Sunday, December 18, 2011

Day 106: Thankful Today for This Time of Year


There is such a spirit of hope and giving this time of year as we prepare for Christmas. There are Secret Santa's, Angel trees, and other activities that show there are those who still remember it is better to give than receive. There is also a hope that as this year ends the coming year will bring new opportunities and fresh starts.

And then most important of all, the reason for this season: the Savior who gave the ultimate sacrifice and gives us all a fresh start and a new opportunity for closeness to God. I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Day 105: Thankful Today for An Uneventful Trip


 I arrived at the airport with hopes of smooth travel. Red bars encasing flight cancellation notices filled the departure screen. But thankfully none were my flight. It was the usual problem destination, which I had managed to avoid this time. Instead, both my flights were on time. For the first time in a long time, I had an uneventful trip. And I am thankful.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Day 104: Thankful Today the Presentation Has Shipped


 It was a crazy day and with things not arriving until the last minute I didn't think we would make it. But we did, and the last box was packed and sealed and left for UPS to pick up. It should arrive tomorrow morning in time for everything to be set up for our meeting. I hate the stress of last minute rushes. But I am thankful that this one ended well.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Day 103: Thankful Today I found a Christmas Gift for Mom


 I struggle every year with what to get my Mom for Christmas. What do you get someone who has everything they need? But this year I found the coolest gift. It's something she wouldn't expect and definitely doesn't need (which is the way she likes it for gifts). But it's something she'll find she'll use often and have a ton of fun with. It was featured on Good Morning America as one of the new cool gadgets out this year.

Thank you Good Morning America for giving me a gift idea I wouldn't have thought of, because I didn't know it existed.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Day 102: Thankful Today that My Ankle is Healing


The healing process has been slow but I am beginning to see improvement. I don't have full use of it yet. But I am definitely on my way.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Day 101: Thankful Today for My Freedoms


 I just finished watching the Presidential debates. Though I found it interesting, what struck me more were the freedoms the candidates represented. There was a woman on the stage. There was a time when a woman could not run for the presidential office or was even allowed to vote for any of the men seeking the position. This same woman mentioned a candidate who had been in the race who was an African-American. He represented a people who had even fewer rights at one time in the history of the U.S. There were men on the stage who had started their lives in poverty. Because of the freedoms and opportunities available to them they had worked their way into positions of authority. They had also attained the means to care for their families beyond what their parents had had.

I so hope that if one of these candidates wins they remember the freedoms that allowed them to have that position. I hope they protect those freedoms and restore any we have lost. I am thankful for the freedoms I have in my country and am hopeful our next president shares this thankfulness.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Day 100: Thankful Today for the Neighbor that Cleaned My Car


 We had our first December snow. It was just about 4 or 5 inches. But that's enough to be a nuisance and delay me getting to work. Thankfully the roads were clear, but there is the morning ritual of cleaning the snow and ice off the car that needed to be performed before even beginning the drive. I bundled up in warm clothes: hat, scarf, mittens, down coat, heavy boots, and trudged outside. To my delight I was greeted with a car that had been brushed free of the fallen snow. I had my neighbor to thank for it. After cleaning off his wife's car he had generously done mine as well. Thank you neighbor.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Day 99: Thankful Today for Feeling Better


 It's amazing how much better you can feel after a dose of medicine and some rest. Another night's sleep and I think I will be ready to face work tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Day 98: Thankful Today for the Ending of the Semester


 The semester is almost over, just two tasks left to do. But my major project is complete. Though I enjoyed what I learned this term, I am more than ready for the end. Ready to catch up on sleep, have time to hang out with a friend, visit my family for the holidays. Ready to have evenings with no deadlines, chapters to read or any other obligations. I am ready for a break. I look forward to the time to relax, recharge and prepare for the next semester.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Day 97: Thankful Today for the Beauty of God's Creation


 As I look back at the pictures from my most recent trip I am reminded of the beauty and diversity of God's creation. He is the Master Artist. His brush painted the beautiful blue sky, emerald ocean and glistening sands of the beach I explored. And this is just one of the many paintings in his studio called earth. In other places there are lush green forests, majestic red mountains, vast icy drifts. There are a many and various creatures that crawl, swim, climb and walk within his masterpieces. His creation also includes the varied races, shapes and sizes of the people that occupy and admire his work.  His creations are diverse and oh so beautiful.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Day 96: Thankful Today for A Wonderful Thanksgiving


Pies, Turkey, Roasted Vegetables, Dressing, the list goes on. As I think back to last week and Thanksgiving I remember the food was good. But what I am most thankful for is the company I had the meal with. I enjoyed my time with family as we reconnected over a good meal and the sharing of our lives.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Day 95: Thankful Today for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches


 Airport food! It can be good if you are in a large airport. But these small ones don't always have the best choices. I studied the menu of oil-laden fried foods that filled it and I was stuck on what to eat. I finally landed on a fried choice that brought back memories, of course, not in the way it was being served at the airport. But in another context it would be comfort food. Considering my plane was delayed several times, comfort is what I needed. So I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich, wishing it came with the creamy tomato soup my Mother always served with it when I was a child. It didn't. But each cheesy bite still helped me reminisce and find comfort.