I don't know how to make a fancy video like the one above, but here is my attempt at fancy writing...
Things I am thankful for today:
*Memories that make me laugh out loud. (One I remembered and laughed about this morning: Running down a steet in Argentina with Hermana Heninger, trying to make it home on time, only to look down and realize my skirt had come unzipped, was flapped wide open revealing my whities underneath, and was slowly sliding towards my ankle. I think Hna. Heninger choked as she tried to laugh, breathe, and run at the same time...)
*Frozen cookie dough and Blue Bell Peppermint ice cream.
*Christmas, so I can spend time with my family, drink warm vanilla steamers from Starbucks, and not have to explain why the Josh Groban Christmas CD is in my CD player. Because usually it is, but only during the month of December do others not roll their eyes.
Also, I'm thankful because Christmas gives Blue Bell a reason to make Peppermint ice cream :)
*The never-ending list of things to do in Austin:
-Watching The Music Man in the park, for free
-Tasting chocolate covered bacon at The Big Top Candy Shop
-Night kayaking with glow sticks and great friends (pictured are Marci and Cassi)
-Country dancing at The Broken Spoke
-Hiking and splashing barefoot in the river in 70 degree weather in November
-Having my two favorite holidays combine as I watched fireworks being shot off in synch with Christmas music at the lighting of the Macy's Christmas Tree. So, so fantastic.
*Being with my family, eating lots of good food, and trying to squish together on one bed to take a nap together. Also, playing Cranium, Tetris, and Sniglets together, especially when it's late and our brains have stopped working.
*A mom who taught me how to serve and love others.
*My job that allows me to blow bubbles, play the Wii, don scrubs, hat and mask to go into surgery with one of my patients, help a 5 year old give an IV to a doll, swaddle an infant and comfort a sobbing teenager, all before my lunch break.
I could keep going (friends, roommates, missions, good books, inspirational movies, music that makes me sing in my car or dance in my kitchen, optimism, good citizens, fire extinguishers - yes, there is a story to tell here, in a later blog post - my health, my Body Bug, my apartment and cheap rent, etc...) but I want to end with what is most important to me:
*My understanding and personal testimony that I am a child of God, that He loves me, and wants me to be happy. In the midst of chaos, worldy catastrophies, natural disasters, war, and economic hard times, He remains aware of me, and has provided a sure path to follow, a never-faltering voice of guidance, and a way for me to have peace and joy in this life. Because of this knowledge, I know where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going. I know He sent His Son Jesus Christ to make it possible for me to change and become better everyday, and achieve my ultimate goal of returning to live with my Heavenly Father again. Yes, for this I am truly grateful.
