THANKFUL THURSDAY-- Tie a Bow Around it

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"Your life with Andrew sounds so cute I could tie a bow around it. You guys sound so happy and it sounds like you take time out to have fun – that’s good! I am SO HAPPY for you two!! It makes me smile reading all about your life I can just picture it – I’m glad you decided to change your mind [about a mission]and marry Andrew!"


This excerpt comes from an old e-mail I received from an old friend. I hadn't been trying to paint my life to sound overly sunny and rose-colored.  We were just catching up on what the other has been up to lately. I just listed the basic facts. 


But I think about her statement a lot...that image of tying a bow around my life with Andrew. We really do have a blessed life. And I bet you do too. 


It's just that sometimes, I forget...or get distracted by what's difficult, so that I can't see what's good. I need to stop existing on survival mode and really enjoy these good times. 

• Sickeningly in love with my man
• The good news of the Gospel
• Jobs with regular paychecks
• Working vehicles
• Our cozy house
• Health
• Money to spend on luxuries like date nights
• Church service
• Education
• Family
• Friends
• Freedom and peace

Yep. Cute enough to tie a bow around...top with a cherry, and eat with a spoon!

THANKFUL THURSDAY--I Scream

Dreyer's holiday ice cream flavors. Absolutely delicious. Even better with a warm brownie.
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My gratitude knows no bounds for these rich, creamy, festive desserts. Especially that of the Egg Nog variety...
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THANKFUL THURSDAY--Home Girl

My Beckster. There's nothing quite like having a sister--a girlfriend to talk and sing and joke with that I am 100% comfortable around. And I ADORE the fact that she is currently living in Rexburg to go to school.

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We both lead very busy lives, but when we do find time to get together, it's the best. For example, one night, she was kind enough to come with me to my classroom to help get some stuff done. We worked hard for about ten minutes...before getting distracted...and just sitting there...talking and laughing ...for the next two hours. We got nothing accomplished, but it was a night to remember. I am thankful for Becca.

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P.S. That is my tough gangsta' face. Fer shizzle.

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This has been another installment of...

THANKFUL THURSDAY

The prophet's recent words:

"My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love...

...Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings.This is a wonderful time to be on earth! While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are may things that are right."

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I don't want to get so caught up in the stresses and busyness of life so much that I forget how bounteously the Lord blesses us. So, let me introduce another weekly installment: Thankful Thursday. Here goes...

Changing Seasons- Isn't it amazing the way this earth cycles in such complete, beautiful ways? Every few months, the world takes on a completely different face--just as picturesque as before. It keeps life interesting, provides an ever changing composition for my camera to capture, and reminds me all year of the fact that God is the ultimate artist.