Gratitude: Day 10

I am grateful for laughter. Laughter makes the world so much better. I have so many great memories of laughing with friends so uncontrollably that I had tears running down my face, my cheeks hurt, my stomach muscles hurt and I couldn't talk let alone breath. It's kind of what solidifies a friendship for me; sharing a moment together of intense laughter. Laughter can make the darkest days bright. I can remember times when I have been heart broken for one reason or another and even though some small funny moment doesn't make it go away, it makes it easier to bare. Laughing is that ray of sunshine that reminds you that the storm will pass. You will be happy again.

Here is a little video that made me laugh (I may have had tears running down my cheeks), but Summer didn't even crack a smile so I wont be offended if you don't think its funny.

Gratitude: Day 9

I am grateful for casual Friday. I only work every other Friday so you would think those other Fridays would be disappointing but somehow the fact that it is a half day and I get to wear jeans makes me excited to go to to work.

Gratitude: Day 8

I am grateful for nature.

I am sitting in my room listening to the wind and it just makes me smile. Even though I am not super excited about the snow storm this weekend (cold, ugh). I love a good storm. Especially if I am cozy in my house where I can safely and comfortably observe the power of nature. Snow has a magical quality; the way it can make the busy city fall silent and the brightness it brings to the middle of the night. Though the best storms really are Arizona summer rain storms. Warm rain and tons of thunder and lightning. So awesome!

I love to just be in nature. I could just sit and watch the ocean waves, the clouds go by, desert or just look at a mountain view. I have been lucky enough to go to many beautiful places in the world and I am always amazed as I travel to new places what the world has to offer. There are so many different and new things to see. Unfortunately these things can never be truly captured in a photograph. Part of the majesty has to be experienced.

Sitting on top of a mountain I often think of how small and insignificant I am, but feeling connected with nature makes me somehow feel eternal. Being out among trees, rocks, wind and the sky brings peace to the soul. Often when I am outside I am running or hiking and I have to remind myself to take a moment and be still; to just sit and listen and feel.

Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God"

Gratitude: Day 7

I am grateful for my dad.

It's hard to even know where to begin. My dad have done so much for me over my whole life so it's hard to be able to express all the reasons I am thankful for him. I am grateful that he worked hard to make sure we had a nice home and everything we could ever need and want. I have only really started to appreciate that as I am not working and trying to support myself. He has always been there to protect me, keep me safe, and take care of me. Any time I have something go wrong in any way I know I can call him and he will do his best to help and fix it. My dad has taught me a lot about life and formed my world view in a lot of ways. He taught me to analyze everything. He always asks, "what is the moral?" After every movie we would discuss and think about what it meant. My dad taught me what it was to have a testimony. From a young age I remember him sitting me down and telling me the things he believed in and knew to be true. He is a passionate person and a great teacher. I have tried to teach like he does and hope that I can have learn that skill from him. My dad has always been supportive of all my endeavors. He came and watched me play tennis, run in track (even when I came in last), and play in the orchestra. He even became a BYU fan because I decided to go there for college. I loved that he got tickets to the games so I got to see him every couple weeks in the fall. It was fun to get to spend those weekends together. My dad has always spoiled me. He knows that I don't like to spend money on things I don't absolutely need so he will buy me things that I kind of need or just want. My dad makes me laugh and know how to have a good time. He is a great thinker and loved to sit and talk about ideas. I have many great memories of car rides where we would discuss anything and everything for hours on end. My dad has helped me to be confident in who I am and to believe in myself. Thanks dad for always building me up and helping me see the reality... that there is no spoon. I love you Dad! Thank you for being a great dad.