Thanksgiving

There are so many things in this world that I'm thankful for. I'm glad that we have a holiday that gives us the opportunity to count our blessings and forget about the things we don't have. With that in mind, I want to list 10 things that I'm grateful for even though there are a lot more than ten.

1) I'm thankful for my family. I think now more than ever I'm realizing what they mean to me. Living in a completely different state than them has definitely been a challenge considering my siblings are my best friends and I really don't care that much to be with anyone else. I'm grateful for the fact that we grew up so close, that we love each other and that we get along (for the most part). I'm grateful that they are so forgiving of my mistakes and that they'll hang out with their lame older sister when she's around. I'm so thankful to have parents that are righteous members of the church who taught us to be true to ourselves, to be honest and caring, to love people regardless of their circumstances. They've taught me so much about really living life, and for that I'm eternally grateful. I love them all very much.
2) I'm grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I've had the chance lately to bear my testimony a lot to my friends. Some of them have made poor choices and are trying to get back on the strait and narrow, and I've been able to realize my own dependence on my Savior. He is my reason for living. He has provided me a way to be saved from my sins and shortcomings. I'm so grateful for a Heavenly Father who has a plan for my life, even though I don't always understand why certain things happen. I'm so thankful for modern revelation and for the knowledge that I can be with my family forever. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and for Joseph Smith and the chance to learn from living prophets and apostles. I am grateful to know that the Church is true, that I've received that witness and can achieve Eternal Life.
3) I'm grateful for my friends. I have been so blessed to know people who are better than me. I know that sounds strange, but I've have been taught and been witness to some great people who live great lives. They are such examples to me. They are kind and forgiving and loving people who live humbly, it puts my choices into perspective. Thank you to all those who have influenced my life for the better. You know who you are, don't be modest!
4) I'm thankful for my education. I was privileged to grow up in a family that stressed the importance of getting an education. I'm grateful that I was able to go to wonderful schools growing up and had teachers who cared and influenced my life. I am thankful to have graduated from college with a degree that I can use in this crazy world. I'm grateful for the job I have attained because of that degree and am looking forward to more opportunities to learn and grow.
5) I'm thankful for my body. I went through a period of time when I would not say that. I wasn't happy with it and I didn't take care of it the way I should. But in the last couple years, I've grown to love my body and all the wonderful things it can do! I was stopped by a man in a park the other day who complimented me on having a strong, beautiful body. It took me by surprise, but opened my eyes. "You've been given a gift", he said, "don't waste it". It was such great timing and helped me keep a clear perspective. I really appreciate that man and what he said.
6) I'm grateful for technology. I just read my last post and was reminded about how awesome technology is! Because of this computer, I can email my friends and family, stay connected to my job and the church, and learn new things. Because I have a cell phone, I can communicate with loved ones, because I have a TV, I can have a human voice to listen to when I'm home by myself. It's so cool when you step back and realize that the person your talking to on your phone is 1000 miles away, but you can hear them like they're standing right next to you! I'm grateful for that.
7) I'm grateful for my dog, Oakley. I experienced a quiet moment tonight after going to a movie with some friends. I let Oakley inside and just sat with him on my lovesac with the Christmas tree lights on. I was able to say a quiet prayer of thanks for Heavenly Father allowing me to have this sweet animal as my companion. He's a great dog and has really filled a void since I moved to California. I love that guy!
8) I am thankful for generous people. I am constantly amazed by the goodness of people. It so true that in the last days the division between the wicked and the righteous is going to be so distinct. Amidst all the destruction and hate that is in the world, there are those who fight it by giving and loving. To see people give their time to go work on houses, or feed the hungry, or help the sick, or even provide a smile to make someones day is so refreshing and inspiring. These people remind me that I can always do more and that I am blessed beyond comprehension.
9) I'm thankful for good food. I'm quite a connoisseur of food, (I think everyone is!) and I am SO grateful for people that cook well and feed me! I love to cook and have a couple dishes that I'm proud of, but if I could eat Grandma Pat's food for the rest of my life, I think I'd be just fine!
10) I am thankful for music. I grew up playing the violin and piano, and singing with my family. My mom instilled in me a great love for all types of music. I think I have one of the most versatile iTunes around because of her! I'm grateful that when I play the violin, I can really feel the emotions of the music. I'm grateful that music has given me chances to see the nation and make lasting friendships and develop my talents. I'm thankful that I can sit at the piano and play hymns and sing with my beautiful sisters who sing like angels. I love to listen to good music that uplifts my soul and makes me happy. I love that every emotion can be put to music. It helps any mood.

There's my list. It's only a few things that I'm grateful for, but I'm glad I had the time to reflect on some of the blessings I have.