I've had some realizations lately. One is that I am a complainer. That is a hard one to admit. But I am and I have a trophy case for some of the past complaints that I like to get out and polish occasionally. But General Conference, Thanksgiving, a sacrament meeting, and the scriptures have helped me see that I won't complain so much if I am grateful. In Alma 34:38 it says after a powerful sermon: "live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." My heart has been more full and grateful since. I have also learned that if you are grateful, even in trials, your heart has more room for faith and trust in the Lord, and life is just good.
So we celebrated Thanksgiving and had an all-out feast! Shelby and Jeff and family came to share it with us and we had a great time! Spencer peeled a ton of potatoes, and Emily and Julie got to make the pumkin pies with Rachel watching every step. Shelby made "Rita Rolls" and brought her freezer strawberry jam. Everything was so good! Even the white meat was juicy.
After dinner, we gathered and sang Count Your Many Blessings and each got a peice of paper and we counted our many blessings and shared some of them with each other. Everyone had very thoughtful lists.
I am grateful to have such a marvelous family. Each of you and your love makes my life wonderful! I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and has a plan for me. That He sent His Son to pay my debts that I may stand clean before Him. That we have a prophet to guide us through this world of chaos, and that He gave us the Book of Mormon and other scriptures to hear His voice. And I am grateful for this beautiful, beautiful world.
The pictures are from our ward's annual Turkey Bowl, where it's Aaronic vs Melchizedek. The first picture has Spencer, Taylor and Brian in it. The second is Taylor playing QB (he got to be QB the three last hikes.) and the third is our Thanksgiving table.
