Helping Hands

This is what it's all about. Thank you Joshua Brown for the video.  Please take time to watch it.
http://vimeo.com/53357089

U.S.A.

Yesterday was election day. I was really hoping Romney would win the presidency. Yet, here we are with Obama. The past four years have looked very bleak with Obama as president, but he is our nations elected leader and we need to stand behind him. We may not agree with all he does and we don't need to. We do however need to remember we live in the United States, the greatest nation on Earth. We will survive the difficult times we face. We need to look forward and do what we can to make things better. This is not a job for one man. We need to do our part. Help someone in need! Help a neighbor! Help a friend! Just be willing to help where you can! That is what this nations needs more than anything else. People willing to put themselves aside for others. Work to make your homes better! Work to make your neighborhoods better! Work to make your churches better!

I read a quote from President Harold B. Lee. today.

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail."

 Let us always remember this and do our part to make it even better. Keep up the hope!

It's Been Rough

I have most definitely not lived up to what I wanted to do with this blog. But I can none the less still show gratitude each day without writing about it.

My kiddos started school about a month ago and each has impressed me with their abilities and choices. Sure they are children and still make some unwise choices, that's what kids do. We are there for them. To teach them and lift them when they fall. They learn from us. When we get a glimpse, in them of what we have taught, shining through it gives great joy and gratitude. I love my kiddos. On my worst days, they have a knack of breaking through my "bad day shielding" to make me smile. They are incredible.

A few weeks back I found out that a contract I have fulfilled for a company for over 10 years will no longer continue. They have restructured the company and joined forces with another firm. That other firm already had an in house position that does what I did on contract. I'm not hurt at all by this emotionally, in the sense that it's not a personal thing against me. I have many other things that can fill in the time I spent doing the work, but I and my family have come to depend on that income. On the other hand the loss is devastating. We have been working with others from religious leaders to real estate agents and an attorney, even many close friends and family in order to find a way to keep our home. The challenge is formidable. We have basically been told that in order to get started with any assistance we must first miss a few house payments. This is a hard thing to do. If we make the payments we have no money for food, clothing, gas, medical... If we don't we lose good standing with our creditor. We take a hit in our credit and possibly the opportunity or ability to buy another home if we loose this one. We are receiving assistance now, until we can formulate a plan of action. We have tried to work with our bank but it doesn't look promising. Yet, with all of this (and believe me it is quite the burden to bare) it seems easy to be thankful for what I have. The reason is my Savior Jesus Christ. He is offloading the pressure of this and other burdens to where I can bare it. Otherwise I would be crushed under it's weight. I am so thankful for what He (Jesus Christ) has done for me and my family. We will be fine. Everything will work out. in the future I'll look back at this day and will be thankful for this trial and that I was able, with Christ's help, to endure it. Thank you!

Quality Time = Great Family

It just seems time slips by so quickly. Well, that is when you don't want it to. There are always those situations we get in where time doesn't seem to go fast enough.

I see my kids growing up so fast. Almost 14 years ago my fist was born. I can still see her tiny, beautiful self, as if she were just born.

At times it seems I can't wait for them to get older and more responsible. Then it happens! All you want then is more time with how they were. How they would run to, you when you got home, with their big bright smiles. The innocent looks on their face when you know they've been mischievous. Their angelic likeness when sleeping.

It hurts to see the innocence the world seems to steal away from them as they get older. Yet, to see them overcome the worldly is a prize to be cherished. Simple small steps, in the right direction - the right decisions and choices being made - Whether or not we choose to, we all have the responsibility to better ourselves. When great steps of improvement, whether big or small, are seen in your child it brings joy to your heart.

I am still learning the Time principle. Children require time. Family requires time. The more quality time spent with your family, the more positive experiences you will have with them, and the better quality your relationships with them will be. Sometimes it's difficult to give our time. It's hard when we want it for ourselves. At times it can be extremely difficult to be selfless, and many times it's easier to be selfless to those not as close to us as our family. That's interesting isn't it! It can be more difficult to get along with those we love the most, then with a friend, acquaintance or even a stranger. Time is required of us and if we let it slip away we are left with the pang of regret. Looking into the eyes of those who grew up and into the past of what was missed. I am trying to give more selfless time. It's a struggle sometimes, but it's worth it.

I love me children and my beautiful, wonderful wife that brought them into this world. What a blessing and miracle they are. I am so very thankful for them.

Freedom

We celebrated our independence this past Wednesday. Although our country is going through some tough times, I fee so blessed to live in the USA. Not to diminish any other country, but we really do have it good here. I am grateful for the blessing it is to have been born and raised here. I have met and worked with many from other countries that have come here for the American experience, some for freedom and others work. They haven't necessarily spoken bad about where they are from, but you can tell they are very happy to be here. I am thankful for them and the experiences they have shared with me. They help me to better appreciate what I have been blessed with. What a wonderful place to live!

Great week

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Moab Utah for five days. This was part of a Scout Camp. We went to Arches and biked Porcupine Rim then spent some time in Canyonlands (Island in the Sky).  Wow, this place incredible. Arches National Park is amazing. I wish I was able to do more hiking there. They have a portion of the park called The Fiery Furnace. It's an additional cost but I would pay to hike it. You have to make plans way in advance to do it. Canyonlands was also amazing and I only wish I had had more time there. So much to see and hike with just too little time. Porcupine Rim was also incredible. It was hard and I and another that biked it with me got heat exhaustion, but in the end, I think, we came out better for it. An overall amazing experience with beautiful views of Gods handy work. Moab is the ideal place to take in Gods paintbrush. I'm excited to go again. Although my next adventure is Yellowstone. I'll be there next month with the family. That is another incredible place. I am so thankful for the experiences we gain when we're able to visit such places.

Happy Mothers Day

This week leaves the wonderful scent revealed by our reflection of Mothers. How wonderful it is to be blessed with a loving mother. Here is a poem written by a good friend of mine.

Hidden Angel

Have you ever paused to gaze at the stars in our night sky
to ponder on the wonders of these jewels way up high?

Have you ever broken step for the beauty of a flower
breath in its pleasant scent or its nature for an hour?

Have you ever heard sweet whisperings from an angel to your soul
or felt the comfort of their touch that makes us each feel whole?

Have you ever caught a glimpse of your Mother’s love for you
her delicate smile and caring eyes, her true nature shining through?

Have you ever felt an angels kiss, or felt its warm embrace?
Look no further than your own Mother and her sweet angelic face.

Have you ever looked into her eyes, those jewels shining bright?
They addle even the countless stars on an awe-inspiring night.

Have you ever gazed upon your Mothers truly awesome beauty?
Unlike a flower’s that fades with time hers last a full life’s duty.

Have you ever wondered why a Mother gives us so much love?
Why, it’s in her nature as an angel, a gift from God above.

She loves us, guide’s us and off we go and we’ll sometimes face defeat,
and when we fall she’ll wade through all to lift us to our feet.

Our Mothers affection does not stop, there’s always more to come.

A gift from God, He gave us love and then He named her Mom.

                                                                    

 Written By MMT

                                                                                                        05/04/2010

 I really like this poem. It brings not only my own mother to mind but also my sweet wonderful wife. What a blessing it is to have these incredible women in my life.

Good Times

Short and to the point. I have the opportunity to work with youth. Each week we have an activity. This past week was laser tag. It was a blast. The youth are so creative and energetic, it would be hard to not have fun when around them. Anyway, the night went really well and we had a lot of fun playing and talking. We got in on three laser tag games and one go cart race. The race ended the night well. I am so thankful for these youth. They are great people. Although I, as a leader, am there to teach and counsel them, I learn a lot in return. I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity! :)

Grass Is Always Greener

Yep, grass is always greener on the other side, well at least until you get to the other side. Right!

Imagine living on one side of a fence. We'll pretend for visual sake that this fence is chain link. Chain link is a bit drab, I know. So on your side, the links in the fence are as brightly shining gold. When you turn your eyes fall upon mildly rolling hills with lush green lawns that seemingly stretch forever. You then peel your eyes from this ah inspired view only to find in the great distance enormous mountains, at the base of which you see reflected in a calm, pristine, crystalline, mirror like lake, its mountainous neighbors. It's so pure and clear as you look past the reflection you see with perfect clarity all the wonderful life it supports below its surface.  As you gaze up into the rocky green folds of these massive highlands, your heart flutters with the shocking impact of the landscape that lies before you. The vibrant colors brought forth from the wild beauty literally take your breath away. When the realization that your not breathing begins to dawn in your overwhelmed senses, you're briefly startled, yet relaxed in the cushion of your surroundings. In your calm intake of air you discover a clean and pleasing aroma. When in abundance you capture the sight of a grand assortment of eye enchanting flowers, all in an exploding array of colors, leaving a scent that freshens the air. To one side of the lake you have incredible towering trees of all kinds. Each full of luscious leaves and needles covering the most beautiful spectrum's of green. As your eyes expose Gods artistry and the grace with which each leaf dances in the breeze, you meet the tips of each tree. Each reaching high as its tender green fingers tickle the most amazing blue sky imaginable. Sparse thin wisps of white embrace the immense sea of blue, each wisp gravitating towards the pure white peaks piercing the sky. When you regain control of your senses do to the wondrous landscape, you find yourself surrounded by family and friends. Pure love isn't descriptive enough to explain your emotions and feeling, yet that's exactly what it is!

Now, noting that this may not be the ideal for well, anyone but me, nothing I described above, or could describe as far as the side of the fence we live on, can truly match the blessings we have in our lives. We could describe our side with the most grand of illusions,but whether described truthfully or not, we will inevitably leave out what matters most. Those being our blessings each day. We have a tendency to live for the moment in a selfish way. We think of what is our ideal situation or what we seek, and tend to leave others as second thoughts if at all sometimes. We each have so much we don't see. We are so blind to so much so often. Just take a moment and think of one thing your thankful for. If you can't think of anything, you may possibly be on the wrong side of the fence. Remember: All good things come from God.

Here is a little challenge. Try naming 100 things your thankful for. Wow, one hundred things! Come on it's not that bad. I got this out of the Dec. 2011 Ensign.
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Take a Gratitude Challenge

By John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat

Let’s not just talk about counting our blessings—let’s do it! Write a list of 100 things you are thankful for. If that sounds like it is too many, try this:

1. 1. 
   Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
2. 2. 
   Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
3. 3. 
   Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
4. 4. 
   Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
5. 5. 
   Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
6. 6. 
   Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
7. 7. 
   Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
8. 8. 
   Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
9. 9. 
   Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
10. 10. 
    Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

When we make a list like this, we discover that a list of 100 doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/12/the-choice-to-be-grateful?lang=eng
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It's interesting to see or hear what people will give up to even catch a peek of the other side of the fence, the wrong side of the fence. Some get trapped on that other side. Whether it be to addictions (drugs, alcohol, smoking, pornography, television, what have you) or even just to show a little rebellion because of the 'no one can tell me what to do, when really all it was is good advice' syndrome, or maybe jealously, many get trapped. The wrong side is full of greed, selfishness and pride, basically self serving individuals. Some just make a mistake and come back quickly. At one time or another everyone goes to the other side. It's just nice to know how good my side is. Wow, the good that can come from just being thankful. Be thankful for what you have. If you can improve your side of the fence then do it, and work at it, but never give up the blessings you have and don't get trapped on the wrong side with what you think you want.

The only time grass is greener on the other side is when your on the wrong side. Jesus said "Come unto to me". His side is the right side. He will pull you free from sin, free from addiction, free from mistakes. You only have to ask with sincerity in your heart. He is there for everyone, beckoning us to come to him. He gave us agency, that we may choose Him. He will not force us. I am so thankful for my blessings as I strive to make my side of the fence the same as Christ's.

Thankful for my Father in Heaven

No one reads this blog, but if they did they would have most likely realized that I value a faith in Christ. I am a member of the 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'. We just had our semi-annual General Conference. I loved it! We have some very great leaders that are truly led by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the gospel knowledge I have been blessed with. What a truly wonderful thing it is to know where we come from, why we are here, what is required of us while we are here and what happens when we pass on. I thank thee Father in Heaven for this blessing.

Great Tunes

I know, I have written about music before, but it's just so good to here nice clean music. There are so many different kinds to choose from. Music is great, it can be uplifting and energizing, or soothing and relaxing. There is so much more to music than we think. It can sour our mood or improve it. Music can be very mood altering to the extent that after prolonged listening it can change who we are to some degree. It can alter our thoughts, emotions and desires. That is why we need to be selective in what we allow our ears to hear. I love music and I am thankful to God for good music!

Job Stress

I may have already posted about my job. That's OK, I may return to show thanks for things many times. I love my job. Right now it is stressful. I have a server acting up and it is giving now clues as to what I need to do to fix it. Usually I can find a workaround quickly until I can get a permanent fix in place. Not this time. I am stumped. I've even had my boss in on it and together we can't find one. This is what I get for moving to new code. This upgrade forced another upgrade of a product that hasn't even released yet. We got our hand on it though. Anyway, some drivers changed and now that we have our commands switched over using the new client we can't get connection. These are just some struggles of the geek.

I find that my days go much better when I'm involved in a pressing matter. I focus more on what needs to be done and time fly's. In some ways that's great. You get what feels like a short work day, but on the other hand if you still didn't find a fix your facing another day of searching for it. All in all, cross my fingers, any issues I have faced so far in 15+ years, big or small, have been relatively easy to overcome. Even this one will prove to be. I have heard monster stories about issues other data centers have had. I consider myself blessed to be where I am, doing what I'm doing, and knowing all I know.

What's Not To Be Thankful For?

OK, so I just got an email from a friend of mine. He was asking advice on something about his son. I gave my opinion and he replied with a thanks man, consider yourself hugged -- in a manly way. I love this guy. He is one of the best people I have ever met. He's a great man.

In my area, where I live, we have many great people. I love my neighbors and friends there. We have a great community, where we really try to help and serve each other. Living this way is what it's all about. When you need help having someone there, but even better, being the one that can and will help. We try very hard to teach this to our children and to those that may not live like that. There is more to it. This is a simplified example, but it's true. Live in a way as to serve others. See for yourself how much more happy you will be.

FYI: Getting a thank you is a great thing, but should not be necessary. Just make sure you are thankful in all things. Sometimes we allow ourselves to be consumed with our accomplishments or the thanks we receive and over elevate ourselves. Thinking we are better, in one way or another, than others. We need to stop that prideful thinking, bring ourselves back down from our cloud and get back to those important things in life, people.

The people in our own home (family), close friends, neighbors, and those we just meet, strangers you may run into, these are all people going about their lives just like you and I. The thing that really makes us different is what we decide to do with our lives, what we believe in. I believe we need to look out for one another, help when we can, especially when we feel like we are the ones that need help, we should seek to lift others.

A very wise person once said "Never suppress a generous thought". We should all strive to live with this attitude. There is so much to be grateful for. Everyone around us is great, sometimes they just need help to see it.

My Intent Was Good

Again, I find myself weeks later remembering to update what's supposed to be my daily gratitude blog. I get so wrapped up in work and other things that I forget to post. Anyway, today I am thankful that tomorrow I get off work early. I love my job and am very thankful for it but I need a break. Plus i'm going to see the Hunger Games movie. I'm thankful for that too. Then I'm taking my wife out to dinner. Yes, I'm thankful for her and dinner also.

I will try to do better updating this blog. It's not like anyone even knows it's here, but I do and that's what matters.

Everyday Posting

Wow, did I get side tracked. My plan was to post everyday. I'm not doing very well with this. It's not that I don't have anything to be grateful for. Unfortunately, like most of us, I just got wrapped up in everyday life.

I was able to celebrate two of my children's birthdays this past week. We didn't have any huge extravagant party for either of them. It was just a nice little family thing. A few presents, favorite food, cake and ice-cream,  and of course  family time. I am so thankful for my children. Although at times they can really stress me out, I don't know what I would do without them. They bring such joy to our home, and chaos at times. There is nothing like the smiles of our children.

Basketball

OK, so last night I got to go to my 10yr old daughters b-ball game. Most of these games are not the most entertaining, but we go and support our children in the activities they enjoy. I was very glad I went. It had to be the most entertaining game in 10yr old basketball history. The energy these girls had, on both teams was incredible. Neither of these teams was willing to loose, at least they weren't going down easily. Both teams had the biggest fifth graders I've ever seen. Tall and Husky! The ref's were just so so. I say that because I ref also. BTW - It's not easy to ref. You can't see everything and a lot of the time the players and fans expect you to make calls you can't physically see because they are happening on the far side (your blindside) of the player.

Anyway, The girls were having a blast, giving it there all. The opponent was down the first 3 quarters and it really looked to be in the bag when in the end of the 3rd there 2 biggest players (our teams biggest are on the bench at this time) rack up the points, taking complete advantage of there height. I would have too. I kept thinking "what is our coach doing?" That wasn't the only mistake I thought she made. (hind sight is always 20/20). They pulled ahead by 4 points. So were now down by 4 at the beginning of the 4th quarter. They play hard stealing the ball, blocking passes and our team, with about 30 sec., left is now up by 4. Wow, "that was close" I'm thinking to myself. We got this game made. But wait, the other team has the ball and just made a basket. Now it's a jump ball and the other team gets it back. There is less then 15 sec. left in the game we are up by 2. They shoot and miss. A big'n on the other team grabs the rebound and shoots. Now with, I think, 7 sec. left they score. Tie Game! What happened?

So we go into overtime. This is our hope for a win. We steal and block and make baskets and we are now up by 4 again. This OT is only 3 min. Yet, the other team comes back and we are now down by 2. What a roller coaster. My words can't do this game justice. It was thrilling and exciting to watch. The action was far above a normal game for 5th grade girls, or 9th grade boys for that matter. I have never seen a girls game like this before, and I watched my sister play college ball. It wasn't necessarily the talent that made this a good game but the desire for the girls on both teams to win. They created an electrified game. The parents were all excited, even the players and parents waiting for the next game got into it.

So were now down by 2 and there is less then 30 sec. left. I don't recall if we stole the ball or if it was a jump ball where we regained possession, but it's ours. Down the court one of our big girls driving, lays it up and out. We get the rebound, shoot and score. It's a tie game! This leaves the other team about 15 sec. to do something. They bring the ball down and again one of our big girls steals the ball and is driving hard. She can make it to the hoop fairly untouched, yet the coach calls a timeout. What? Why? Your tied and she is right there at the hoop with a great chance, at least, of winning the game. They bring the ball in with just a few sec. left and miss the shot. The game just went into double OT. In this OT there is only 2 min. to play. It's like taking candy from a baby for the first min. Every time the other team even touches the ball we steal it back. Each time we shoot, they foul. We were on the line, I think, six or seven times in less then 2 min. Unfortunately, we can't make our free throws. I think we made 2. We are up by there before the 2nd free throw was made. So with, again, about 30 sec. left we are up by 3. Back and forth, back and forth, but we just plain out ran them in the 2nd OT. We come off winning in double OT by 4. The last 2 min. was very energetic with a lot of missed shots. The other team just couldn't hold on to the ball.

I love basketball. I love to play, ref and watch. It's an all around great sport. I have to admit though, when watching a live game it's very hard  to just sit and watch. I just want to be on the court. I play often and had my time while i was younger that I played as well. Wow, we had some good teams! I am very thankful for the time I have had to play ball. There is just nothing like it. Good fun, good competition, good friends and good exercise.

The inventor of basketball was genius and I'm sure inspired. Thank you for basketball!

Good Tunes

You ever encounter a smell that you just can't put your finger on, yet you know that scent. It's so familiar and the more you try to figure it out the further the memory of it speeds from your mind. That is so frustrating! Yet, it never fails, at some completely inopportune time the memory comes flashing back. Usually for me it's about 3am waking me from my much needed rest. The memory you recaptured by that smell is usually a sweet childhood memory. That is not always the case, but for me more often then not it works out that way.

Smell, taste and sounds can all do that to us. Even the texture of an item we touch can bring back these memories. Music is a powerful one for me. I love music. Good music! I listen to all kinds of music, many different genres. It's amazing to me the memories that flood back do to a tune I hear for the first time in years. I am thankful for music, especially good mellow, clean music. Music has power. Good music will bring good things to your mind. Music with suggestive lyrics and awful language will bring you equivalent thoughts and an attitude to follow.

So, Thank You to all those that take time to create good music.

Valentines Day!

Seeing as today is Valentines Day, I am reminded of how important those around me are. Not just my sweetheart and my children, but all my family (extended as well) and friends. I can't forget my boss and those I work with. They are all great. I am so thankful for and love all of these people.

I'm actually reminded often of how important all of these people are to me. This just happens to be a holiday in which I can express my thanks for them in a different way. With little red, pink and white hearts and cheesy little cards and candies that say 'Be Mine' or 'LOVE'. What a great holiday. I think any day (or holiday scheme) that gets us to look at those we love and give thanks for them is ultimately one of our best days.

Happy Valentines Day!

Hope!

So I've had a rough weekend. Not as rough as those people I will write about. Anyway, I got some very discouraging news about a niece of mine. She has decided to give up her family for very selfish reasons. This is not meant to dump on her but really to show why her family, I and my family had a rough weekend full of sorrow and sadness. Although she, my niece, may not have any hope left or the ability, for now, to see light and hope, I know it is there. She just needs to open her eyes to the truth and accept it for what it is. She needs to be true to herself then she can move on with hope, understanding the truth. Not just the truth of her actions and selfish feelings, but the truth and source of all light. She needs to find Jesus Christ in order to find hope. He is hope! It is hope that takes away sorrow. I am so thankful for the escape of sorrow, hope! It's a wonderful thing. It sounds easy, but finding hope in a bad situation can be so difficult. Maybe even the most difficult thing we will ever do in this life. Once we have it, life is so sweet. Here's to Hope! May we all be blessed to find it.

Flying Undies ; )

So this morning my three youngest kiddos were in my room. My two youngest daughters were helping mom fold laundry. I walked in and saw my youngest just being cute. She has the cutest smile and laugh and the best sense of humor. So anyway, being sneaky, I got behind her and put underwear over her head. She thought it was really funny and with her cute giggle took them off. Then she tried to put them on her older sisters head and we all laughed while her older sister got all grumpy, not wanting to participate. Her reaction with grumpiness was even more funny then the panties on the head in the fist place. Then my son came a little to close to see what we were all laughing at and my youngest almost got it over his head. He jumped back with a look of terror, all while she pull back her arm and let em rip. They landed square on his head and stuck there (don't worry, fresh laundry and all - clean ; ). All but my son busted out laughing. It was hilarious.

He unfortunately thought we were laughing at him. I had to talk to him a bit to get him to come back in. Then I explained to him that we were not making fun of him but just having fun with the moment and situation. I told him he needed to learn to be able to laugh at things like this. Not everything must be so serious all the time. Unfortunately, I know where he learned it. From me!

I am thankful for me son! He has his moments with ADHD and obsessive compulsiveness. We all have some of these tendencies. Some struggle with them more then others. Anyway, I am thankful for my son and the fact that he, through his actions this morning reminded me that I shouldn't always be uptight. Loosen up a bit.

I am not one to live by the mantra that rules were made to be broken. I know that fun can be had following the rules. I believe even more enjoyable fun can be had by following the rules, laws or commandments. Call them what you will, but take a break from your so serious work, school or whatever it is you do to much of and have fun. Even better, have fun with your family.

Thank you buddy (my son), you are such a blessing in my life. Your laugh and smiles, reactions, creativity, even your hyper and obsessive compulsiveness make me smile. I love it, and I love you, thank you!

Not Enough Sleep

Wow, I am really tired today. I was out a bit late last night playing basketball. Then when I got home I was up even later talking with my wife. I did get some good rest, it just wasn't enough. So thinking back on that, I am grateful for the rest I was able to receive.

It's amazing what the body can take. Our bodies are really very resilient. Although my lack of rest has made this day a bit long, my body will rejuvenate. That is just an awesome quality built into our bodies.  Although imperfect, we are pretty amazing. People are amazing. Life is amazing. What should I expect? We are after all born and made of God. He does some very amazing work.

None of our bodies are perfect, but they will be!

Thankful, for being tired? Who would of thought?

I Have Legs!

After getting the kiddos off to bed last night, I decided to use our treadmill. It's actually only the second time I've even been on it. I will usually go for the weight machine, but I've been doing that in the morning lately. I have access to a treadmill at work that I use during break, at times. Anyway, as I was using it, protected from the cold by a warm home. I got to thinking. (Ahhh, you thought I was going to be thankful for my home, and I am. Maybe that will be another post.) This time I was thinking how thankful I am for my legs.

Funny, most of us all have them, and I greatly sympathize for those that do not. We all take them for granted. Think about it. How many times a day do you think, 'Wow, I'm really glad I have legs!'. We don't do that. It's usually those things closest to us that we take for granted the most. I don't know about you but my legs are fairly close to me (so is my family). I am so very thankful for my legs. They take me where I want to go. They allow me to run, and have fun playing sports. They allow me to pound them into the pavement and although tired, they will still take me home.

I've had knee issues since my early 20's. Broken knee cap then 3 years later, almost to the day, a partial tear of both ACL and MCL. Neither of these are fun to go through and I could have had gone though much worse. As I get a bit older they hurt more and more. My weight has a bit to do with it as well. Even with these minor issues I've had to deal with, to have working limbs, even if injured at times is such a huge blessing. I can't imagine not having them, they just work for me and have throughout my life. I am so thankful for my legs.

The Beginning

So, where to begin hu? I heard someone say recently how she, along with others (about 300),  received an email everyday from this individual they know. He was recording everyday what he was thankful for and letting everyone he knew know about it. I am not posting this to advertise to the world, in fact i'm not going to tell anyone that I even created this blog. I just wanted a way to express more so to myself, what I am thankful for. A way for me to acknowledge the great blessings in my life. I know they are there but sometimes it takes an act of saying thanks or in this case typing. This of course goes along with trying to live the thanks we feel. The true way of saying thank you is by showing it, not saying it. Charitable living, or as I like to call it the attitude of gratitude.

Where do I start really? What in my life shouldn't I be grateful for (the answer is nothing)? All we have,  have had and will have are all blessings. People, Thoughts, Ideas, Tangible Things along with the Intangible - All of these deserve our gratitude. Not one thing should be taken for granted, yet we all do it everyday.

Hopefully as a way to start a change in me, an Attitude of Gratitude, I will try to add my thoughts of thankfulness to this blog everyday.

To start I will share a little thought I had last night before bed. As I was preparing for lights out, I was reminded of a time when I was so very busy with work and school that I seemed to have put my family to the side a bit. I was there with my family but really took the time I had with them for granted. Now my wife is very busy. She decided to go back to school, yet she still keeps up with the kids. Helps with their homework, after school activities, performances, in school class help. She keeps up the house as best she can with her plate full. She's on top of the laundry and cooking. All this among others as well. She is 'Wonder Women' in the truest sense. This wonderful wife of mine not only took on everything while I was busy but continues to do miracles. She has done this out of pure love. Love for me and our children. Love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. She is incredible. I am so grateful for her and her strength. I am thankful for the care and attention she devotes to our family. She is my personal Hero!