for our leaders. Well, I’m just not feeling that way today. In the wake of this Presidential Election, I am quite disappointed in our Country. As I sat moping a bit, Bailey started to wake up. This was abnormal because it was only 9:30. But, instead of letting her cry it out, I chose to go in a get her. As I sat rocking her I looked down at my peaceful sleeping baby and was reminded about what is truly important in life… Our Family. My Daughter is only going to be a baby once, she needs a Mommy who is focused on her. My son is only going to grow up once, he needs a Mommy who is there for him. Sure, the results tonight have an affect on important things in our life. However, like my good friend Seana said, “There is only one President who I truly answer to, and that is our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.” Despite what is going on with the Country right now, I need to prepare my family in every needful thing. My children and my husband mean the world to me. As the mother/wife of the family,  I feel it is my responsibility to get my family prepared. So, my goal for 2013 is “Prepare Ourselves In Every Needful Thing!”

Daily Grateful-Prayer

I will, always and forever, be grateful for the power of prayer. The ability to have direction communication with my Father in Heaven is amazing to me. If I left anything with the people that I served, and served with, on my mission I would hope that it would be these 3 words… Pray About It! Anytime someone had a question for me, my first response was always, “Did you pray about it?” Now don’t get me wrong, whether they had prayed about it or not, I would do my best to answer their question. But, if they had not prayed about it, when we were through discussing it, I encouraged them to pray about it still for confirmation of what we had discussed.

There have been so many times in my life that I have found myself on my knees praying for answers, confirmation, comfort, help, guidance, and encouragement. Not until the last few years have I recognized the importance of praying a prayer of thanks too. I often find myself looking forward now to the opportunity to thank my Heavenly Father for answering my prayers.

I have had times in my life where I prayed for an answer to big life decisions, and I didn’t like the answer that I got. Those few times were very much faith trying, and in the end faith promoting, experiences. These prayers were rarely a 1-time prayer. I often found myself praying about the same thing, a few times. I wasn’t always willing to accept the answer the first time. At those times, it made me even more grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is so patient with me.

I hope, and pray, that I can pass my testimony of prayer to my children and that they will grow to appreciate it as I do.

Daily Grateful-Serving A Mission

10-years ago today I reported to the M.T.C. to serve my mission in the Micronesia Guam Mission. I remember when I opened my call I couldn’t believe that I was actually serving a mission, let alone going to be serving on an Island that not many people had heard of. I often wonder what the thought process was that went into sending me to that Mission. All I know is that the Lord was most definitely involved because I know that I was meant to serve among the Pohnpeian and Chamorro people. I learned lessons on my mission, that I could not have learned any other way. I met people that I most definitely could not have met otherwise. I became closer to the Lord than I ever could have. We are often told that when we serve others, our relationship and appreciation for them grows. Serving the Lord for 18-months definitely strengthened my relationship and appreciation for Him. I definitely had my share of loss on my mission. I lost both of my Grandfathers within 4-months of each other. As hard as it was to not be able to go to their funerals, I know that I was doing what they would want me to do. I know that I was where I needed to be.

My mission has provided me with lessons that I have drawn upon so often. I know that what I was teaching to the people on Guam and Pohnpei is true. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to teach them what is so important to me. I pray that one day those Islands are blessed with a Temple, and when they are you can guarantee I will be there!

Daily Grateful-Our New Cars

I am so grateful for our cars. We splurged in August and bought a new car for me, and one for David. We love them. We did go a little overboard, but it is nice to have 2 cars that are reliable. I am grateful for my new car an the sense of security that it gives me while driving in the road. It is nice to be higher up on the road again and not so concerned about what would happen if we for in an accident. I love how easy it makes it for us to carpool and get to where we need to go. We are very blessed. :)