Gratitude Day 22

1- My dry cleaning place. When I taught at Bingham High, I found this great little dry cleaning shop. Each article is only $2.50 and they do a fantastic job! Living thirty minutes away does not make it convenient to take advantage of these great prices so I have to be strategic in my dry cleaning planning. Today I had to pick up a friend at the airport and Saturday I'm in Salt Lake for my sister's wedding reception which made it a perfect opportunity to drop off my increasing pile of dry cleaning.

2- Broadway music. I absolutely love Broadway music. Ironically, I have never been to New York but I hope to remedy that one day. Some of my favorite music comes from Ragtime, Wicked, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Secret Garden. Of course, I have other musicals I enjoy too, but specific favorite songs come from the aforementioned list. Uplifting music is hard to find these days but my Broadway playlist never disappoints me.

3- My older brother. As a child, Rich and I didn't have that much in common, but now that we have both grown up, we get along very well. Last night we talked about different sports teams, teased one another, and laughed about some things online. He really is a great brother who always supports me.

Rest of the story

I thought I would expound on the post from yesterday. The sister who spoke on trusting in the Lord related her difficulties in getting pregnant. She and her husband have spent years trying to have a family and she had even received a blessing promising her that she would have children. Even though my topic was tithing, I felt impressed to talk about faith in the Lord and His promised blessings; essentially, obeying the law of tithing helps us qualify for those blessings. I did not end my talk with a story about the miracle that happened to someone for paying tithing, but with the story of Rachel from the Old Testament which Elder Condie related in General Conference a few years ago and that I have referenced before in this blog:

With ever-increasing envy and mounting desperation, one day Rachel explosively demanded of Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die” (Genesis 30:1). Leah subsequently bore two more sons and a daughter.

In this age of one-hour dry cleaning and one-minute fast-food franchises, it may at times seem to us as though a loving Heavenly Father has misplaced our precious promises or He has put them on hold or filed them under the wrong name. Such were the feelings of Rachel.

But with the passage of time, we encounter four of the most beautiful words in holy writ: “And God remembered Rachel” (Genesis 30:22). And she was blessed with the birth of Joseph and later the birth of Benjamin. There are millions on earth today who are descendants of Joseph who have embraced the Abrahamic promise that through their efforts “shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal” (Abraham 2:11).

When heaven’s promises sometimes seem afar off, I pray that each of us will embrace these exceeding great and precious promises and never let go. And just as God remembered Rachel, God will remember you.

I felt the Lord's hand in helping me prepare this talk. On the surface, this story has nothing to do with tithing, but it does have everything to do with the Lord fulfilling His promises to those who are faithful. I could not have known the speaker before me would speak about her struggles with getting pregnant or the promises she had received in priesthood blessings. It was a tender mercy in my life to realize I had been instrument in the hands of the Lord that day.

Gratitude Day 21

1- Friendly faces. I was hoping my brother and sister-in-law would make it to my ward for church. I needed to see a friendly face in the audience. They basically drove all night to make it to church on time but how grateful I am they did that for me. I needed it more than they will ever know.

2- Validation. I felt my talk went well and the audience was listening. However, I really appreciated the comments I received afterward from ward members about their reaction to the message. I was nervous but the kind comments alleviated that fear.

3- Inspiration. The sister before me talked about trusting in the Lord. Her message resonated with me in many ways and even made me cry. When I was finished with mine, she expressed the same thoughts and emotions. We both needed to hear the other speak and only the Lord would have known how to prompt each of us to say what we did.

Gratitude Day 20

1- Faith. As I've been reading and preparing my talk on tithing, I've realized how important faith is to all our decisions. Obedience to the commandments of the Lord rests on our faith in His promises and His timing. Ultimately, our faith resides in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His power to save us in whatever earthly circumstance we may find ourselves.

2- Costco. Do I really need to explain this one? Anything worthwhile can be found at Costco. 'Nuff said.

3- Musical talent. I am grateful for my mom who pushed me and pestered me and persisted to help me develop my piano talent. Tonight the ward choir director asked me about my sight reading skills. Because of a fabulous piano teacher and a diligent mom, I knew I would have no trouble learning the music. I love playing the piano now. It brings joy to my soul.

Gratitude Day 19

1- Beautiful Utah Sunsets. If you haven't taken a step outside recently, you have been missing the wonders of God's creation. As the sun sets, the skies fill with a rainbow of pinks and oranges mixed with blues. The light then shines brightly on the snow-capped mountains creating a magnificent sight. Amazingly beautiful!

2- My car. My Honda Accord is almost eleven years old and she still treats me well. I haven't had any major catastrophes with her. She has driven from Phoenix to Utah and back. Also on the list are Las Vegas, Southern California, Northern California, commuting for five years, and all sorts of back road adventures. Today I calculated and discovered I was getting 33-34 miles per gallon! Wahoo! I really do have a great car.

3- The Unexpected. The subtitle on my blog reads "The unexpected changes our lives." I am amazed at how my best laid plans fall apart. Seriously?! I can be so careful and meticulous and life intervenes to create a wonderful chaotic uncertainty. That happened tonight. Without going into details, I'll just say that my plan was perfect but fate intervened. At least I am sitting here smiling and laughing because only something like that would happen to me. Oh Unexpected. How grateful I am that you are part of my life. You keep me laughing and keep stretching me to help me become better than I currently am now.

Quote of the Day

We're surrounded by people who are busy getting their ducks in a row, waiting for just the right moment...

Getting your ducks in a row is a fine thing to do. But deciding what you are you going to do with that duck is a far more important issue.

--Seth Godin (Marketing guru)

Gratitude Day 18

1- Twins. I love my sister's twins! They are adorable and vivacious and passionate and social and...well you get the idea. I had to drop some keys off at my sister's place today. When the twins saw me they got huge smiles, shouted my name, and gave me huge two-year-old hugs. Those two cuties brightened my day today.

2- Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupons. I've been buying a few things there recently (my sister is getting married in a week and is registered there) and having a 20% off coupon for each item saves me lots of money.

3- Random encounters. I swapped shifts with a sister at the temple. Tonight I ran into an MBA friend, my cousin Tim and his wife, and friends from my singles ward. Always good to meet up with people.

Gratitude Day 17

I realize many of my gratitude posts have been more somber and serious. Though it has been a couple of tough weeks, I don't want any of you to think I have lost my optimism or hope. I'm still me. Just taking steps into the darkness and waiting for the light to guide my way.

1- My aunt's laugh. Tonight my aunt invited my sister and I to her house to have dinner with her family. My cousin is in town and getting ready to move to London (again) so this was a way to see him before he left town. As we sat and talked and laughed I couldn't help but admire my aunt's happiness and joy for life. The icing on the cake though is her laugh. Anytime she is laughing, you are laughing with her. It was great to be with the Perry family tonight.

2- Scotcharoos. For those of you who have never had this dessert, you are missing out. Delicious! I love them! They have incredibly addictive substances in them called chocolate and peanut butter and butterscotch. Oh how life seems better when you have had a scotcharoo.

3- Informational interviews that turn into full time offers. Though nothing has been officially signed, hope exists. The CEO that I spoke with last week may have a position for me at the beginning of the new year. Many changes are happening in life and switching jobs seems to be in the mix.

Gratitude Day 16

1- Making it through the day. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and wonder how am I going to survive today? But somehow, after pushing the covers aside, I find a way. Today was one of those days. I made it! Now I just need to get through tomorrow...

2- Speaking in church. I enjoy speaking in church. I just have an incredible fear because I always seem to be tested or tried with the very topic I had to prepare. I was asked to speak in church on Sunday. The topic: tithing. Hopefully I'll be okay on this one as I can't afford any other major setbacks this week.

3- Agency. This may seem like an odd one but I am realizing more and more how precious this gift is in our lives. We fought for it in the pre-existence and though we may find it burdensome in this life, especially when others' choices impact us, I am grateful for the opportunity to choose. I have a choice in life. I can choose to be depressed or happy. I can choose to be bitter or hopeful. I can choose loneliness or sociality. I can choose despair or faith. Most importantly, I can choose to follow my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and allow His love to fill my soul and direct me in His paths. What a blessing choice is in our lives.

Gratitude Day 15

1- Driving. I really do enjoy driving. It gives me a chance to ponder on decisions, to make sense of the craziness that seems to be my life, and to listen to the voice of the Lord. These reasons are probably why I didn't mind having a forty minute commute for four years.

2- Having most of my Christmas shopping done. Before you think I'm just that organized, realize that my family will all be here for Thanksgiving for my sister's wedding. Instead of sending gifts via the postal service, I plan on using the Christensen family mail system and take advantage of everyone being here. I just have one more set of gifts to buy and I already know I can get those at Costco which we all know is a place of many good things.

3- Patience. One attribute of Christ that is difficult for me is patience. Though it has been suggested that I am patient to a fault, I find it a precious gift right now in my life. Elder Neal A. Maxwell talks about the patience in a BYU devotional back in 1979. The whole talk resonates with me but I wanted to share a few specific quotes.

Patience is not indifference. Actually, it means caring very much but being willing, nevertheless, to submit to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the "process of time."

Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father...We read in Mosiah about how the Lord simultaneously tries the patience of His people even as He tries their faith (Mosiah 23:21). One is not only to endure, but to endure well and gracefully those things which the Lord "seeth fit to inflict upon [us]" (Mosiah 3:19), just as did a group of ancient American saints who were bearing unusual burdens but who submitted "cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord" (Mosiah 24:15).

Patience is, therefore, clearly not fatalistic, shoulder-shrugging resignation. It is the acceptance of a divine rhythm to life; it is obedience prolonged. Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing. Patience is never condescending or exclusive--it is never glad when others are left out. Patience never preens itself; it prefers keeping the window of the soul open.

Gratitude Day 14

1- Christmas music. Though you may scoff, it really brings peace to the soul. I love wrapping myself in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate, and listening to the sounds of Christmas.

2- Silent Night. I've always enjoyed this song. However, when I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert with Lucy and Scott a few years ago, I gained a new appreciation. It speaks to me in a way that only "O Holy Night" by the King Singers can rival. But that song will be for another day. Enjoy!


3- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. I never really was a fan of this song. Once again, the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert changed all of that. Ed Herrman's monologue about Henry Wordsworth Longfellow captures the spirit of the song and most importantly, the spirit of Christmas. How I love Christmas!

Gratitude Day 13

1- Other people shopping for me. I've needed brown shoes for my sister's wedding. I had looked but hadn't found anything that really worked for me. My friend Kate and my sister both researched and shopped for me. I now have shoes. So glad I had other people's help on this one.

2- Indian food. How can lamb, naan, and curry be wrong? Love it!

3- Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. My sister was on a business trip this past week. On her way home she stopped at the Cheesecake Factory and bought me a slice of my favorite kind. The best part about this little gift is the cheesecake is so rich it lasts more than one sitting. Thanks Nettie!

Gratitude Day 12

1- Opportunities. I am grateful for the opportunities I have received in life.

2- Adversity and opposition are the true tests of righteousness. Without them we could not really know the state of our hearts. Nor could we truly understand God's existence and love, and His power to guide, comfort, strengthen, and save.

3- There have been, and will be times in each of your lives when such faith must be the bottom line. You don't know what is happening to you or around you, but you know that God loves you, and knowing that, for the moment, is enough.

Gratitude Day 11

1- Another networking lead. Because I was helping a professor with the EMBA course, I ran across a company name that interested me. The professor introduced me to the CEO who was in his EMBA class and today set up an informational interview. That combined with the conference tomorrow, I'm hoping for a positive full-time job lead.

2- Fantastic Family. I have an amazing family! They are loving, kind, funny, supportive, and make my life easier. My nieces and nephews crack me up! They are always doing something that makes me smile.

3- Love for the gospel. This truly is my foundation in life. Hopefully all you who read my blog know that I have a testimony and that my life is founded on the principles of the gospel specifically the atonement of Jesus Christ. What a blessing to understand the mysteries of the Lord.

4- As it is Veterans Day I should also mention my gratitude for those who have fought for our country both past and present. My grandpa served in World War II. He experienced many horrific events and I am grateful for his dedication to serve and all those that continue to serve.

Gratitude Day 10

1- Networking. In MBA school networking was hammered into our heads as the top way to get a job. As I am still looking for a full-time position to replace my part-time one, I have really begun to utilize this idea. Today I met with a friend of both my brother-in-laws. He invited me to a conference where he is going to introduce me to key people who will be influential in helping me find the perfect position.

2- Baked goods. On her way home from work today, my roommate stopped at an amazing bakery shop and bought me a delicious cinnamon roll. Thanks Christine!

3- My A lot sticker. I love that I can park anywhere on campus. After years of always having to park in designated areas, I enjoy that I can pull into any empty stall without thinking twice about getting a ticket.

Gratitude Day 9

1- Working at the temple. I love being a temple worker! Five years ago I had the opportunity to serve for 18 months. I am working there again and am on the same shift. People from four years ago remember me! It's like a second family and I love these sisters dearly. Being in the temple each week and serving others is such a blessing in my life.

2- Tender Mercies. While at the temple, I started talking with a sister about the Lord's guidance in our lives. Last week she was seeking an answer to her prayer about her future. That night I was talking with sisters about my current job at BYU. This sister's interest was peaked and said she was interested in the MBA program but didn't know who to talk to. I told her me. We talked on Sunday and today she told me she has signed up for the GMAT! I was an answer to her prayer. Tonight she was an answer to mine.

3- Simple things. A smile. A hug. A thought. I'm often amazed at how the simple things in life can bring a smile to my face.

Gratitude Day 8

1- Temples that are open on Monday. I decided I wanted to do a session today but most temples are closed on Monday. Gratefully both the Provo temple and Salt Lake temple are open for the mornings. It was a much needed boost.

2- High School musicals. My mom called me this afternoon with free tickets to the play in their home town. The cast actually did a great job for a small school. They performed My Fair Lady and it was a great way to spend the evening.

3- Not teaching high school. Though I enjoyed teaching when I did, I was so glad I wasn't in high school anymore or teaching it. Glad I'm doing something different.

4- Grateful I didn't crash in the snow storm. Visibility was horrible and driving through deer country and the storm made for quite the experience.

Gratitude Day 7

1- Fasting. I am grateful for the principle of fasting and when coupled with prayer and a purpose has the ability to draw us closer to the Lord.

2- Scriptures. They teach us the principle of the gospel: faith, hope, charity; baptism and repentance; the creation, the fall, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. How blessed we all for the scriptures which invite us to our Savior.

3- Prayer. Personal prayer is a gift that I cherish with all my heart. Many personal spiritual impressions have come because of the power of prayer. Peace and the knowledge my Heavenly Father loves me are the greatest blessings that I have received from prayer.

Gratitude Day 6

1- Home. I've been stuck inside most of the day grading final exams for a professor. No it isn't in my job description but it earns me extra cash. I was bored and finally packed up my stuff and drove to my parents' home. No one is here right now (for a few hours) but something about home always makes life easier even if all I'm doing is grading papers.

2- Compliments. I'm amazed at how a simple compliment can create the giddiest smile on my face. Being appreciated by someone else always brightens my day.

3- Brother-in-laws. Many people don't get along with their in-laws but I do not relate to that sentiment in any way, shape, or form. The two who live near me have always been willing to give me a blessing or help me with any life circumstance, like moving from SL to Provo. Another who was just visiting bought me fudge just to be nice. A future one (in three weeks) has always been nice and kind towards me in spite of the teasing about my low Tetris Friends time. I have amazing brother-in-laws!

Gratitude Day 5

1- Good friends. Some of my best friends don't live near me. They live in New York, Ohio, Virginia, Washington, California, Texas, and other places in the country. No matter where they live, they are always there for me and eager to be part of my life. I love my friends!

2- Video messages. Nothing like having a long day and having a video message in your Inbox.

3- Frugality. My mother taught me to be frugal and I am grateful for her example. Toy Story 3 came out the other day. I went to Wal-mart, saw the price, and walked out. I knew I could get a better deal than that. Did some research and found Target had it cheaper. I needed to pick up something there tomorrow and now I get to add Toy Story 3 to that list.