Day 28 - Light Timers

It may be such a silly thing, but, today, I am grateful for light timers.
Yesterday, we decorated our Christmas tree with clear Christmas balls, and with gold and copper colored ones (and a couple of odd ornaments too). Of course, we also added lights.

Since I was a little girl, I was taught to never leave lights on unattended and so, during the day (mostly because you really can't see the lights) and while we sleep, those lights are turned off. As most light sockets are close to the floor, I had to crawl under the Christmas tree in order to get to the plug.

Today, I attached the lights to a timer so that, when dusk comes, they will turn on and stay on for a few hours and then they will be off again. The process is repeated right before dawn, when it is still dark outside. Our lights will welcome us until full daylight will appear.

Yes, I am grateful for light timers :)

What are you grateful for today?

Day 27 - Kind Words

Sometimes, someone says something kind and totally out of the blue. It is then we realize how nice it is to hear kind words. This just happened to me. I opened an e-mail and the sender had shared with me her thoughts and they made me feel all warm and fuzzy :)

I am grateful for the kind words spoken and I have decided that I am going to do the same for someone else. A kind of  "pay it forward" deal.

How about you? Will you accept the challenge to call, text, or e-mail someone and offer kind words to brighten their day?

Day 26 - The Spirit of Giving

With the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Spirit of Giving starts working really hard on people and you can see many working extra hard to find ways to help those less fortunate. 

Today, I am grateful for this Spirit as it brings out the best in people and inspires them to look outside of themselves in order to help others. Some donate their time, some donate money, and others donate items of different kind. No matter the kind of help that is given, it is surely the best thing happening during this time of year.

May we be able to carry this Spirit not only through the Holiday Season but throughout the whole year.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Day 25 - My Son

I am grateful for my son. He is not the perfect son, but who is?

As I read the newspaper about individuals who made a less than desirable choice, I look at him and I am grateful for who he is. I am grateful that he has stuck with me and, although begrudgingly at times, he has followed my counsel and that of others who love him and only want the best for him.

I don't have enough years left on this earth to list the blessings he has brought me. He has caused me to get some grey hair and I have shed many tears, but we both stuck to it and we are both better people because of it.

I am grateful for his caring, compassionate spirit. I am grateful for his talents. I am grateful for his love. Again, he is not perfect and there are things he still needs to change, just like I do.

So, to all those of you who have less than perfect children, hang in there, keep loving them, and keep being a good example to them. And, do count the blessings they bring you. Look at them through the Savior's eyes and many of those imperfections will fade away.

Day 24 - Words of Wisdom

I am grateful that there are people in the world much wiser than I am and that, through their caring, are able to speak words of wisdom for everyone else to hear.

The quote I read and that helped me decide on today's grateful thought is the following:

"Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I am grateful for these words as one of my weaknesses is passing judgment. I have improved and I am not as quick at judging others as in the past, but I still have a long way to go.

I don't know your story and, therefore, I cannot judge on why you made one decision instead of another. I cannot decide if your situation is better or worse than mine.

If I have judged you and, therefore, withheld my mercy and kindness, I ask for your forgiveness.

May we all look at each other as the Savior would look at us and may we extend mercy, kindness, compassion, and love just like He would.

Day 23 - Greg Olsen

If you have never seen any of Greg Olsen paintings you are missing out!

Today I am grateful for him, his talent, and his willingness to share it with others. With his paintings, he adds inspirational messages. If you like to subscribe to the daily inspirational thought, you might just want to like his Facebook page.

This is the caption for today's painting:

Love is treating people the way Jesus would treat them.
("The Comforter" by Greg Olsen)

* Jesus serves as the ultimate role model for us all. The familiar phrase, "What would Jesus do?" is a wonderful guidepost to keep us on course. So, rather than criticize, critique, resent, put down or judge, see what a little Christlike love can do. You'll be amazed with the results. - Greg

Chances are you have seen his work but did not realize it was his.

I am grateful to be able to see and enjoy his paintings and inspirational thoughts.

Day 22 - Creativity

Today, I am grateful for creativity.

Because of it, I can make artsy things and sell them for a small profit; I can write poems and stories for readers to read, thus earning a small profit; and I can enjoy what others have created, therefore, bringing beauty in my own life.

I cannot imagine life without splashes of color, beautiful sounds, and great objects to admire.

So, today, I am saying thank you to the most creative individual of all who not only created but gave us the gift as well: our Father in Heaven.

Day 21 - Tune In Radio

It may be something small, but I am grateful for Tune In Radio.

My daughter told me of this radio station a few months back. I was able to download it and I can now listen to music, news, and talk shows from my own home country.

I was so excited the first time I heard the news that I called my parents and had them listen in. It was like being back home for a while :)

Day 20 - Freedom of Speech

I am grateful for freedom of speech.

Because of it, I can write this blog and express my gratitude for things I have; because of it, I can share my opinion of things.

“It is the rare fortune of these days that one may think what one likes and say what one thinks.” ― Tacitus, Histories of Tacitus

Day 19 - Memories

I did not get the chance to post this morning, so I am going to post now.

Today, I am grateful for memories.
We all have memories. Some are good and some we would like to forget. None the less, I am grateful for all memories.

The good ones keep me going. They bring a ray of sunshine during an otherwise gloomy day.

The not so good ones remind me how far I have come, the challenges I was able to overcome, and the choices I should not make again.

So, you see, all memories serve a purpose and I am grateful for all of them.

Day 18 - Books

Books are like magic traveling mirrors that allow you to go places, meet important people, accomplish things, ... all from the comfort of your home (or car, or doctor's office, or wherever you may be as you read).

I am grateful for books, whether in their original paper form or in electronic form.

One of my last favorite books I read is Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.

What is your favorite?

day 17 - Missionaries

I am grateful for missionaries.

There are several types of missionaries out there and all of them try to bring something good to the area they visit.

I love my missionaries because they spend 18 to 24 months of their lives talking to others about our Savior, Jesus the Christ, among other things. They pay to go on the mission and they put everything else in their life on hold so they can share the Gospel and serve those around them in innumerable ways.

Other religions have missionaries as well. I can think of a great missionary who gave her entire life to service: Mother Teresa. What an example she was and still is to those of her faith and others.

I am sure the list is much greater than what I have listed and I am grateful for all of them.

Day 16 - Washer and Dryer

Washers exist in most countries of the worlds, but fewer countries have dryers. I am thankful for dryers because I can start a load of clothes in the washer at 5 AM and have it ready to wear by 7 AM. 

I grew up without a dryer. Washing clothes and other items was dependent on the weather. During the winter, it could take the whole day for things to dry, and that is assuming you had a nice warm house; therefore, laundry was a planned event. 

Now that I have a dryer, it matters not what the weather looks like. It could be sunny and it could be storming, my clothes can still be washed and dried in two hours.

This is one convenience I am not willing to do without. Could I live without it? Yes, I could. But where a choice is given, it would not be something I would give up.

Day 15 - Promptings of the Holy Ghost

I am thankful for promptings of the Holy Ghost as they guide and help us.

Whether this guide and help is directly for us or for someone else, it matters not. When we stay close to the Savior, the Spirit whispers to us and allows us to magnify our life on this earth.

Because of these promptings, people have helped me when I needed help without me asking them and I have been able to be an instrument in His hands by helping others without them telling me.

I am grateful for these promptings and I am grateful to those who heeds them and act upon them!

May you always stay close to the Savior to be the recipient of these promptings and reach out to those who need you.

If you are unsure on how to recognize them, here is an article that might help you :)

Receiving, Recognizing, and Responding to the Promptings of the Holy Ghost by Elder David A. Bednar

Day 14 - True Friends

I am thankful for true friends :)

Friends, true friends, when found, are very valuable. They love you through thick and thin; they support you, yet they chastise you when less than better choices are made. They cry with you and laugh with you.

I am blessed to have some true friends around me. I am blessed to feel of their unconditional love.

True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island... to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.
Baltasar Gracian 
Read more at Brainy Quotes

Day 13 - Medical Technology

As my friend rests peacefully in her hospital bed, I am grateful that medicine has progressed and created solutions to help us overcome physical problems.

She now has a pacemaker to help her heart regulate the heartbeat. As her heart functions better, we are hopeful that other physical problems she is experiencing will also get better.

Today is a new day and it brings new hope!

Best wishes to all those who are recovering from surgery. May the procedure you had to endure make your life better from this moment on.

Day 12 - Bales of Straw

The cold temperature (20s) has finally reached us (only to leave us in a couple of days to get back in the 60s and 70s). I am grateful for bales of straw that help my fur babies keep warm.

I made a kitty house out of cardboard boxes (one inside the other) and placed insulation between them...I then covered their new home to make it waterproof and filled it with straw... I am not sure if they are using it regularly, yet; however, one of them did have some straw on her back, leading me to believe that she did go and, at least, checked out the house!

Straw is also covering part of the floor in the garage for the dogs. When I first put it down, one of the dogs jumped right into it :)
I think he was happy!

I am grateful for straw that helps make things a bit warmer (although messier) for my outside animals.

Day 11 - Technology

And by technology I mean computers with Internet access, telephones, tablets, etc...

Because of this type of technology, I am able to communicate with family and friends in a far off land. I am grateful for the blessing of being able to talk with them any time I want (well...I do have to take in consideration the time difference, but other than that, I have no limitations).

Because of this type of technology, I can read scriptures in different languages without having to tote around heavy books. It is all at the tip of the fingers. The Church has plenty of materials available for learning and they are all online! So, not only I can access scriptures, I can also access manuals, books, magazines... everything I need to study the Gospel. I am very grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow.

Because of technology, I can share my thoughts and feelings by writing. I can write in electronic journals, blogs, and even try to venture in the writing world :)
I feel blessed!

Yup, technology is great and I am thankful for it!

Day 10 - Health

As I see two of my friends struggle with health issues and as I read about the disaster in the Philippines, I count my blessings.

My aches and pains and my occasional cold are nothing compared to what these wonderful children of our Heavenly Father are going through.

I am also grateful for my parents' health. I live in fear that something may happen to them and, with me being so far away, I worry that I cannot help. Heavenly Father has blessed us as He is keeping them healthy.

I know that, when we are in pain, it is hard to focus on what others are suffering through; but, perhaps, we could try to make a conscious decision to think of others and lose ourselves in the service of those less fortunate that our pains may grow dim and our gratitude for our blessings might increase.

Day 9 - Veterans Day

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day in the US.

Although I don't have anyone serving in the military, or had someone serve in the US Armed Forces, I feel compelled to say thank you to all those who served and still serve in the military that others might enjoy freedoms some other countries can only hope for.

I also want to extend my thanks to the families, past and present, of the veterans. Those families made sacrifices too, while their loved ones served. Too often we forget about the families and the price they had to pay alongside their active duty family member.

America's veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded more than 229 years ago.
Steve Buyer 
Read more on the Brainy Quotes website.

Day 8 - Car

My car may be a few years old and making funny noises, but it takes me from place to place. I am grateful I have a vehicle I can drive to work or wherever I need to go.

Now, I have a challenge for you readers.
I was looking for "I am thankful for my car" quotes and they don't exist, or, at least, they have not been compiled in one place!

How about sharing your thankful thoughts about your car in the comment area?
Then, if quotes of this kinds are needed, they can be found :)

Have a great thankful day!

Day 7 - Heat

As temperatures start dropping, I am grateful I have heat in the house.

I may not keep it very warm but, with sweatpants, sweatshirt, and socks on, I am comfortable. There are people (and animals) out there who do not have this luxury.

There are those who do not have a roof over their head. They have to rely on organizations such as the Salvation Army to provide for a warm place to sleep. However, from early in the morning until the evening, they have to spend their time somewhere else and that somewhere else, most times, is outside.

Then, there are those who do have a place they call home; however, they cannot afford to have the heat turned on.

So, once again, I am grateful for the blessing of heat in my home. Now I need to think of ways to reach out to those less fortunate.

Day 6 - My Job

I am grateful for my job.

I love my job. I work as a paraprofessional (teacher's helper) and help out a young man who is visually impaired. I am with him the whole school day and I am learning so much from him (and I hope he is learning from me).

Also, it is a bit like going back to school myself as, sitting in his classes, I get to hear the material all over again. Whether I am just listening, or preparing lessons to teach him, I am improving my education as well.

And now, here is a quote I found and that I would like to share:

We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning.
Albert Barnes 
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/be_thankful.html#O5Aw5VrYshEqY8xB.99

Day 5 - My Parents

As Nephi of old shared about his parents, I too can say, "I, Elena, having been born of goodly parents..."

Today, I am grateful for my parents. They are truly amazing individuals and I love them very much. They don't share the same beliefs I have, but they do believe in the same Heavenly Father and Savior I believe in.

They have made plenty of sacrifices to help me be who I am; they have made plenty of sacrifices to support me in my decisions, even when they did not agree.

I live 5,000 miles away from them and, although I talk to them every weekend, I wish I had the gift of extremely fast travel so I could go visit them every night for a few minutes, or even hours, yet be back home for a good night's rest and work the next day!

Day 4 - SPLOST Passed

I am thankful our SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Sales Tax) has passed.

I am so hopeful that this will bring in more revenue for our city and more businesses, which, in turn, will bring more jobs.

I am also extremely happy that we will have a new animal control facility. This should translate to a better temporary life for our abandoned fur babies, a higher adoption chance, and the possibility of being sterilized before adoption, meaning less puppies and kitties running around looking for homes because their owners were not responsible owners.

Yes, I am a happy person.

Day 3 - My Children

I am grateful for my children. They are different one from the other and because of that they each have taught me something different and important.

From my daughter, I have learned to always have a smile on my face. I don't always follow her example, but I am trying :)

From my son, I have learned to give people the benefit of a doubt. I used to jump to conclusion without stopping to consider that, perhaps, there are special circumstances behind decisions people make. I am doing better with this challenge than the other one.

I found this quote on gratitude and I hope it touches your heart as it touched mine.

"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues" (Thomas S. Monson, "An Attitude of Gratitude," Ensign, May 1992, 54).

Day 2 - Bounty of Things

I am grateful today for the bounty of things I have.

As I cleaned out a few things around the house, I realized how blessed I am to have a lot of things, especially warm clothes during this approaching cold season.

With this in mind, I would like to share something a friend of mine posted on Facebook:

"When you are getting your winter clothes back out take a minute to go through your things and make a pile to donate to someone who doesn't have nice, warm clothes. I know a lot of groups will start doing clothing drives for coats, scarves, winter clothes and shoes and household goods. This is the time of year when we do so much in excess. Before the Holidays come and you load back up on more things you may not need, see what you can do for others. You're doing something wonderful for others and helping yourself in more ways than you know. "

As you look forward to spending time with your family and sharing all that you have with them, please find something to share with someone who is not as blessed as you are.

May you be able to count your blessings everyday, live and love life at its fullest.

November, the Thanksgiving Month

All over Facebook, starting on November 1, people share things they are grateful for.

I chose to start a blog instead. My intention is to have 365 days of gratitude as I believe that we should all be grateful the whole year round. We should be grateful thorough all the ups and downs of life. Every day, there should be something we can recognize as a blessing.

The blog will include something I am grateful for, but I will also look through things other people share, the news, other blogs, letters...

I hope that you will find this inspirational and will also challenge you to seek out those daily blessings 365 days a year.

As one of my favorite hymns says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one..."

Today I am grateful for the freedom to express my thoughts and feelings :)