2014

Today I am grateful for 2014. What blessings did I see this year? Well, I had great success in my church service with helping to organize several musical presentations throughout the year; many great opportunities as a performer, a composer, and an arranger; more work opportunities at the library; I spent lots of my time with lots of wonderful people; my brother returned from his mission; my sister departed on her mission; and that's just the highlights from the top of my head! Oh, and I've found over 350 things to be grateful for! To paraphrase the poet e. e. cummings: "i thank you God for most this amazing [year]."

May this coming year be filled with many more reasons to be grateful. God bless, and have a happy new year!

To See My Brother Succeed

It was an exciting if bittersweet moment to wish my brother the best of luck on his study abroad trip. I am truly glad to see him finding success in such opportunities. Not only is he off on an exciting adventure across the world, he is engaged to be married to a great girl later this year. I am grateful to see my brother successful and happy, with the potential for much more success and happiness to come. :)

Christmas Dinner Leftovers

We still have a few left overs from Christmas dinner, mostly an abundance of delicious cooked ham. I am grateful for the leftovers of holiday dinners. It is yet another way to extend holiday celebrations! Besides, eating good quality food for a few days in a row is always a plus. :)

Recognizing Good Gifts

My dad prepared and taught a lesson to other church members today, and part of the lesson was about spiritual gifts. The scriptures talk about gifts of the Spirit and fruits of the Spirit (some examples are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 in the Bible, and in Moroni 10:8-18 in the Book of Mormon). These gifts include, but are not limited to the gift of faith, of languages, of faith to heal, of faith to be healed, of teaching, of being taught, and of wisdom.

As I think about gifts and talents I've been blessed with, I can see I have a gift of finding things to be grateful for, of looking for the best in people, of dedication, of music, of planning, and much more. I am certainly not the best at any of these things, but I consider them some of my personal strengths. Because every good gift comes from God (see aforementioned Moroni reference), I am grateful to Him for my personal gifts and strengths, including the gift of recognizing them.

The End of an Epic Double-Trilogy

My family and I saw the third Hobbit movie tonight. Today I am grateful for the work of Peter Jackson, Howard Shore, and the many others who contributed to the making of the three Lord of the Rings movies and the three Hobbit movies. I expected a satisfactory and epic end to this film series, and that's what I saw. I enjoyed this final movie a lot, from it's great CGI effects to the design of the weapons and costumes to the magical gravity-defying stunts to the majestic and telling music. I was fascinated with this depiction of the events of Middle-Earth, and I am grateful for the way it all ended.

And of course, none of this would be possible without the work and imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien. :)

Google Doodles

Google does such a great job with their doodles (the artwork that occasionally replaces the traditional Google logo on their main search page). They celebrate everything from Christmas to Dr. Who to the birthday of a famous or otherwise significant person who has done some good in this world. Some doodles are interactive! I have always been impressed with the creativity of these doodles, and I appreciate their creative and educational value. Thanks Google, doodle on!

My Brother and My Sister, Here!

On Christmas day, my family and I got to Skype with my sister, who is serving her mission in Argentina right now. Also, my brother arrived home after visiting his fiance's family for a few days. It has been great to talk with my sister and be with my brother today. To me, Christmas is about family, and because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ my family can love together in the next life. I am forever grateful for that. Merry Christmas to you all!

The Local LDS Missionaries

Today I am grateful for the LDS missionaries that are serving in my home area right now. My parents and I went to a party that was held at the home of some family friends. The friends had invited several families over for Christmas Eve dinner, and they included the two sister missionaries who are currently serving in this area. I enjoyed meeting them and it was clear to me that they are serving their missions for the right reasons. They really care about the people they serve and they work hard to develop good relationships and to help improve people's lives. I am grateful for these missionaries, and for all the missionaries that are working during this Christmas season.

I would also like to wish you all a wonderful evening as we get some rest for the day in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

That's the One! That's What I'll Give to Them!

You know that time when you're out of ideas for a gift for a loved one, and then you find something they never asked for but you know they would love? That happened to me twice today. I am really excited to see the looks on their faces when they see what I've found for them. (I know my immediate family will probably see this post, so if this applies to you please know I'm beside myself with excitement for Christmas day) :)

Support and Accountability

I have been talking about some of my goals with my family, and they have been supportive of me. for example, I am working on eating smaller portions at each meal and drinking more water. My parents and my brother have reminded me of my commitment to set these habits, and I appreciate them for that. I am grateful for those who support me in my goals and plans, especially when I am struggling with them and could use the reminder.

Refreshingly Salty

I'm back home for the holiday break! Yay! As soon as I got back, I went with my family to a Christmas sing-along party that included a lot of treats, most of them sweet. The music was great and the food was delicious. When I got to the point where I had had enough desserts, I had some crackers and cheese. At that moment I noticed how refreshing the salty taste was after the sweetness I had eaten. Besides the fact that I'm grateful to be home, I am grateful for the taste of salty crackers and cheese after eating several sweet desserts at that party.

Exam Dougnuts

Today I am grateful for my French teacher, who brought doughnuts and punch  for his students when they came to class for a 7am final exam today. That made my day! :)

Cured of a Tuning Phobia

I used to be afraid of tuning my cello. I started learning cello when I was 12, and whenever I had to tighten the strings I was afraid the strings would snap and hit my eye. I had a string snap once, though it didn't hit my face at all. I thought about all of this when I was tuning my cello this morning. The strings were really flat, which meant I needed to tighten them a lot. I was still a little nervous, but not afraid. I'm grateful that I've gotten over my fear of tightening the strings of my cello.

Some "King"-ly Inspiration

I enjoy making up new melodies in my head. I'm excited about a new hymn melody that I came up with today. I was watching a video of the King's Singers performing, but without sound (it was in a library). As I watched the King's Singers perform, I imagined what sort of music they might be singing. A melody started to form. An hour or so later, I finalized it in my head and wrote it down. That was one of the highlights of my day, making a new hymn tune. I don't know what I'll do with it yet, but I've got some ideas. Much gratitude to the King's Singers for performing in such a classy and beautiful manner, even if I can't see them with sound.

Unfamiliar Hymns

Hymns fascinate me, and I am grateful I was able to attend an activity in the library tonight in which the participants sang beloved Christmas carols. I was familiar with many of the tunes, but some were unfamiliar. Many a time I have fallen in love with an unfamiliar hymn so much that it became familiar to me. I am grateful for unfamiliar hymns. It's remarkable what lovely songs there are in the world that one has never before discovered. :)

Finals Week

Sure I've got some work to do during finals week, but I have so much more time to myself! Some time to study, more time to work at my job, and more time to relax and work on other personal projects I've put off during the school year. I am grateful for finals week.

"A Cappella"

The term a cappella is Italian for "after the manner of the chapel." I was in a choir that sang in such a way tonight. We didn't exactly sing in a chapel, but the acoustics of the large atrium area was similar to a large Gothic chapel, and we sang "Silent Night" a cappella. The music we produced traveled throughout the room with a lovely echo effect...after the manner of a chapel. :)

Food After Good Work

Today, I was able to help a friend move out of an apartment. Once everything was moved, we had dinner and the food tasted so good! I have noticed from experience that food seems to taste much better and seems to be much more satisfying after a few hours of good work. Interesting, isn't it?

Apple Cider

I had some really good apple cider at a party tonight, which reminded me how grateful I am for good apple cider. I especially enjoy the occasional floating apple or orange slice. Delicious! Yet another reason why I love the winter season. :)

Other Great Vocal Percussionists

Saw a great a cappella concert tonight. At one point, the entire group walked off stage except for their vocal percussionist. For the next few minutes those vocal drum sounds blew everyone away! Being an amateur vocal percussionist myself, I was inspired by this solo performance. I was reminded why I love being a walking drum kit: I get to make really odd sounds with my mouth that sound cool together, and I have fun doing it. I am grateful for the many other great vocal percussionists I get to hear and see.

Energy on Stage

I performed in a concert tonight. I love it when I see energy in a performance. It inspires me to do the same whenever I perform. I am amazed at how much confidence and energy and sincerity affects musical or theatrical performance (or any performance for that matter) for the better. With those attributes, everyone is convinced you know what you're doing, despite any and all doubts you may have yourself. Yes, I felt slightly goofy when I performed on stage today, but I enjoyed it and I'm glad I put myself out there. I even got a compliment about my energy during the show! I'm grateful when I see energetic performers, and when I am among energetic performers.

"Fear Not"

I attended a presentation this morning in which the speaker talked about an oft-unnoticed aspect about the Christmas story. In the Bible, we read of four different angelic visitations: one to Zacharias, one to Mary, one to Joseph the carpenter, and--most famously--one to shepherds near Bethlehem. Each time the angel says "Fear not." The speaker focused on this reassuring phrase, and I'm grateful for that. I am grateful that this message, that God gives us no reason to fear, is part of the Christmas story. What does the angel say to the shepherds? "Fear not, for behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy." Love replaces fear, and love is at the heart of the Christmas spirit.

Caroling, Caroling, Now We Go!

I went caroling with some friends tonight. we went to a nursing home and sang to some of the residents there. I am reminded of my caroling days in high school when I was part of an official caroling group, complete with dresses and top hats and cravats. Just the experience of being out and about, making a "joyful noise" of Christmas carols, is unforgettable. It is an exciting and pleasant service. I am grateful for Christmas caroling. :)

The Law of Tithing

Most of the principles and commandments as found in the scriptures do not involve numbers. It is often more about quality than quantity. Examples include love for God, love for fellowmen, keeping the Sabbath day holy, honoring your father and your mother, and even "be ye therefore perfect." ( Matt. 5:48) Being perfect in living these principles is difficult, but of course it is possible with God's help.

One of the commandments taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the law of tithing. I believe in donating ten percent of my income to the Church, and that money is then used to support the construction of church buildings, as well as other worthwhile causes such as family history and education. I am grateful for the law of tithing. Because there is a number involved (10% of income), it is one of the few commandments that I can easily live perfectly right now. Whenever I have lived this commandment, I have also enjoyed the blessings: "...prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10) I have always had enough resources to provide for my needs, and I have been blessed in many other small ways as I continue to seek God's will.

I am aware that not everyone who may read this blog believes exactly as I do, and that's okay. My point is that in my many efforts to live according to correct principles as I understand them, it is easy for me to recognize where I fall short. Yet, poor as I am in resources and in spirit, I am encouraged by the fact that I can live at least one of God's commandments with perfect exactness right now.

Our Town

I've seen Our Town, a play by Thornton Wilder, three times in my life. I was Joe Stoddard when my high school put it on about seven years ago, and at about that time I also watched a film adaptation of the play. The third time was tonight, and interestingly this performance used stage and film together almost seamlessly to tell the story and to convey the ideas. This is one of my favorite plays. I love what Wilder did with his minimalist approach and his use of "breaking the fourth wall" (When characters on stage address the audience). I love how real it is in dealing with daily life, with love and marriage, and with death. This play makes me legitimately laugh and truly think. It truly is a treasure of American theater. I am grateful for Thornton Wilder's Our Town. I am very grateful I was able to see it again tonight. I feel like it's been too long since the last time I've seen it.

A Funeral

About five years ago, I went with my mother to the funeral of her grandmother. I knew I would see my extended family there, my aunts and uncles as well as my grandparents. But before that day I had never seriously thought about even more extended family that I had. My great-grandmother who had passed away had three children, one of whom was my grandmother. At the funeral I saw the other two siblings and their families. Most of these relatives I met for the first time on that day. On that day I realized my family was much bigger than I had ever before imagined. My perspective on the family organization changed dramatically after that lovely funeral service.

Since that day I have seen these extended family members several times in reunions and events, including an art exhibit open house I attended tonight. Whenever I see these relatives and talk with them, I am reminded that I am part of a tremendous family unit made up of many smaller families. I appreciate my relatives and I cherish the opportunities I have to be with them.

I am grateful for my great-grandmother's funeral because that event led to many wonderful family associations that I didn't enjoy before. I'm sure my great-grandmother wouldn't have it any other way because the moment she passed from this life was a reflection of what mattered most to her: she lay on her bed at home, surrounded by her family.

Bollywood Films

I'm doing research for a paper this week, and my research includes watching Bollywood movies (Hindi films, made in India). Recently, I have come to appreciate and enjoy Bollywood movies. There is so much color and movement and music involved with these films! They are fun to watch and listen to. So far, I have only seen three films all the way through: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. I am grateful for Bollywood films. To me they are genuinely entertaining and they provide an exciting view into a great culture.

The Trees Look Like Christmas

A few nights ago, strings of lights were wrapped around several trees on campus. Now when I walk from a certain entrance of the campus library to the main square outside, I get a beautiful view of the trees. I am grateful for trees at Christmas time. They are covered with color and light, and it is gorgeous!

Free Doughnuts, Anyone?

I am grateful for the free doughnuts given as part of an event in the student center this evening. I am also grateful that I was able to take several of the leftovers with me and give them to fellow students on my way back to my apartment. :)

Lint Screen

I am grateful for the lint screens you find in dryers. I hear people call them lint traps and lint trays. Whatever you call them, I'm grateful for them. I truly find some satisfaction from peeling a thick layer of lint off of the screen. If it's a thin layer, I feel disappointed. Isn't that odd? I guess it's the way it feels in my fingers and the way I can just carefully remove the fragile layer of lint. Apart from the part where I get warm, clean clothes at the end, this is my favorite part of doing laundry.