Thank You, Madame Rowling

I realized that today is Harry Potter's 33rd birthday (my source for his age is, admittedly, Wikipedia). I really am grateful that J. K. Rowling wrote those Harry Potter books. I'm told her rise to literary fame was not easy, nor did she initially expect to become famous from her books. Not only have her books captured imaginations young and old, her personal story is an inspiration to anyone with a good idea. Happy Birthday, Harry Potter, and many more!

So, what am I grateful for today? The imagination and proactivity of J. K. Rowling to share Harry Potter with the world.

Enlightening Presentations

My summer job involves assisting in graduate research. Basically, helping out with a lot of nitty-gritty data collection and entry. I honestly didn't have much of an idea about what the data was for or what the main project entailed, but the job paid well enough for me to do it. What I am grateful for is that the graduate students have recently given presentations on their projects for their principal investigator and all of the assistants were invited. Most of the terminology that was used was way over my head, but I finally know the big picture of my job. This gives me a greater sense of purpose and importance in the midst of the dirty, menial chores I do each day I work.
To look at the an bigger picture, this experience reminds me of how my faith is continuing to help me remember the meaning and importance of what I do in my life. To have a knowledge of God's plan of happiness for His children gives me a great sense of purpose and importance as a child of God.

So, what am I grateful for today? Learning the big picture behind my summer job.

Community Bike Shop

I figured if I plan on using a bike more often in college, I'd better learn how to fix one. Thankfully, there is a community bike shop in town, run by volunteers, where I can work on bikes and get personal help and advice on the subject. I went for the first time tonight, and it was a rewarding experience. I am glad I could go and begin learning.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for that bike shop, for the people who work hard to keep the place running, and the service they provide to the community.

A Weekly Sacrament

As part of the weekly church services in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we take what's called the sacrament (others might call it holy communion). Young men with priesthood authority pray over the bread and water that is then passed to the congregation. The bread and water are meant to symbolize the Last Supper the Savior had with His twelve disciples. While the bread and water is distributed to the people in the church meeting, everyone is quiet. This is a time to reflect and ponder the life and teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as one's personal commitment to the Lord. I really appreciate this special time set aside each week. When I am focused on the purpose of the sacrament, I feel spiritually refreshed and renewed. It is truly a great blessing to me.

So, what am I grateful for today? The most important part of my church meetings: It is known as the sacrament.

Chess

This weekend, I went on a little trip with my family to the city. Part of this trip entailed a trip to the local mall which had a couple of board game stores. I admired the different chess sets and all the spin-offs of the classic game. For some reason, chess has always fascinated me. It is one of my favorite games among all the other strategy board games I've played so far. We don't know the exact origin of chess, but it has been around for ages. The concept and the pieces of the game have sparked my imagination for years, and I am glad to be so familiar with such a great game.

So, what am I grateful for today? Chess, in all its classic glory that fascinated me since grade school.

Culinary Creativity

Who could imagine mac & cheese and hamburgers together on one plate? One resteraunt has done it, and it was a fascinating combination. I am very impressed by those who really know how to put things together on a plate. It is a fascinating science, and I am glad we have people in our society who excell in it.

Today's Cloudy Weather

It was nice and cool this morning, thanks to the cloud cover in the sky. I often see it as a godsend on an otherwise hot, summer day.

So, what am I grateful for today? The blessing of cool shade in the form of clouds this morning.

Traffic People at the Theater

I went with my family today to see a musical. The performance went well and was executed with a good amount of energy and enthusiasm, and I'm glad we got to go tonight. The show was sold out, therefore the traffic after the show was a bit of a nightmare. Thankfully, the volunteer ushers directed traffic in an orderly manner and we were able to get out on the road fairly quickly.

So, what am I grateful for today? The people directing traffic after tonight's show. Their work helped make our drive back home more pleasant and without incident.

A Long Day of Work

Work today lasted several hours longer than usual. Even though I am exhausted and just about ready to go to bed to get up to work again tomorrow morning, I am grateful for the extra time today. I've earned a little more money for my upcoming year of college.

So, what am I grateful for today? An extra long day of work, I am glad I was able to work more hours today.

Helpful Recreation

Tonight I was invited to a small get-together with a couple of friends in the area. there were only six of us but we had fun playing card games for a couple hours. One of the people there, I'll call her Michelle, was new. She had just moved into town for work and didn't really know anyone. I am glad she enjoyed herself as much as the rest of us. Of course, in about a month several people (including myself) will be leaving town to go back to school while Michelle will stay in town. Even though this is the case, I am grateful to be able to help her feel welcome and comfortable in these new surroundings.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for a fun evening of games with friends, which included helping to befriend someone new to the area.

A Family History Presentation

This evening at my church, someone gave a presentation about conducting family history research. It was very helpful in showing me what other resources are out there and what more I can do for my present and past family in this regard.

So, what am I grateful for today? The very instructive, enlightening, and encouraging tips and advice from a great family history presentation.

The Scouting Program

I had the privilege today to attend an Eagle Court of Honor in which a friend was receiving his Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scout program. I am grateful for the Scouting program. The values they promote and uphold are very admirable and good. It is an organization that does much good throughout the country.

So, what am I grateful for today? The Boy Scouts of America, the values they stand for, and the good that they do.

Teaching with the Missionaries

This evening, the missionaries in town for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints called me up and asked if I could come with them to a teaching appointment this evening. I had given them my number a couple weeks ago and told them I was available to go visiting with them this summer. Tonight, we visited with a really great family that wanted to learn more about what God wanted them to do. We talked about Jesus Christ and the church He established in ancient and modern days. The missionaries invited the family to pray together, to read and ponder the Book of Mormon, and come to church on Sunday. It was a really good visit. The family asked good, sincere questions, and God blessed everyone in the home with the influence of the Spirit tonight. I am so glad I came out with the missionaries today. It brought back memories of my time as a full-time missionary over a year ago, and it was a blessing to see this good family express that desire to develop a stronger relationship with their Heavenly Father.

So, what am I grateful for today? The edifying experience of accompanying the missionaries in a good, successful teaching visit.

Classical Music Radio

This morning I thought it would be good to listen to a local radio station devoted to classical music. I really enjoyed it. It has been a little while since I took the time to really enjoy classical music. I also appreciate the people who work on the radio and run those programs.

So, what am I grateful for today? Classical music, a good fit for a morning bike ride.

Rogers and Hammerstein

This evening I saw a production of "Oklahoma!" done by a group I was once a part of in my younger years. The show had a lot of energy and it was a joy to watch. As I watched the show, I thought about the distinctive characteristics of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals. The two of them have a very recognizable style of words and music that has been loved for years, making them the Gilbert and Sullivan of the 20th century. They take wonderful stories and give them life through fun music and thoughtful lyrics. I very much appreciate the classics they have contributed to our modern stage.

So, what am I grateful for today? The classic combined talent of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein.

Opportunity for Jury Service

Today, I went to my county courthouse to serve as a juror for the first time in my life. I was actually excited about it. It was exciting to me to be able to fulfill a civic duty and participate in my local judicial system. It was also neat to be one of the youngest of the prospective jurors there. 

It turned out that I wasn't chosen to be a juror for today's case, so I was dismissed and arrived home early. It was a slight disappointment because I kind of wanted to be a part of the trial. However, I do recognize the heavy responsibility of a jury to determine a verdict for a case after all the arguments and presentation of evidence. In any case, today I learned more about the local judiciary system, and I am glad to know more about it and thus appreciate it a bit more. 

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for the opportunity I had to be available for jury service today, and to learn more about the local judiciary system (and thus gain greater appreciation for it). 

The Helpful Bank Representative

Today I got a call from my bank about a fraud issue. I called them and got in touch with one of their representatives. He was very helpful, encouraging, and gave straightforward answers. I really appreciated his help and his confidence in the situation. All of that helped me to feel much less stressed about it all.

So, what am I grateful for today? The bank employee I talked to over the phone today. I appreciate the work he did and how well the issue at hand was dealt with. :)

Board Games

This evening, I had a lot of fun playing several board games with friends and family. I have always loved board games and I appreciate the contribution they bring to any fun social gathering.

So, what am I grateful for today? Board games.

Music Classes

Today I made good progress in a piece of music I am currently arranging. I applied some basic principles of voice leading and arranging four-part harmony. These are things I learned about in the music classes I took this past year of college. The knowledge from the music theory and performance classes turned out to be incredibly helpful today. My arrangement is much improved because of it.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I gained in my college music classes. I am glad I was able to apply them today.

Fortunate in a Bike Incident

On my way back home from work today, I had a minor bike crash. I landed on a sidewalk but my only real injury was a scrape on my left knee. With this incident, I found several things to be grateful for:

1. I'm grateful I was wearing jeans, which provided some protection for my legs in my fall.
2. I'm grateful I had a small first aid kit with gauze and bandages to cover the scrape.
3. I'm grateful the rest of the ride home was without incident.
4. I'm grateful my bike didn't break.

In short, it could have been much worse.

So, what am I grateful for today? After a small but of misfortune, I am grateful for the collection of little things that made the incident more fortunate.

Little Amateur Concerts

I don't know how common of an experience this is for other people, but growing up with music has led to a number of tiny concerts. These little performances are usually done for family or friends with only a small amount of musical skill. Friends or family strumming a guitar, singing purposefully out of tune to be funny, having a Sunday "jam session" with friends. As much as I love going to concerts of many sorts in large venues, it is the tiny and intimate performances that I cherish. They exist just because and they are almost always spontaneous.

So, what am I grateful for today? Minuscule moments of music that make many marvelous memories for me. :)

Walking

There is something about going outside and enjoying a walk with loved ones, especially if one or more people are in an unhappy mood. One of my siblings was feeling crabby, so we decided to go out for a walk. After some silence, we started to talk about what the problem was and we were all happy and satisfied when we arrived home about 15 minutes later.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for the refreshing walk I enjoyed with my family. Walks work wonders. :)

Summer Rain

After several hot summer days, it was very refreshing to have rain. The coolness it brought this morning made today's work a little more enjoyable.

So, what am I grateful for today? The blessing of rain when it comes to cool the hot summer air.

I'm Grateful to Be Home

I don't think there was anything really extra ordinary about today. I went to work, I had dinner and home and spent the rest of the day with my family. Not much to say. Yet, I feel content and happy to be here. 

So, what am I grateful for? I guess I am grateful to be home during these summer months. 

The Missionaries

During today's church services, several young men and women who serve as full-time missionaries stood in front of the congregation and shared their testimonies and feelings about the teachings of Jesus Christ and what a blessing it is to have the opportunity to share the good news with those around them. As they testified, I remembered my time as a full-time missionary in the southwest. I also have a younger brother who is currently serving as a missionary in northern Utah. I have seen the results of missionary service bless many lives.

A thought occurred to me: I could be of service to the missionaries here while I am in town for the summer. I gave my contact information to them so they could let me know if they need a ride somewhere or would like an extra person to come with them to a teaching appointment. The missionaries were cheerful and enthusiastic and appreciative of my willingness to help. I truly feel that God is encouraging me to reach out a bit more and continue to look for opportunities to be a blessing to others. I am glad I was able to have an opportunity to help the missionaries.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for the men and women who serve all around the world as full-time missionaries.

Haircutters/Hairstylists

For me, it's a good feeling to get a haircut. There wasn't anything in particular that made today's haircut stand out from any others I've had, but I am no less grateful for the work done by people to whom we place our confidence when it comes to an important aspect of our appearance. 

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for the work done by the people at barber shops and hair salons. 

P.S.-Of course, I haven't really done anything to my hair except getting it cut periodically so I suppose I can't fully appreciate everything hair stylists do (curling, coloring, styling, etc.). Still, great trust and confidence is given to them, and they do good work. 

A Time to Think and Evaluate

Work today involved a few hours of weeding a large bean plant field. About halfway through I started to think about how well I am living my faith. I am glad today's work required very little mental work, which left room for me to think about such things. I was physically exhausted, but taking the time for self-evaluation as I worked was refreshing and encouraging. Plus, the agricultural nature of the labor brought to mind various parables and symbolism in the Bible taught b Jesus Christ.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for time to think and to meditate on the things of God as I worked outside on a bean field.

Happy Independence Day!

In the spirit of Independence Day, this country has much to be grateful for and has for centuries. There are wonderful passages from the Book of Mormon (which was written by the ancient Americans) that talk about liberty and freedom and the struggle to defend it. One such passage says, "ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free" (The Book of Mormon, 191). In that verse, the speaker was talking not only about freedom from political bondage but freedom from spiritual bondage, which are both gifts to us from God.

We all know that this country today faces so many complex problems and issues concerning education, health, civil rights, civil liberties, interpreting the law, how government should be run, defense, the economy, foreign affairs, and many more. This country is certainly far from perfect, but I believe it has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Despite our faults, our nation has a better education system than it did over 200 years ago. We have a better health care system. More people enjoy the rights and liberties of citizens. We have made mistakes and have learned from so many of them. Our country is doing much good within and without. If we take the time to think about it, we as a people have made tremendous strides over the centuries. Even today there are many people working hard and well in private and public spheres to do good in their communities, states, and their nation. I am also grateful for the men and women in the government who spend their precious time working hard to try to improve our country even more. Of course they aren't perfect either, but I believe there is much good being done in Washington D. C.

So, what am I grateful for today? I am grateful for the liberty wherewith we have been made free. It was and is brought about by many people over many years and is a tremendous gift from God.

Safe Bike Travels

Today, I rode my bike to and from work with my dad and my sister. Both ways, my bike had a couple of minor issues with a loose pedal but other than that the ride was straightforward. I was frustrated at the time, but overall I am glad that was the only problem we had.

So, what am I grateful for today? We had safe travels on our bikes today.

The Lunch Break at Work

My current summer job demands a lot of my physical strength and stamina as I lift heavy bags of dry beans and spend several hours out on a bean field exposed to the hot sun. In a less exhausting job I would be grateful for lunch mainly as a small break from monotonous mental tasks. Today however, I am grateful for lunch because as I rest my muscles, I gain strength and energy from the food to keep going for another four hours. I am always grateful to have the strength I need from day to day, and today's lunch break is part of that large blessing.

So, what am I grateful for today? The time given to me at my job to rest and resupply during lunch. :)

Ah Canada!

I am grateful for Canada. Besides their contribution to the world with inventions like the zipper, penicillin, and Celine Dion. My Dad was born there. I may not know very much about Canada but I am happy to be half-Canadian by birth and to know about such delights like nanaimo bars and Aero bars.

So, what am I grateful for today? I think having Canada in this world is in many ways a tremendous blessing. :)