Give Thanks Challenge - Day 5

I’m thankful for stable employment.  Despite all of our military moves, Heavenly Father has always provided a way for my career to progress, probably because He knows how important this is to me. It has provided many happy memories and friendships and has also resulted in our ability to save for a rainy day and share with others.  

I moved into my current office the week before we were sent home to work remotely (owing to the pandemic), but it feels exciting to know that upon our return, I have a workspace that’s mine!

#givethanks #countyourmanyblessings

Give Thanks Challenge - Day 4

Cat snuggles are the best. I’m grateful for my kitties and the companionship they provide to me, especially when Jared is not home.

#givethanks #countyourmanyblessings

Give Thanks Challenge - Day 3

I would not be alive today without modern medicine.  Less than 100 years ago, Rh factor would have killed me off long before cancer or any other disease.  I’m grateful for the watchful care of medical professionals who have committed their lives to schooling, research, and practice.  It’s hard to put my gratitude for their devotion into words.  I’m also thankful for this physical body of mine that miraculously knows what to do if I give it the right fuel, adequate sleep, and proper motion.

Give Thanks Challenge - Day 2

I am deeply grateful for the beauty of this earth, for the variety of species and landscapes therein, and my ability to see it.  

Give Thanks Challenge - Day 1

This afternoon I received the gentle reminder from a righteous and inspired religious leader about the mental health and spiritual benefits which result from expressing gratitude and thanking God through daily prayer. (Watch the video from a man of both science and faith here.)

Guess it’s time to break out ye olde gratitude blog again! I actually felt prompted to pick this habit up again back in August, but I prioritized other things instead (i.e. bar prep consumed me...).  However, today is a new day, and that’s the beauty of this earth life.

Today, I’m grateful to know that God hears and answers my personal prayers through Jesus Christ’s intercession.  

#givethanks #countyourmanyblessings

This, Is My Savior

Natalie Jeanne Art

Stationery

Today I am thankful for stationery.  I took a walk in the rain after work and picked up some sweet washi tapes and a special Japanese letter writing set at the Penny Post in Old Town, Alexandria.  I love living within walking distance to so many neat shops and amenities.  

Exercise

I ran three miles today during work, since they offer a fitness routine program during work hours (3 "free" administrative hours for exercise per week).  I am grateful for access to a gym and for the opportunity to feel relatively healthy and make good use of my body.

Naps

Oh what a glorious thing a nap is--I feel so refreshed and so much happier after a nap.  I love that Sunday is a day of rest--and napping is relatively justified.

Walks with Jared

Nearly every day, Jared and I enjoy going on a walk together. We talk and share our dreams and hopes with each other. Today we walked in the rain. I don't bring my cell phone or anything else that could distract me, so I can give Jared the utmost attention--he does the same for me.  I am glad for the time that we have to spend together, and I am grateful that we found a special way to connect with each other.

Quiet time (II)

Today I am thankful for the quiet time in my life--particularly those moments when there is a silent peace, and I have no sense of urgency to complete "just one more thing."  My entire day felt busy and rushed, particularly during my commute (I ran late this morning) and while at home after work while completing Relief Society service through monthly administrative tasks (quarterly attendance, birthday cards, newsletter preparation).  Days like today makes me ever more grateful for down time.

The anticipation of a homecoming

Jared has been gone for nearly 7 months now--and I am anxiously awaiting his arrival in the next few weeks. I am grateful for his safety, growth, and for the opportunity we will soon have to be together again as a little family. I am thankful for the anticipation of a deployment reunion and homecoming!

My sister Emily

Today I am grateful for my sister Emily Claire aka Eclaire aka Goober. See, she is my first sister--the oldest of the four that I was blessed to receive. She was a pretty baby and always was a pretty girl, too. Now, she is a beautiful woman.  Many of my guy friends (yes, including my husband!) comment to me that she is very attractive. She was always the peacemaker of the family and relishes the fact that she is the middle child (of seven). Recently, she has re-activated herself within the LDS community. She has started reading the Book of Mormon daily, attending institute, participating in worship services and dating talented, spiritual, attractive, successful religious guys. And I am very happy for her, and grateful to live vicariously through her! :) I am grateful for her example--an example of how you CAN just pick up living the gospel and do it happily and without questioning. She confided in me that she always knew that the gospel was true, and that Jesus is our Savior, she just didn't always know when she would choose to take the leap of faith and go with God's Will and not her own. I know that she will make the right choices and live in bliss in the future. Love you, Emily.

Road Trips

Although the road trip back home to Sierra Vista was rather long, I am thankful for the chance that I have to spend time in the car with Jared and talk. I am grateful for road trips with my hubby and I am thankful for the safety HF provides us while we are driving.

Thesis

Today I am grateful that I am turning in my THESIS--the last thing I have due in my entire graduate school existence. Woohoo! Feels good!

Holiday Cheer

Today as I look around the base and the neighborhoods, folks have put a lot of time and effort in to decorating for the holidays. Lights are up, trees are trimmed, candles are lit and nativity displays are arranged. I am thankful for the holiday cheer of others and their contributions to the world around them!

IHOP

Compared to the slim pickings we have in Sierra Vista, IHOP is a novelty. Jared treated me to special holiday eggnog pancakes at IHOP for breakfast after his check-up this morning (okay, so I offered to drive--he can't anyways due to his surgery yesterday--and it didn't take much to twist his arm to go). I am grateful for these treats that Jared and I have become accustomed to over the past few years! I hope it won't be too hard to cut back when we have little ones.

Thanksgiving Day!

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving! Yummy food, family, good friends, gratitude and a nap wrapped up all in one day.

LASIK surgery success

Today Jared received successful LASIK surgery at Lackland Air Force Base. Was it a coincidence that the surgeon who worked on Jared is LDS? I don't think so. My confidence in the procedure increased with the knowledge that he (doc) likely said his morning prayers and was sober during the procedure! He was a white guy who spoke fluent Espanol to his staff. It tipped me off, so Jared asked. It turns out that Dr. Brooks served a mission in Spain and went to GWU for med school! I am grateful for such a small world today and the miracle of the human body.

Roach and El

Tonight Jared and I spent time with old friends from Japan. During the course of eating dinner at BWW, I thought about how much I missed the friendships we had made with those living in Okinawa during the same time as us. I am grateful for Roach and Eleanor for treating us some warmly upon our arrival and being excited to see us. We missed them!

Dairy Queen (again)

Today I am grateful for Dairy Queen. We got on the road to San Antonio this afternoon (Jared is getting LASIK surgery this Thursday on the government's dime), but before leaving, I worked really hard to finish up homework assignments for the week early and on time. Jared stopped at DQ to reward me for my hard work and to encourage me to keep going. Less than one week of school left!