Think to Thank

Well with Thanksgiving around the corner and constantly hearing about how bad everything is I thought it would be good to 'count my many blessings.' There are so many things I am grateful for, but I've limited it to a top 10 list.

10. Priesthood - I think it is amazing that we have the power of God on earth. Though only worthy men can hold the power, I know we can all be blessed by it. Cute story: Jack told me the other day, 'you can hold the priesthood tonight' (then whispered, 'put your arms around me') :) It's good to enjoy those fun, nerdy times and have a worthy priesthood holder in my home. I have seen miracles in my own life and felt the blessings of partaking in the holy ordinances that would not be available without it.

9. Temples - I am also grateful for all the temples around the world, the many more they are building and will build in the future. I love to go to the House of the Lord and sit in the Celestial Room -it is such a peaceful place. I love to see family and friends be sealed and the happiness and love that is felt. I am grateful that I am worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

8. Families - Need I say more? I am grateful we are put in families, the love and support system they are. With that, technology and that I can talk to my parents and brothers and sisters and be able to visit with them. It's always a good time to get together with our families.

7. Church Publications - Since I haven't been working I spend more time at home and have come to really appreciate all the church publications. I love reading from the Joseph Smith manuel. I always get inspired to do good and be better. I am grateful for the Ensign put out every month and that I am able to look up older talks from the Brethren on the internet. I learn so much and feel better after reading them.

6. Prophets - Going along with the previous number, I know the prophets of old and the living prophet today are called of God and they are a Watchman on the Tower for the whole world. I feel so blessed that there is someone on earth to look to and listen to and feel at peace.

5. Prayer - I am so grateful that anyone can pray and that God will listen. There are often times when I feel overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions and at those times I can kneel and pour out everything. It is comforting to know that someone is listening and someone cares about my silly worries.

4. Holy Ghost - I am grateful I was able to receive the gift of the holy ghost and the blessings that come with that. Even though I sometimes struggle trying to understand it, I'm thankful that I know that when I am worthy I can have the Holy Ghost with me at all times. I feel so much better knowing that if I'm doing what I'm supposed to I will be comforted and guided at those difficult times.

3. Plan of Salvation - How can anybody not be truly grateful for knowing who they are, why they are here, and where they are going. It gives life purpose, gives me motivation, and peace that no matter what the end result will be worth it. I often think of the line from The Living Christ that says, "Christ will return to the earth and all flesh shall see it together. He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords. Every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires our hearts." It makes me excited for that day. It will be wonderful and I feel blessed knowing that what I do on earth right now and not giving up is going to matter.

2. Noah - When I think of him I often think of the cheesy My Turn on Earth song and the lines, "you can never know good if you never know the bad, you can never be happy if you've never been sad." :) As imperfect as I am and frustrated I get at times with him, he is so great to have in my life. He brings so many smiles, so many laughs, and so many good times. He is a wonderful spirit and brings so much to our home and family. I love being a mom and am very grateful that I have been trusted and privileged to raise him.

1. Jack - My husband tops the list. Everything would be so much harder without him. I've now known him for 8 1/2 years and it keeps getting better. He is a huge strength and support. He works nonstop to make sure he is doing the best he can with school, work, church, and our family. He constantly makes sacrifices. And he loves me and he loves Noah. I love watching him play with Noah, I love his smile, I love when he sings and plays the guitar for us. I love seeing him get excited about books or learning something new. I love him and everything he is, stands for, and does. I am so thankful to have met him and have him in my life.

What Is Marriage?

My dear husband requested an odd present for his last birthday - an 1828 Websters Dictionary. However, it brings interesting insight to some things and most recently, with everything going on, I looked up the definition of marriage.


Marriage -
"The legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children."

So many things stick out to me in this. First, it a union of man and woman. I completely believe that "gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." God created each of us and each of us "is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny." God put Adam and Eve on the earth. Males and females are different, we all know this, each one is needed and they complement eachother in every way.

Second, it says God instituted it for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes. I also believe the "the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." Not only should this divine act be kept between man and woman, but I also believe God has commanded we must be married.

Elder Oaks, in a recent interview, responded to the attacks that we are keepings gays and lesbians from experiencing this by saying "the same thing we say to the many members who don’t have the opportunity to marry. We expect celibacy of any person that is not married." http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction

Lastly, it is to promote domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children. Fathers are able to do things mothers can't and vice versa. "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and reighteousness and are responsibleto provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

I am so grateful I was raised by a father and mother who honored their marital vows with complete fidelity. I believe marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and I think it is so sad to see people's reaction to Prop 8. It isn't a matter of hate or inequality, it's a matter of wishing to secure the definition of marriage and the sacred role it has in God's eternal plan.

(Quotes taken from The Family: A Proclamation to the World)