for my friends

I am having trouble. Not bad trouble, just some. After feeling overwhelmed, dissatisfied, agitated, frustrated, and just about every other negative emotion, some serious inward examination eventually revealed the problem.

Neighbor Jane does a weekly post of her 52 blessings; I must admit it took me over a year to figure out why she didn't list 52 blessings every week!! How's that for a blonde? Then, as I have continued to read her blog (which I very much enjoy) her effervescent personality charms and teaches me much of what I should and could be. The secret is gratitude for every event, item, emotion, and challenge we are given in our lives.

So. How to develop said attribute? I mean, really! How does one grow gratitude? There have been many, many times when I have not been able to find one positive aspect to my day, never mind have gratitude!

King Benjamin makes it very clear that even should we serve our Father in Heaven with our whole souls, and thank and praise Him with every fiber of our being, that we are yet lower than the dust of the earth- Mosiah 2:20-25- for even the dust of the earth is obediant in all things to the commandments it has been given. Wow!! Where do I start?

I think that the very most basic way to begin, is by listing my blessings every week, and maybe as I get a little better at it, I will be able to see more clearly the hand of my Father in every moment of my little life.

Since it is Sunday as I write, it is fitting that the first thing to be grateful for is the Atonement of our Saviour, and the opportunity to repent and start over with a clean slate after taking the Sacrament each week.

So, here is today's list:

1. the Atonement

2. the Priesthood of God on the earth

3. Springtime!!

4. friends who care about me and are so kind!

a. One of my friends, Korbi, was so gracious to make me a cover for my KitchenAid mixer after I saw one she made her sis and rudely begged for one. Here is a pic:

Is this not adorable? I totally love it! My camera sucks, so the picture isn't good- those are chickens in the pattern which so goes with my country themed house. Korbi is so very sweet and kind!!

b. In Primary, the kids in Junior primary made a vase of paper flowers, and then they gave them to me! The chorister-Bri - is another of my good friends. It was so thoughtful of her to think of me. That made my whole weekend!

c. Last Friday night was the Relief Society birthday party- the theme was the Mad Hatter- and it was really fun! Afterwards, my friend Janelle went to the gym with me to work out. We closed down the gym that night- we were the last ones out at 10 pm. Tomorrow, Tuesday, is yoga, and Janelle has promised to go with me again. I always thought that people who did yoga were a little weird- think EPA treehugger types- but I have found it to be quite a workout. On Wednesdays the class is called yoga butt- for a very good reason. Whooo hoooo!!!

One of my favorite hymns is #293. Verse 2 says: "What greater gift dost thou bestow, What greater goodness can we know Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways Strengthen our faith, enrich our days."

And verse 4:"For worthy friends whose lives proclaim Devotion to the Savior's name, Who bless our days with peace and love, We praise thy goodness, Lord above.

Yes, friends are indeed a great blessing of the Lord, and I am very greatful for mine.