Day 59 - 2013

I am grateful for the year that is about to end.

2013 brought me tears, heartaches, and trials that helped me grow, stretch, reach out, and rely on my Savior, my Family, and my Friends.

2013 also brought me joy, good health, a new good job that helped me recognize the hand of my Father in Heaven allowing me to thank Him for the blessings.

We must have opposition in all things to recognize the good things.

And we must have the not so great things around us because they push us to find solutions, to learn, to rely on our faith, our family, and friends. It is through trials that we get closer to our Father in Heaven, our Savior, our Family, and our Friends.

For all that I learned, shared, and endured in 2013 I am grateful.

And I wish all a 2014 filled with opportunity to grow, serve, love, teach, and thank.

Day 58 - Clean Car

Today I am super grateful for a clean car.
I was able to clean all the windows, vacuum it, clean the dirtiness off the steering wheel and other areas hands constantly touch. The trunk has been cleaned out, all the pockets in the doors have been uncluttered.
I feel accomplished and I am grateful I had the time and the means to do it.
One thing checked off my list. I have plenty more to go, but I will take it one step at the time and will get it all accomplished.

Day 57 - Visits with Friends

I spent the afternoon visiting with friends, at different times.
I am grateful for these friends as each brings something unique into my life and as they shared important stories with me, I felt privileged of the trust they gave me.

After all, life is not really lived until we are able to share it with friends and loved ones.

Day 56 - Weddings

Today I went to the Temple and as I was waiting for my daughter, I saw two brides and their husbands.

In a world where the institution of marriage has been torn apart, stepped upon, ridiculed, and denied, I am grateful to see young couples who are willing to accept the covenant of marriage as it has been outlined in the scriptures.

I wish them the very best. They will have ups and downs, but what is important is their willingness to work through the downs and support each other and enjoy every good moment their married life together will bring.

I am grateful for the institution of marriage.

Day 55 - Bella

I watched the movie "Bella" and, although I had a hard time getting into the movie I kept watching it.
It is a movie that teaches about compassion, caring, forgiveness, personal responsibility, and pure love. A love that makes sacrifices and encourages a person be better and to make better choices.

I am grateful I stumbled upon this movie and watched it to the end. I am grateful for the message this movie shared.  It is a wholesome movie. I am grateful to the writers and produces for taking the time to make it.

Day 54 - Christmas Lunch with Friends

Yesterday, it was Christmas Day. We had friends over to share the Christmas meal with us.
It was not your typical American Christmas meal. Nor was it the typical Italian. It was more a mix of whatever I had available to cook but it was, nonetheless, a good meal made even better by the presence of friends.

I am grateful that we were able to eat in good company and share laughter and love.

Perhaps, I shall try to have friends over more often. After all, no one said we can have friends over only during the holidays.

Day 53 - Jesus the Christ

As the Christian world celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus the Christ, I was to express my gratitude for His willingness to come to earth to fulfill His Father's plan.

Although we believe He was actually born in April, we do celebrate with the rest of the world this wonderful event. Because of Him, all men are given the opportunity to return to our Father in Heaven.
He is our example. Not only He taught us what we should do, He also did it.  As Christians, there is nothing we are asked to do that He has not done.

He loved others, including His enemies.
He served others expecting nothing in return.
He gave His life for us that we might live.

I am very grateful for Him, His teachings, His example, and His love.

I know He loves each and every one of us, no matter where we are in life. He waits for us to turn to Him and He will guide us and direct us.

Thank you Father for sending Your Son. And thank you, our Savior, for  coming to us.

Day 52 - A Warm House

As the temperature drops outside, I am grateful for my warm house.
I look around and see my child sitting on the couch and two of the three cats comfortably and peacefully sleeping. A Scooby Doo DVD is playing, the heat is running, and I feel blessed beyond compare.
There are people and pets who do not have a place they can call their own. It may be small and it may need a lot of work, but it is a place I can come to at the end of the day and find peace and comfort.

What are you grateful for today?

Day 51 - The Saint

Long, long time ago I used to watch a series, starring Roger Moore, called "The Saint." Today, when I went to the library, I found the DVDs and brought them home.
My son and I began watching them. I am grateful that we are sharing this time together enjoying an old TV show. With its quirkiness, it brings laughter at the end of an exhausting day.

Day 49 and 50 - Memories and Christmas Songs

So sorry I missed yesterday. A friend of mine was admitted to the hospital and I had things I wanted to do for her to make sure she was being taken care of.

For day 49, I am grateful for memories. For some reason, I remembered my 18th birthday and how three friends gave me a surprise party. It was nothing fancy and it was just the four of us, but it was absolutely fantastic!
It started out with one of them inviting me over to her house, just to spend some time together.
As I rode to bus to her house, I saw my other two friends who, unbeknown to me, where going to her house to set things up. All three of us were standing by the exit door. I recall telling them I was not sure where I was supposed to get off and they both eagerly told me that they were getting off right then but I was to get off the next one. I thanked them and said bye as they got off.  When I got off at the next bus stop I realized it was the wrong one. I was supposed to have gotten off at the same stop by friends got off; however, since I like to walk, I just walked to her house. The thought never occurred to me that I had been incorrectly guided on purpose!
When I arrived at her house, my friend greeted me and I proceeded to tell her how two of our friends were on the bus as well. As I continued with my story, she opened the door to her living room and, to my surprise, my two other friends jumped up and yelled, "Surprise!"
The three of them had decorated the whole living room and went to a great extent to make that surprise party a great success, just for me! I was very touched.
Decades have gone by, but I still remember it as if it were yesterday!
I am thankful for memories.

For today, day 50, I am grateful for Christmas songs. At church, we had a Christmas program. Instead of the usual three speakers and four hymns sung by the congregation, we had the privilege to hear great songs from the choir, the primary children, the young women, a duet, and a quartet. One young girl also played one Christmas piece for us. It was very spiritual and special. I love this time of year. All the songs talking about the birth of our Savior are just absolutely wonderful and I feel the Spirit so strong when I hear them and sing them. I am grateful for music and I am especially grateful for Christmas songs as they testify of the birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Christ.

Day 48 - Elf

I am watching the movie "Elf" with a friend of mine.
I am grateful for the laughter this movie brings. It is refreshing and it puts one in the Christmas spirit.
If you have never watched this movie, you should make it a point of finding it and watching it.

Some of my favorite quotes are:
- Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?
- Have you seen these toilets? They're GINORMOUS!
- The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.

There are many more, but I don't want to give all the good quotes away.

Day 47 - Ms. Mary

I had the privilege to have dinner with a friend tonight at her nursing home. It was their Christmas dinner.

Another resident joined us, Ms. Mary. She will turn 93 tomorrow. As I looked at her face, wrinkled by the years, I noticed her eyes. They looked youthful and beautiful. They had a sparkle in them. I could not help but think that she must have been a beauty during her younger years. And, I could not help but keep looking at her.

I am grateful she joined us for dinner. I am grateful I had the chance to look at her, to really look at her. I had seen her before walking around the premises and tending to her plants but never really paid much attention to her.

Tonight I did. And I am grateful I was able to have a conversation with her and to enjoy her company.
I am grateful I was given the chance to make a new friend.

Day 46 - Rides from Friends

Yesterday, my son left for work with the only car we have and without his wallet.
I kept feeling that I should take at least his drivers license to him but I had no car.
So, I posted on Facebook about needing a ride and hoping that one of my local friends would be able and available to give me a ride. And so it happened.

One of my friends was able to take me to the car so I could put my son's license in it. And I am grateful for her availability and and willingness to do so. On his way home, my son told me he had seen several police cars. He did not get stopped, but if he had been, at least he had his license.

Day 45 - Christmas Vacation Begins

I would not be truthful if I did not recognize that I am grateful school is finally out for the holidays.

I called it "vacation" in the title; in reality, I have plenty of stuff to do and I am not even sure I will get to it all. But I am still grateful I will have the chance to work on some of it.

I know that majority of faculty and staff of schools around the nation are happy when "vacation" starts as it gives us a way to recharge and tackle the second part of the school year.

So, to sum it up, I am very grateful for this chance I have to recharge and work on things around the house!

Day 44 - School Parties

I love it when the holidays are near and schools hold their classroom and faculty/staff parties. Today, we were able to bring our favorite food to share with others. I don't have a specific favorite food. If I like it, it is my favorite!

I brought eclairs. I love those things. Along with eclairs, I was able to enjoy a variety of yummy food others brought. I am grateful to my colleagues who shared their favorites even though they might have helped me gain a few pounds :)

Days 42 and 43 - Safe Trips and New Friends

Sorry I missed a day. I am going to make up for it today :)

Yesterday, my son and I took a trip south (Macon, GA) to visit with a friend. The weather was horrible. Heavy rain accompanied us all the way there and it took us longer than expected; however, I am grateful that we made it there and back in safety.

Once there, he took off with his friend and I just waited around. Since that was the first time in Macon, and I did not know the area at all, I decided to go to the church and wait in the parking lot. Within 30 minutes, a vehicle pulled up. It was a family getting ready for an activity. I was able to help them and even join in the event... great food and great games..... and my son thought I was going to get bored!
Not only I enjoyed myself, but I made new friends. I am grateful for those new friends.

Some of you may wonder about me deciding to wait at church. After all, I had never been in Macon.
Well, you see, our church is present in many, many locations. This is one of the beauties of it. No matter where we go, we can always find the church. Same teachings, same great atmosphere, and same love! As long as I will be able to find the church, I will be at home no matter the location!

Day 41 - Today

Today, I am just grateful for today!

Nothing special happened, but just the fact that I was able to go to work, come home, and relax, makes me grateful for today.

Heavenly Father kept my family, my fur babies, myself, and my home safe. I recognize this blessing and I want to give thanks to Him who is over all things.

Day 40 - 3 More Days

I love my job, I really do, but I am grateful that I only have three more days before the Christmas break. I have so many things I need to work on at home that I am welcoming these next couple of weeks.

I am also grateful that we only have a short time before the holidays because the students may be in school with their bodies, but their minds are already at home anticipating the things they will do and the gifts they will receive. There is no working with them until after we return to school!

Do you have something you are grateful for today? Being able to count our blessings everyday is a blessing in itself.

Day 39 - Christmas Program "Walk with Christ"

Last night I had the privilege of attending a Christmas Program at Church.
I was not feeling well and almost did not go. I am so very glad I made myself go because I would have missed out on the most beautiful program ever.

The program was entitled "Walk with Christ."

The first stop was at Bethlehem, in front of the manger. As we stood there, we could smell the hay, and see and hear a group of angels sing "When Joseph Came to Bethlehem." These angels were our some of our primary girls, all dressed in white and smiling as they sang for us.

Our walk continued along the hallway. The walls had pictures of the Savior during His life; they showed Him at the Temple with the Priests, with the multitude as He preached, healing the sick, raising the dead, and performing other miracles.

The next stop was in Jerusalem, in the room where the Last Supper took place.
The table was adorned with pottery, cups, plates, and food. The scriptural account of the event was playing in the background. You could smell the bread and as you listened to the words spoken, you could visualize the Savior breaking the bread and giving it to His disciples. In a corner, stood a stool and a wooden bowl with water and a towel. Next to them, a pair of sandals. The Savior showed us by example how we should serve others.

We then went to the Garden of Gethsemane. You could smell the trees and feel the sadness of what happened there. To read the words spoken by the Savior to His disciples first and to His Father next was very touching. He was all alone as He took upon Himself all the sins and sufferings of mankind that we might not have to suffer, if we choose to follow Him.

Then the Golgotha, right outside of Jerusalem. A crown of thorns placed on a wooden beam. A purple robe, a bowl with vinegar and a cloth, and a hammer along with long thick nails completed the scene. We read the accounts of the crucifixion. I cannot even imagine the pain He went through; yet, the pain in the Garden of Gethsemane was even greater.

Our walk ended at the tomb. We first read the account of the resurrection. We then saw the open tomb and a white cloth neatly folded. When we cast our eyes to the right of the tomb, what a great message we were given: "He lives."

The experience of this walk was amazing. I felt as if I truly were there along side the Savior. I want to bear my testimony about our Savior. I know He came to earth a man to show us the way. I know He suffered for our sins and sorrows that we might find forgiveness and peace. I know He died that He might then resurrect and provide resurrection for us.

I am truly grateful to all those who put together this great program.
As a believer, my testimony of the Savior grew stronger.
If I had been an unbeliever, I would have left questioning my unbelief.

Day 38 - Field Trips

As much as I complain about taking away educational time for the sake of pep rallies, concerts, plays, etc., I am grateful for field trips, at least the ones our students take.

I work with a group of teachers who cater to children with disabilities (mostly autistic). Our field trips are exhausting, to say the least; however, the purpose of these trips makes up for the hard work we face.

The trips are planned to allow our students to be out in the community and learn to interact with other people (other than the ones they see each day) and to also learn skills such as choosing merchandise and paying for it, or ordering from a menu at a restaurant.

Today, we went shopping for our secret pal and then ate at a local restaurant. They all did very well and the people they interacted with were very nice and patient with them. The waitresses at the restaurant even had little bags with small gifts they gave each child.

I am proud of these students, and I am grateful to all those who put work into it and made this day a special one for our students.

Day 37 - Good Coworkers

Most of us have to work outside the home to take care of our families. In this case, work is not an option but an obligation.

I am grateful to work with great people who make my day brighter and who are always there, ready to help. I love my coworkers. With them, my obligation is easier to bear....

Great coworkers are like the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down!

Day 36 - Vacuum Cleaners

This morning, I am grateful for vacuum cleaners. One of my cats decided she was going to sit on the mantle of the fireplace and, in the process, knocked off a candle in a glass....

... The glass shattered everywhere. So, I am grateful for vacuum cleaners who help clean up these types of messes. We love walking barefoot and now, that the glass has been vacuumed, we still can!

There are so many things we take for granted! I am glad that, because of this blog, I am able to recognize and be grateful for those daily things I have been blessed with.

What are you grateful for, today?

Day 35 - Family Pictures

Today, I had the pleasure to be with my children and respective spouse for family pictures.

It was nice to be all together again and to make memories we can revisit in years to come. I am grateful for a technology that allows us to capture moments. As children grow older and go off in the world on their own, it is great to have their smiling faces around.

Whether your family consists of yourself and your children, or your parents, or other relatives, or even your pets, make sure to take a snapshot of precious moments. They will bring a ray of sunshine for days to come.

Day 34 - Charlie

Who says cats don't listen?

I have a cat, Charlie, who listens when I call. She is a small long hair tuxedo kitty we rescued from animal control about 3 years ago, when she was only a few weeks old. She was very small and, although she has grown, she is still petite. You would expect her to get bigger, since she has big paws and a very long tail; however, she seems to have stopped growing.

Anyway, she knows when you talk to her and she looks at you like she is attentively listening to what you are saying. I love having conversations with her; therefore, tonight, I am grateful for Charlie, my listening cat.

Day 33 - Leftovers

I am grateful for leftovers because they allow me, after a long day at work, to just come home, take them out of the refrigerator, warm them up in the microwave and... dinner is ready! No time and energy spent thinking about things to cook. No time and energy spent cooking. Leftovers make for a very nice beginning of a relaxing evening.

Ok, ok... dishes still need to be done, and may be laundry too, but, at least, dinner is not one thing I have to worry about when I have leftovers I can use.

Besides... I only cook things that I like so eating leftovers is like having a favorite meal twice in a row!

Day 32 - Touched by an Angel

Do you remember the TV series Touched by an Angel? I did not have the chance to see all of the episodes, but I did love the ones I watched!
As much as some might find it corny, I enjoyed it very much. May be because I do know that Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us.

Today, I am grateful that I was able to find three seasons at a Goodwill store. After these many years, it is very nice to be able to watch an uplifting program.

And on the subject of angels, I am grateful for those angels among us who support us, comfort us, guide us, and help us. These angels may not appear and disappear like Monica does, but they are none the less special individuals Heavenly Father places on our way because He loves us. They may be a teacher, a neighbor, or a loved one.

Has your life been blessed by an angel?

Day 31 - Nurses Who Care

I am grateful for nurses who care. I have a friend who is not doing well, but today, thanks to a nurse who is thoughtful, kind, and caring, my friend was able to go through the cycle of her dialysis without a glitch!

Many jobs can be assigned to just anyone able to understand and follow instructions. There are a few jobs, however, that require special people. Nurses belong to this special category.

I hope I will not need a nurse any time soon; however, when that time will come, I hope I will be assigned a nurse just like my friend has.

Day 30 - Rest

I am grateful that, at the end of the day, I can come home and rest. 

It may be unimportant, but there are many people that after a day's work go home to change and head out to their second job. 

Things may change in the future; however, for now, I am grateful I can come home and rest for the remainder of the evening. I get the change to recharge and get ready for the next day.

What are you grateful for?

Day 29 - December

The Thanksgiving month is over. Starting today, most likely, the "I am thankful for" posts on Facebook or other social media will stop.

I am grateful it is December and I will be able to continue with my thoughts of gratitude. I know many are thankful all year round and November is just when they voice it. However, why not share our thankful moments through the year? I believe that if more people shared their gratitude as often as possible our families and communities would be better for it.

After all....

Have you expressed your gratitude today?