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.

Perspective

Once I returned to my apartment after a great Thanksgiving break, I felt disappointed that I would have to go back to school tomorrow. I then thought about all the school work I've got to do, and I started to feel overwhelmed. I stopped myself and seriously went through in my mind all the things I really have to do: A few small online assignments and a research paper (due next week, and I've started to do some research for it). That's it. That's all that was weighing on my mind. It really didn't seem all that bad when I really thought about it. With this perspective, I felt happier. It's amazing what mentally stepping back can do. I am grateful for good, broad perspective.

Cousins

I am so grateful for my many cousins. I have been spending Thanksgiving break with some of them (along with some aunts and uncles and grandparents, of course), and that has been a lot of fun. I also wish to express my gratitude for all my cousins on both sides of my family. When I consider the cousins of my generation on my mom's side on and my dad's side put together, we range in age from late 20's to about 3 years old. We represent many different personalities and viewpoints, but we are still generally very happy to see each other during family reunions great and small. Those of us with jobs and/or pursuing education have many different kinds of great and honorable work. We live across the country and do many wonderful things in our local communities. My dad's parents and my mom's parents all have many grandchildren which they are proud of. It is a blessing to have many wonderful cousins, and I am grateful for the people they are and the wonderful things they do.

Vacation Homes

I am grateful for those people who set up their homes for large vacation groups such as my family. We're in a nice pioneer home tonight, and I am impressed by the way everything is put together. Of course I know these people get money for renting their house out like this, but I still think it is rather generous of them. These are nice houses! I am grateful for vacation homes.

So Much to Be Grateful For

Yesterday marked my 500th post in this blog, meaning I have found at least 500 things to be grateful for. I feel it is appropriate to note something like this on Thanksgiving Day. I love these words sung by Josh Groben:

"Some days, we forget to look around us.
Some days, we can't see the joy that surrounds us.
So caught up inside ourselves,
We take when we should give.

"So for tonight we pray for what we know can be;
And on this day we hope for what we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change;
And even though this world needs so much more,
There's so much to be thankful for."

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Desert Landscape

I am with family in southern Utah for the Thanksgiving break, and at the place we're staying we have a nice view of some desert landscape. It has its own kind of beauty which I have come to appreciate since I served as a missionary a few years ago. I am grateful for the red sand and the red rock formations topped with sagebrush, all of which I am able to enjoy here in southern Utah. The sweet memories the landscape brings to me of my mission also make it special to me.

Happy News

One of the many great benefits of friendship is the opportunity to share good news. It uplifts the giver and the receiver of good news, and all rejoice together. Our truest Friend in heaven wanted glad tidings of great joy to be shared with everyone. Similarly, it is a wonderful thing to be able to celebrate a promotion, an accomplishment, an addition to a family, a miracle, a new opportunity, anything with those who we know would love to celebrate with us. I am grateful to be able receive happy news from a friend, today and every day.

Christmas Music!

There are people who don't like to hear Christmas music until the middle of December, there are people who wouldn't mind Christmas music the day after Halloween, and there are people in many levels within that continuum. I myself am more of a liberal on this particular issue. I love to hear Christmas music in the middle of November, especially if snow has already begun to fall. To me, the music associated with Christmas is truly magical. I have tremendous appreciation for the carols of the season, and for the artists who contribute their lovely interpretations of them. Once the music starts, I feel warmer and happier as my thoughts turn to the glad tidings of great joy that have been shared by God and man alike for over two thousand years. I am grateful for Christmas music!

Anticipation of Vacation

I have a couple of days left of school before my Thanksgiving break. I am really looking forward to this break in school and work routine. Interestingly, I think even the anticipation of this break is affecting me positively. Just the idea of it is motivating and invigorating to me right now. I am grateful to know that I have a vacation soon approaching because it helps me go on for the next two days.

New Works

I saw a new musical today. By that I mean the show had never been performed before and afterwards the audience was asked what they loved about the play and what needed more clarification. I didn't feel like I had very much to say because I was blown away by the musical. I had strong emotional connections with the show and I was very impressed by both the writer and the performers. As great at the piece is now, the writer is still looking to improve it. This is inspiring to me. I realize that too often I may work on something until it's just good enough. Too many homework assignments come to mind. Among the other lessons I got from the musical itself, I also got this: no matter how great you think your work may be, it can be improved. The principle of continual improvement is one that I truly believe and care deeply about. I'm not in heaven yet, so there must be something (or many things) I still need to work on.

Anyway, I am grateful for new works of art and music and theater, such as tonight's musical. I am grateful to see that new things are being created all the time.

Different Branches of the Same Tree

I met with a classmate tonight to discuss a plan for our next homework assignment. In our conversation the topic of our major came up. We are both English language majors (linguistics, focusing on English), and we were both impressed by the fact that we each had a different desired direction with this same major. We are taking many of the same classes, yet we have different academic interests. That was fascinating to me. In a sense we are different branches of the same tree.

I now think of this in a much broader perspective. As a people we have many, many different interests in the many different aspects of our lives. Most of these interests and desires have something to do with improving something, changing something, and progressing. We have a lot of different ideas of what "better" might mean, yet we continue to strive for improvement. I believe these desires, in its various manifestations, come from the same source. Whatever is good comes from God. Two students with the same major and the same classes can have different and equally worthwhile goals. Two people in the world with the same basic desire for improvement can have different aspirations and goals to achieve that improvement. In short: you are awesome; I am awesome; and we can find common ways to be more awesome together. 

I am grateful to know that any good thing, any good action, and any worthwhile goal comes from the same heavenly source. Truly all things around us testify that God is real.

You Are Awesome

A few years ago, I heard a local church leader talk about "awesomizing" people. Basically, the idea is to lift people up by reminding them not only of their talents and capabilities, but also that they're just awesome. See the good and voice it. I am reminded of a meme I saw recently: "When I am stressed, I stop being stressed and start being awesome." Of course the word awesome is a very vague and generic term, but I hope you get my point. There were a few times today when I was reminded of my potential to be a better person, that I am doing better than I realize. These reminders came as simple thoughts, which I believe were small, subtle manifestations of the Holy Spirit, reminding me of my potential and of God's love for me. I am grateful to be reminded of this, so I can more easily see the good in other people.

Pay It Forward

I have been both a recipient and a giver of the pay it forward idea. I think it is a wonderful thing to do, to pay for the next person's ticket or food or whatever. I had the opportunity to do something like that for someone, and I could tell it made their day. I am grateful for the pay it forward idea, because I have seen it go around and around several times.

My Sister's Email Updates

My sister is serving a mission now, and she faithfully sends an email update to her family each week. Her emails are delightful! They make me smile because I can see my sister's personality coming out through the words and the punctuation. I am so glad to hear her successes on her mission, and to hear how happy she is in while serving the people around her, teaching others about how to improve their lives through the teachings of Jesus Christ. I know she is teaching truth, and it is a great work that I loved doing when I was a full-time missionary a few years ago. I am grateful for my sister's delightful email updates. :)

I'm Glad I Came

This evening there was a church meeting I was expected to attend. I had forgotten about it, and I realized it would take away one or two hours from my day. That was frustrating to me at the time. But, I was asked to participate by leading the music for the congregational hymns. Plus, I felt it was the right thing to do to go to the meeting with some of my friends from my apartment complex.

I am very grateful I went to this evening meeting. The talks that were given and the music that was heard and sung invited a spirit of goodness and inspiration. I felt encouraged and inspired to be a better person, which made the meeting a success for me. I had a few specific thoughts about how I could improve myself for this next week. I am grateful I attended the meeting, even though I didn't feel like going in the first place. If I hadn't gone, I would have missed out.

Canadian English

I gave a report about Canadian English in a class today. It was as much fun to research and prepare as it was to present. It's fun to learn the history of a dialect and what makes it different. Canadian English is a mixture of British, French, and American English, with some strong influence from native languages as well. I am grateful for Canadian English.

Smiles for Snow

Today was the first snowfall of the season here, and I was so happy I said so out loud as I walked outside. Today I am not only grateful for the snow, but also for the smiles I saw on people's faces because of the snow and because they saw other people who love the snow as much as they do. I am completely serious when I say that I felt very happy about my day because of the snow and because of the great reactions to it.

A Great Family History Library

There is a wonderful family history library on campus, and I went there today to do some research about my ancestors. I've been there a number of times before, and I am very grateful for the resources provided there and for the people who work there. They are ready and willing to help, and I appreciate that. I know that's the case with all the family history centers that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has across the country and in other countries as well. I am grateful to have easy access to this library.

An Evening of Percussion

I got to participate in a semi-annual percussion show on campus. The music from all the percussion groups was moving and inspiring. There was so much energy on the stage, and I'm grateful I could contribute to that wonderful event.

Another Reason to Appreciate the Cold

You will probably hear no end to my appreciation for the winter season. Today I discovered yet another reason to be grateful for cold weather: When you stand outside on a cold day or night with a chocolate bar in your hand, the chocolate doesn't melt and stick to your fingers. It retains its shape and there's no mess because the lower temperature keeps it together. I'm grateful that I could enjoy a non-melting chocolate bar on a cold night tonight. :)

Remembering My Mission to Help Others with Theirs

Recently I had the opportunity to be interviewed about the experiences I had during my two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The interview was part of a project to collect recorded interviews of returned missionaries for the purpose of creating a resource for those who will soon go on missions (preparetoserve.com). During my interview, I was asked about what the area was like and how it was to meet and serve the people in my mission. I know this will be useful for those who will be called to serve missions in the same area I served.

I remember some aspect of my mission every day, but preparing for and doing this interview has brought my mission even more to the front of my mind recently. I remember how hard the work often was, how frustrating it often was, and how the joys of helping people improve their lives outweighed all of the hardship and frustration. I grew exponentially as a full-time missionary, and I know God was always protecting me and uplifting me every day of those two years. I know He continues to do so now, according to my faith and trust in Him. I know God lives and loves us and wants each of us to be happy while on earth and in eternity after we leave this earth. I taught that for two years and I continue to love according to that knowledge, for which I am grateful. I will always be grateful for my mission. They weren't the best years because it was difficult work, but I never regret it because the work was for God and for the cause of goodness.

If you are interested in watching my interview about my mission experiences, here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE4-J7SNpv0&list=PLo6WmFbBTUex8iyydL05GPbYJTtJhnBZL

Clear Plastic BIC Pen

You know those clear plastic BIC pens? I prefer the black ones myself. I was part of a brief and random conversation with a co-worker about how much we like them. I will explain why I'm so grateful for these pens.

 First they work, pretty much every time. They get the job done for me whether it's for my journal or my planner or my homework assignments or little notes to myself. The clear plastic material that makes the outside of the pen does wonderful things with light. On several occasions I've seen sunlight hit at BIC pen in such a way that sends refracted light in many directions. It is a pleasure to see the light dance around when I spin the pen in the light. On top of all that, they are very cheap. I can easily go to a store and get a pack of ten or more of these marvels at a time, and it's very inexpensive.

I find a lot to be grateful for when it comes to such small things. Genuine joy comes to my life from learning how to find such ways to have appreciation and to show it.

A Canceled Class

I certainly wouldn't want it to happen every day, but I'm glad it happens on occasion. One of my classes was canceled today because of illness, which gave me some time to relax and regroup for a bit. I am grateful for that canceled class time.

Tintinnabulation

Tintinnabulation is a word for the ringing sound of bells. There is a lovely bell tower on campus, and while I was outside walking this afternoon, someone was inside the tower, playing the bells. I enjoyed the sound of the bells. I am grateful for bell towers. They chime the hour (and in some cases the half hour or even the quarter hour), and in some towers, such as the one at my school, someone can manually play the bells. I am also grateful that there is a way to register for a class to learn how to play those bells! All of this is music to my ears.

Echo-y Tunnels and Stairwells

Some aspects of sound and acoustics fascinate me. Every time I walk through a tunnel or in another enclosed space made of brick or cement, I have a desire to sing something like Gregorian chant or the dwarf song from the first Hobbit movie or something similar. This evening the a cappella group I direct went to a stairwell to sing a couple of songs, and the sound was wonderful! I am so grateful for the acoustics of tunnels and stairwells. That five-second-or-more reverberation is magnificent.

Butter

Today I am grateful for butter. Why? Because butter allowed me to transform my ham and cheese sandwich into a delicious stove-top grilled ham and cheese sandwich. I did the same thing with a peanut butter sandwich and with a piece of bread with chocolate spread on it. All of this made for a yummy dinner. :)

I Pray When...

Today I am grateful that I can pray anytime and anywhere. Not only do I make it a habit to pray each morning and night, I also pray when I

leave my apartment,
feel grateful for the beauty around me,
feel grateful for an act of random kindness from a stranger or a friend,
feel grateful for anything,
am about to go on a date,
am about to enjoy a meal,
feel angry,
need help in a time of trouble,
am about to give a blessing to someone in need,
am about to take an exam,
sit quietly to ponder the truths of heaven,

...and so on. Prayer is one of the things I do to build my spiritual foundation each day, and I am very grateful for it. 

Back/Shoulder Massages

I am grateful for those casual, non-professional shoulder massages you get from friends. These often occur in a chain, each person massaging the person in front of them. Some people are better at it than others, but it's fun and it's appreciated.

Living Statues, and a Campus Halloween!

I am grateful for living statues because I so much enjoy watching them and being one! That's what I was for Halloween this year, though I didn't paint myself one color. I dressed in a black suit and stood still in various poses for a while outside. It was so much fun, and I got a lot of laughs from people today. I am grateful for professional and amateur living statues. I find it a fascinating concept of performance art.

I also want to add how grateful I am for Halloween on campus. Every year this day is filled with fantastic costumes and wonderful interactions between people who would not have met otherwise. Many pictures were taken and conversations were had with strangers with the same costume or with a complimentary costume (there were a lot of Frozen characters on campus this year, Harry Potter and Nintendo and Doctor Who were also popular concepts).

This is why I love Halloween! Hope you all had a good holiday.

Beginning, Improving, and Progressing Every Day

Today I spent some time thinking about where I'm at with my education. Not just with my grades, but my attitude towards my classes, especially my challenging classes. I pondered, I prayed, I made a plan, and prayed some more. I found ways to improve and I set goals and made plans to do so. When I did that, I thought how grateful I was to be able to change my direction for the better and move forward anew when the next day comes.

I was further impressed when I attended a religion class this evening, and the teacher talked several times about the significance of the Savior's sacrifice for mankind, and how we are each free to choose the right or the wrong. The point the teacher made was the fact that at any point in our lives, we can turn to God to help us change and become better as we choose what is right again and again. I am grateful that new beginnings are possible #BecauseofHim. Jesus Christ not only makes it possible for us to repent of our wrong and unwise choices, He makes it possible to receive the strength and capacity to become better and to reach our full and glorious potential as a child of God. I am grateful for the possibility of beginnings, improvement, and progression every day.

Free Tacos at Close of a Long Day

You know, all the work you did on campus throughout the entire day is all worth it when you see the people from student leadership handing out free tacos. They have free food every Tuesday night, and often it's more of a dessert or a snack. This time, the food they gave out was almost a full meal! I'm grateful for a handful of free tacos at the end of the day. :)

Giving a Special Library Tour = The Best Part of the Job

A young couple came to the library tonight to look at the special display rooms and cases we had in the area. Showing people the fantastic collections and fancy rooms of the library is one of my favorite things about my job! I am grateful I was able to give a fun guided tour of (in my opinion) the most fascinating rooms in the campus library. On a more general note, I am very grateful for my job. :)

To Each, A Calling

I love the way every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is given something to do in the church. Every effort is made by local church leaders to ask the Lord for guidance in giving responsibilities to members. We call it a "calling," meaning we believe God has a hand in what we're asked to do. Some are called to be teachers, some to be members of an activities committee, some to be the pianist or music director for the congregation, and so on. Service and activity are important because it gives everyone a chance to help someone else. I am grateful for the effort that is made by my local church leaders to find a responsibility for every member of the congregation.

Glow Sticks

I've enjoyed putting glow sticks on my person at least once during this Halloween season and the previous two as well. They look great at a Halloween-themed dance or party, plus they are really fun to snap. The chemical reactions that take place to produce temporary colored light is a small marvel to me, and I enjoy it as much as I can. I am grateful for glow sticks.

Zombies, to Some Extent

I really don't like zombies. For years they freaked me out so much. I dislike them more than just about any other Halloween monster or creature because I've been afraid of nightmares about zombie attacks and infections and so on and so forth. I don't like having a good imagination when it comes to things like this.

As you may have guessed, there is a "however" that I'm going to share here: I am beginning to appreciate the use of zombies as symbolism in literature and theater. I saw a zombified rendition of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," and I appreciated the enlightening use of zombies to serve as a symbol of jealousy and other effects of gossip and slander. They used the traditional script, but interpreted it to use zombies. just as the story began with an infection, it ended with an antidote. In this case, I enjoyed the effect. I still don't like zombies, but today I am grateful for the effective use of them in art and pop culture.

The Great Things About Halloween!

I know it's a bit early to say this, but I'm excited for Halloween! What I love about this holiday is the chance to dress up into anything or anyone we want. We get to play a great game of make-believe with our costumes. There are often several opportunities for this Halloween fun because of parties and events that go on during the last couple of weeks in October.

The way I see it, creativity is the point of Halloween. I don't really like being scared. Instead, I love the costumes and the decorations and the colors and the candy. Experiencing all of these things with friends and family is the reason I'm grateful for Halloween.

Revealed in Translation.

As my knowledge of the French language has been growing over the past year, I've become increasingly interested in the LDS hymns in French. I have looked at and sung French hymns several times, and I already knew the melodies and the English words really well. What I am grateful for is the additional insight afforded by singing a beloved song in another language. New insights into the principles in the hymn are revealed in translation.

I'll give one example. One of my favorite hymns is 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," which was a hymn that Joseph Smith Jr. himself loved. It tells the story of a man who loses himself in service. In the seventh and final verse, our Savior Jesus Christ appears to the man and says,

"Of me, thou hast not been ashamed. These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst them unto me."

This is what the French translation says:
"Mon fils, au pauvre tu fus bon! Et tes actions parlent pour toi;  Un jour tu seras avec moi!"

Now the French translated directly back into English:
"My son, to the poor you did good! And your actions speak for you; One day you will be with me!"

All of these statements communicate the same principles, but emphasizing slightly different things. Fascinating, isn't it? 

Leaves on the Ground

Autumn is a fantastic time of year. The mountains near campus have become red, orange, yellow, and purple mountain majesties. I also noticed a lot of leaves on the ground around me. There were three or four instances this morning in which I was walking between places on campus and found small leaf piles about an inch thick on the grass or sidewalk. I am not one to pass an opportunity to appreciate the satisfying crunch of dry leaves. So, I ran through small leaf piles about three or four times this morning before the grounds crew could do their work of mowing the lawns and decreasing the dry leaf population. Those three or four moments made my morning a little nicer. I am grateful for the satisfying sounds that come from fallen leaves giving way to my rushing strides.

Also, I got a few funny looks from people who saw or heard me sprint through the leaves. That only made the moment even more enjoyable for me. :)

Honey Butter

I don't have it often, but it is always worth the wait. Even if it's just a simple mixture of honey and butter with nothing else, it is fantastic on corn bread and tortillas. I was reminded of how grateful I am for honey butter when it was part of tonight's dinner.

Cookie Dough

It's impressive what some people can do once they make cookie dough. Traditionally, you might expect cookies, or even making ice cream to taste like cookie dough. Tonight a friend cooked them in muffin pans, and made a delicious dessert out of it. So today I express gratitude for a simple, sweet pleasure: cookie dough.

"Meet the Mormons"

Last week, a full-length documentary was released called "Meet the Mormons." It introduces you to six members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a way to increase understanding of the beliefs and practices of Mormons. I've been wanting to watch it since it came out and tonight I did. I was very impressed with the stories and the quality of the film in general. I really enjoyed meeting "The Bishop," "The Coach," "The Fighter," "The Candy Bomber," "The Humanitarian," and "The Mom." The film showed six wonderful and accurate examples of the members of the church that I am a part of, and I highly recommend the film to everyone. I am grateful for those Mormons, those members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who were featured in "Meet the Mormons."

Sparklers

I was at a dance this evening, and they handed out sparklers at the end, and it wasn't even the Fourth of July!. Sparklers have such a magical effect. I imagined myself holding magic wands casting the Lumos spell from Harry Potter, or something similar. I am grateful for sparklers, the fireworks you can hold in your hand and pretend you are a wizard in a fantasy novel. :)

Took Another Test Today

I took another exam today. I was concerned that I wouldn't have the time to prepare for it, let alone take it in the testing center. But, when time was available between classes, I found that I was able to adequately review my notes and then take the exam with more than enough time to spare. The exam turned out to be much simpler than I thought it would be, which was a much appreciated blessing. Basically, I'm grateful I was able to prepare for and take an exam rather confidently today.

A Great Band Instructor, Busy Too.

I have never really been in a concert band or a marching band before, but I am very fortunate to have the campus marching band teacher as my percussion instructor this semester. I had a wonderful lesson with him today, and I really appreciate that he took the time to teach me this week even in the middle of Homecoming Week. In fact, just before I left at the end of the lesson, I wished him good luck and told him I knew that this is a busy week for him. He thanked me and told me he really needed to hear that today. That gives me a small glimpse at how much work he has been doing and will do in the near future. I am grateful for my percussion instructor, who is one of the campus band instructors also.

The Campus President and His Wife

This week is Homecoming Week on campus, and the campus president with his wife participated in opening ceremonies. I am grateful to know that the campus president is a brilliant man who cares about what's truly important (especially the welfare and progress of the students), and it seems to me that he has a great companion in his wife. I am grateful for a wonderful campus president and campus first lady.

Truffles

So, I have a confection to make...I think truffles are really good. We got some in my last class of the day. I am grateful for truffles today because they made for a delightful ending to my day on campus. As a bonus, they got me thinking about all the sweet puns I could make with truffles and other candies. Pretty soon, I was on a sweet roll as I came up with tasty one pun after another (Such as this parody of a Taylor Swift lyric: "I knew you had truffles when I walked in."). All of this happened in my head as I enjoyed the savory, chocolaty taste of a truffle.

Puns

You know, I love puns. I know I'm practically a groan up, but sometimes it's hard to resist an opportunity to play with words enough to make people grown...er groan. I may just be a simple rank-and-file pun-phile, but I often feel I have owl the necessary koala-fications to be an expert punster. But, that is irr-elephant bee-cause I bear-ly have time to devote to my English language studies as it is. I can't waist precious thyme on crafting clever word plays (I doubt any of my plays would be good enough to put on a stage anyway).

I am grateful for clever puns that make me laugh and smile and at the English language.

The Wedding Cellist (and Violinist)

Once again I had the blessing of utilizing my cello abilities to help make a good event great. A friend and I played violin and cello duets for a wedding, and we all had a wonderful time. It wasn't playing the music that I enjoyed most, but rather watching the children and adults dancing to the music and smiling and laughing. Of course, the real party started when the mariachi band came in, but I'm glad my friend and I were able to serve as the opening act. :)

A Brighter Day for Others

I had so many opportunities to make someone's day brighter today. I had the opportunity to play my cello outside on campus a couple of times, I was able to give a card to a classmate who had a birthday today, and I was able to distribute lots of cake, ice cream, and cookies to many dear friends this evening. I prayed for such opportunities, especially for today, and I'm grateful they came.

Halloween/Birthday Package

I got a package today from a fantastic family member. It had Halloween candy and a nice birthday card. I am so grateful for that package. It put a smile on my face and it provided me with the opportunity to share candy with people in my apartment complex tonight. :)

Found A Dozen Eggs When I Needed Them

I needed a carton of eggs to be able to have everything I needed to bake a couple of cakes tonight. I wasn't sure where I would be able to get eggs without getting a ride from someone. I decided to try a small store on my way back from campus today. I wasn't sure if they would have eggs, but I thought it was worth a shot. Lo and behold, they had cartons of eggs! I got one, and my day was a little better because of it. I am grateful I was able to find a carton of eggs when I needed it.

Rubik's Cube

I am grateful for the Rubik's Cube. I learned how to solve it a few years ago, but it's the simple "seven-step" method that can be learned online with time and practice. They are fun to handle with your fingers, and it's a lot of fun to solve a mixed-up cube in front of friends and watch them be impressed. I don't consider myself a master "cuber" because I don't attempt to solve a Rubik's Cube in under a minute or something like that. For me, this is a little random diversion that takes a few minutes of my time every so often. I am glad Rubik's cubes exist.

Movies That Led Me to Books

I really enjoy the film adaptation of "The Count of Monte Christo." I first watched it when I was in high school. When I realized the film was based on a book, I decided to check the book out. There are several other cases in my life when one medium of art and expression led me to a similar work bot of a different medium. Often books lead people to movies (Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hobbit, to name some recently famous ones), but today I am grateful for the movies that lead me to books (Ella Enchanted and several other fairy tales are some more good examples of this phenomenon in my life).

Decent Internet Connection for Conference

Today I watched the final two sessions of General Conference on the internet. I am grateful that the internet connection was good enough so that I was able to watch without any real problems. Everything worked, and I'm grateful for that.

General Conference

When I listed the reasons why October is such a great month a few days ago, I forgot one very important thing: the semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I watched the first session on the internet and the second on cable TV. I listened to the sessions with a few questions in mind, and I received some answers which I wrote down on a small notebook. For this evening's session, I was able to go to salt Lake city with my roommate and actually be there. It was an inspiring experience. I am grateful for the heaven-inspired messages given by the prophet and the apostles who live on the earth today, and I look forward to two more sessions tomorrow!

The Cello Song

Today I am grateful for J.S. Bach’s Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1: Prelude, also known as "the cello song." I've heard this piece many times and it's easy to see why so many people love it. I currently have Yo Yo Ma's version, as well as Steven Sharp Nelson's (from The Piano Guys). Today I heard that piece played by a flute, and it was a true delight. I think the flautist did the piece justice. :)

An Epic Discussion about Harry Potter

I ran into a friend during lunch today, and we had a fantastic discussion about Harry Potter! My friend is quite knowledgeable about all things Harry Potter, even some fan fiction! Our talk was mostly me listening to theories and ideas, but I gave a few of my ideas too and asked for clarification. I was essentially the questioner of the discussion while my friend elaborated and clarified. Topics ranged from the origin of magic, Latin vs. Greek languages, and several characters and themes from the Harry Potter universe. The conversation was a true highlight of my day. I am grateful that we took the time to talk and enjoy an epic discussion.

It's October!

I am grateful for October. I love the season of autumn in general, but I especially love October. Here's why:

1. Generally the weather really starts to cool down.
2. Because of #1, I can start to wear classy sweaters and jackets!
3. My birthday is in October.
4. A plethora of pumpkin stuff starts showing up, and I love pumpkin!
5. Halloween! I already have my costume picked out! ;)
6. Leaves start to change color this month, and it is a gorgeous sight.
7. Jumping in or stepping on or walking through crispy leaves after admiring them.
8. The word "October" is a nice, unique name for a month, don't you think? (especially with that weird thing that happened in history when October, meaning "eight" was the eighth month until a couple more months were added in)

First Semester's Rehearsal, A Success!

I direct an a cappella group, and our first rehearsal of the semester was tonight. When I showed up, everyone was tired. There was a tone of the stress that comes from a full day on campus. It wasn't the best way to begin a rehearsal. As we practiced our music for an hour and started to get used to singing together, people started to enjoy themselves more. By the end of the hour, the entire group was significantly more social and cheerful. I was amazed to witness this change as I talked with people after the rehearsal. People were engaged in rehearsal and they had checked their concerns and worries at the door, to pick them up again an hour later in better spirits. I am grateful that I can take part in something that helps someone have a good conclusion to their day.

Just Enough

Today, I'm grateful I had just enough quarters to get laundry done; no more, no less. It was just like yesterday when I grabbed a small stack of programs for church meeting, and I grabbed the exact amount I needed for my friends who were sitting near me. As it is with just about anything, it all worked out!

A Music Conducting Class

My first year of college, I enrolled in a conducting course. I was taught in the ways of conducting and directing choir groups. Ever since then, I have had many opportunities to wave my arms around in front of singing people to signify the beat and the mood of a song. I am grateful I took a music conducting class. It has helped me feel confident and comfortable conducting in front of a choir or in front of a congregation.

Caught in the Rain

This was a really great day for me in general, and one of the highlights of my day was jumping on puddles. One of my friends had a spontaneous desire to play in the rain, so I joined in. I had an epic water fight with two others out on the parking lot of our apartment complex. We all got soaked, but we were having so much fun! I think I've only ever been puddle-jumping two or three times in my life, including today. there is a verse in the third chapter of Malachi in the Old Testament in which the Lord promises to open the window of heaven and pour out a blessing so much that there won't be room enough to receive it. I felt I received a lot of blessings today and I showed my gratitude by soaking it all in, and getting soaked in the process. :) I am grateful that I took time today to jump in the puddles.

Five Actors, Twenty Characters

I attended a production of "Much Ado About Nothing" in which five professional actors portrayed twenty roles. They had only small props, their skill, and the audience's imagination to tell the story. I was extremely impressed by all the actors, and they reacted to the audience very well. I am grateful for a wonderful show provided by five talented English actors.

French Juvenile Literature

This evening, I watched a French film called Le Petit Nicolas at an event put on by the French Club. I had seen the movie once before, but I enjoyed it so much when they showed it last year that I decided to watch it again this year. I am just a little familiar with the cartoon the film is based on, and I hope to find a copy of the original stories to read them for fun.

Another French children's book I've come to love recently is Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince). Both of these "little" stories make me laugh and they get me thinking about how the world appears through a child's eyes. I am grateful for these delightful and thoughtful French classics: Le Petit Nicolas, and Le Petit Prince.

Hey, I Made a Funny!

I was attending class with some friends this evening. Afterwards we were talking and I made a few jokes, like I normally try to do when I'm in a generally chipper mood. This is nothing really new, but I simply noticed today that it was enjoyable to add some good humor to the conversation, especially if a friend laughs. Today I am grateful for a chance to give some friends an opportunity to laugh, and that friends gave me an opportunity to laugh at the end of a long day.

Happy to Serve

Today my sister traveled to her mission after an intense six weeks of learning Spanish in Provo. Between flights, she was able to call her family, and my brother and I were able to talk to her for a brief time before her next flight. My brother asked her if she was happy. She said she was because she gets to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She gets to spend eighteen months sharing her knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ to those who nded to hear the message. I am so happy for her, and I am grateful to know that she is happy in the Lord's service.

A Temple Re-dedication

The temple in Ogden, Utah built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underwent expensive renovations over the past three years, and today it was re-dedicated as a house of the Lord for temple work. I am grateful for temples because they serve as a peaceful refuge from the rest of the world. Today I am grateful that I was able to witness the re-dedication this morning. The sermons were guided by the Spirit, the choir was excellent, and I felt in my heart a renewed desire to do what is right.

We Left the Theater

When I was younger, I learned the importance of staying strong and confident in my beliefs. I decided when I was young that if I didn't feel comfortable with a certain song or with a certain movie, then I should walk away. I have learned the value of seeking for that which is good, lovely, and praiseworthy.

Because I try to be careful with the movies I watch and the shows I attend, I don't remember the last time I got up and walked out of a theater because I felt so uncomfortable with it. But tonight, I was watching an international movie with a couple of friends. We were looking forward to watching it because it looked interesting to us. But things happened in the movie that we weren't expecting, and it made us uncomfortable. We kept watching but it didn't seem to be getting any better. We were so disappointed with the movie that we left about halfway through it.

I am grateful for these friends because they started to get up before I did. When I realized what was going on I quickly joined them. I am grateful for these friends who felt the same way I did about the movie and that we supported each other in our decision to leave and seek better entertainment.

Avast! It Be a Fine Holiday, Mateys!

What be it that ye common land-lubbers love most about pirates? Be it the pillage and plunder? Be it the murder and crime? Alas, no! It be the adventure of the open seas! It be swash-bucklers and treasure and the crazy Cornish-type talk and Johnny Depp, says I!

I hope everyone had a good National Talk like a Pirate Day. A big thank you to Krispe Kreame for legitimizing this fantastic holiday. :)

You Never Know

I feel that the message from this video is very applicable to me and to our time. I am grateful for the reminder that when I do my best and doing what God wants me to do each day, I can help bring about more good than I could possibly know.

Good Haircut from a Good Friend

I am grateful for my friend who gave me a haircut this evening. She didn't do it for free, but I still appreciated that she was able to cut my hair. Not only did she do a good job, we had enjoyable conversation. Often, I don't feel like chatting with hair stylists because they are complete strangers. But my friend and I really enjoyed chatting as she made my hair look good. It was a nice way to end the day.

An Old Gentleman and His Printing Museum

Well, one highlight of my day was tryouts for my a cappella club tonight. It was a great success.

But today I'd like to express gratitude for an old gentleman who founded a fantastic printing museum downtown. He's spent a great portion of his life in the business of printing and in the history of printing. I visited his museum today as part of a class field trip. He and two other gentlemen talked about Gutenberg and the whole process of making type and printing copies of the Bible. These gentlemen have a replica of a printing shop and they have everything to print pages of the Bible just the way Gutenberg did. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and their passion for this stuff. I enjoyed their presentation very much. I am grateful for an old gentleman and his marvelous printing museum.

The Piano Guys

I'm pretty sure I've expressed gratitude for them before, but I'll do it again anyway. I am very grateful for the work done by The Piano Guys. Millions of people admire them for their music and for their online videos. Being an amateur cellist myself, I am particularly impressed by Steven Sharp Nelson. He is my cello hero! The wit and humor of each member of the group is infectious and refreshing. Their skill in videography, song writing, and performance is inspiring.

The Piano Guys are also admired for their integrity and for their sincerity. They are unashamed in declaring their beliefs and principles. I am grateful for the good they do in the world.

To Jon, Steve, Paul, and Al, thank you. :)

A Special Birthday!

Today marked the 200th birthday of the American National Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner. What a tremendous milestone! I am grateful for the national anthem of my home country. My campus plays it on the grounds twice a day, we sing it before every major sporting event, we hear it when an American wins an Olympic gold medal. all of us in the United States of America should be grateful for all that our national anthem stands for.

Oh, and I guess I almost missed a memo about this being my dad's birthday too, or something like that. ;)

Stake Conference

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a congregation of 100-200 people is a ward, and several wards make a stake. Every year, each stake holds a stake conference in which local church leaders and members gather to share gospel messages with each other. The first session of stake conference for me and my stake occurred tonight. There were several inspiring messages given about sharing the gospel and finding opportunities to be a friend to those in need. I appreciated the examples that were given and the principles that were taught that encouraged me to me more mindful of the needs of people around me. What opportunities am I blessed with every day to be a friend to someone, to meet someone new, to share the good news of Christ, or to strengthen meaningful relationships? I am grateful for the talks that were given in stake conference tonight, and I look forward to more such messages tomorrow.

Impressive Improv

I know what it's like to perform on a stage before a large audience, but I'm not familiar with performing without some sort of script or rehearsed plan in mind. I have a tremendous appreciation for those who perform improv comedy well. I had a fantastic time enjoying an improv comedy show with some good friends tonight, and that's what I'm grateful for.

Small, Simple, and Fulfilling

Sometimes, it's hard for me to feel that my life is very fulfilling. Very often I feel I could do more or there are these things I told myself I would accomplish but haven't yet. My roommate reminded me of many seemingly ordinary things I have in my life that are fulfilling. They include getting an education at a great school, doing good work in my campus job, extending my group of friends by getting involved in a club that focuses on one of my great hobbies, supporting friends in their activities, and organizing activities to continue to make and keep friends.

It is not my intention to boast. I only hope that the things I've mentioned (which were mentioned to me by my roommate) can help everyone who reads this post to recognize the good things they are doing in their lives. So many of these things seem small, and many people wish they could do more. But, as it says in the Book of Mormon, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass...and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." (Alma 37:6-7, page 300)

Dance Party 'Til 10:30pm

I love dancing. Social dancing, ballroom dancing, a bit of Latin dancing, even the basic hopping around kind of dancing with a DJ. Even if I feel like I don't know a lot of moves, I enjoy dancing. I attended a very enjoyable dance tonight. The music wasn't too heavy for me and I didn't feel too claustrophobic (some dances have too many people that like to crowd in at the front the whole time). Also, it was nice that this particular dance lasted from 8pm to about 10:30pm. Not too long or too late. A few slow dances here and there were great, and I felt surprisingly outgoing throughout the event. I felt great about myself and happy that I got to spend time with lots of people I consider friends. My feet are so sore (my shoes weren't well suited for this sort of dancing), but I feel so glad. I am grateful that I went to a very successful social event tonight.

Seeing a Friend While Working

I'm grateful for those moments when you see friends coming by while you're working. It's always a brief encounter, but always very pleasant. :)

Canoeing

I've gone on a few canoeing trips as a teenager. We went with a bunch of friends to paddle down the river that was near my home. Today, I went canoeing again. Twice. Not only did no tremendous mishaps happen, it was fun to enjoy the scene and glide down a smooth river.

Summer Shade

Have I expressed my gratitude for shade yet? I am grateful for it today because the shade of nearby trees made the walks to and from church much more pleasant (especially since I was wearing a suit and a vest).

A Colorful Planner

I spent a couple hours today updating my planner. I drew in all my classes for the semester and color-coded them. I do this every semester. I enjoy this because when I'm done I have a planner full of color and that makes my week look much more appealing and exciting. I am grateful that I took the time to spice up my planner today with lots of colors.

An Inspired Message from Elder David A. Bednar

A few weeks ago, Elder David A. Bednar, one of the twelve apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, gave a talk at Brigham Young University in Utah about using social media to share truth and righteousness with the world. Today, I watched a video recording of this talk. You can access it from the link below:

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng

My heart was touched, my mind was enlightened, and I was filled with the desire to follow Elder Bednar's council. I am considering how I can continue to help "contribute consistently to the growing flood of truth and righteousness." I feel this blog of gratitude is a great start, and I share my posts on Facebook. As I ponder Elder Bednar's message, I will continue to seek out ways to do good in seemingly small ways with my time, my talents, my resources, and with technology.

I am grateful for Elder Bednar's inspired message. Along with the thoughts I mentioned above, I feel a greater need to be prepared for the day when Jesus Christ will come to earth again, and for the challenging times ahead that precede His coming.

Getting My Schedule Figured Out!

I don't remember having this many issues with scheduling my classes, work, and other activities on any previous semester. I talked to co-workers, I considered the commitment I can give to certain things, I lined up my class schedule, and everything is working out! I am grateful to get scheduling things figured out on this first week of school and that it's coming along more easily than I thought it would.

Classy Roommate

My roommate has never done Classy Wednesday with me before, and today he did! Granted, he had a presentation in one of his classes today, which gave him a reason to look nice. Even then, he didn't have to go so far as to wear a classy vest, but he did anyway. That made my morning. Again, I'm grateful for Classy Wednesday, but this time I'm grateful for the fact that I saw someone else dress up for it as well.

Note: This isn't the first time someone participated in Classy Wednesday with me, but it has been quite a while.

Lost Books, Found

So, funny story: I got all my textbooks this afternoon, and then I ate dinner on campus before I went to work. Five hours later, I was contacted by a friend from home who had found my books in the food court area! I had completely forgotten about them! I am grateful that my friend was the one who found my books and that we were able to make arrangements for me to get my books back. What a blessing on my first day of the new semester!

Writing a Letter to my Missionary Sister

My sister has been in the Missionary Training Center for a few weeks now, and today I took the time to write her a letter and send it to her. I continue to be impressed by how much my own full-time missionary service comes to mind, even over two years after the fact. The excitement my sister shares in her letters to those of us in her family are inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have to remember my own missionary service and at the same time support a missionary currently serving.

Thank You Cards When I Need Them

I always have a small package of blank thank you cards in the event that I need or want to send my sincere appreciation to a friend or a family member. I am sometimes surprised at how often I use them. I am grateful to have thank you cards on hand, if nothing else to serve as a reminder to be grateful for the people I meet and know.

A New Planner

Another symbol of a new beginning: a fresh new planner for a new academic school year. It is nice to have a new planner after using my previous,now  over-used and worn out planner for the past year. I am grateful to have blank pages on which to write my goals and accomplishments.

DVD Commentary

I had some fun this evening listening to/watching the DVD commentary of The Lego Movie. I really enjoy learning about the little known facts and about the process of such a large endeavor. I am grateful for the time those movie makers took to create that commentary.

A Welcome Dinner Break

Today I walked around giving campus tours and helping with new student orientation. My feet became sore from a lot of walking. The dinner break was such a welcome relief! My feet were able to rest and I got food to nourish and strengthen my body for the remainder of the day. Sometimes I take for granted how essential and nourishing food is, but today I didn't. :)

An Act of Random Cookies

Today I am grateful for the girls who went door to door delivering cookies and introducing themselves to many people in the apartment complex. I am not just grateful for the cookies; I am primarily grateful for their courage and kindness in this gesture of friendship towards people they don't know but want to get to know better.

Meeting and Training New Co-Workers!

The beginning of the semester brings new people to the place where I work, and today I had the opportunity to help a new co-worker get acquainted with this great library job. It was very helpful for both of us. I am grateful to be able to meet and work with new people, as well as become reminded once again of what is expected of me in my job.

Becoming a Better Roommate

Over the past five years, I've had some really great roommates, and I've lived with guys I disagreed with. Though I'm not perfect, I often tried to be a good friend to each of my roommates. Today, a former roommate from last year told me that of all the roommates he had that year he had no issues with me at all. We didn't hang out much, but we always got along. I really appreciated those words. That told me that I'm improving as a person and that I'm an easier person to live with than I was five years ago. I am grateful for this improvement. That moment with my former roommate was a great highlight of my day.

Tomorrow Can Be A New Beginning

The new school year approaches, and it feels a little like New Year's to me. Today I met a lot of new people and I got to meet many of these people while playing board games tonight. I also spent some time planning out the next week and I've set some goals to reiterate the priorities I've set for my life. I fell like tomorrow is the beginning of a new year, because it really is the beginning of the rest of my life. I am grateful that we can have such beginnings over and over again to become better and more perfect like Jesus Christ. I am also grateful for the hope that comes from understanding and living the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is all about going forward and closer to our divine potential.

Happy to See Each Other

One of my aunts came into town to visit for lunch. We were very happy to see each other, and we really enjoyed catching up and chatting about our lives. I am so grateful that I feel that way about everyone in my immediate and extended family. I am blessed to be able to see them as often as I do.

Seeing Friends Happy

I had the privilege of helping a friend propose today (helped set up beforehand and took pictures afterwards). My friend and his fiance look so happy. I am glad to see two of my good friends so happy together. :)

The Word of God, Anywhere

I recently got a smartphone for the first time, and one of the first apps I checked out was a gospel library app released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am now able to use my phone to read and ponder the word of God from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and from talks given by today's prophet and apostles. This is a great blessing because I have wanted to spend more time "feasting upon the word of Christ".

I remember reading a small piece that asked what would happen if we treated our scriptures like we did our cell phones (checking them throughout the day, reading messages, holding them at great value). Well, now the scriptures can be in our phones! I am grateful to have the scriptures in a place that I can take anywhere.

Fighting Against Entropy

As I worked with my roommate to get the apartment clean before the school year starts, I thought about how much effort it takes to fight entropy (disorder) and put things back in their proper places and in their proper conditions. It takes a lot of work to keep things clean, neat, and in order, but it is worth it to me because seeing a neat and clean space is a tremendous relief, even when I'm exhausted from the effort to get that relief.

External Hard Drive

Today, I loaded all my important files onto my new computer. I was able to do this quickly by saving everything onto an external hard drive and plugging it into my new computer. I am grateful for this option I have to back up the files I want to keep.

Binoculars

I went on a short hiking trip with some friends today, and someone had some really good binoculars with him. He let other people use them to take further advantage of the great view of the canyon around us. I am grateful for binoculars.

Able to Help with Move-Outs

As the summer term ends and the fall semester is about to begin, a lot of people are moving in and out. I am grateful I was able to help two friends move today.

A Friend Who's Great with Cars

As I helped one of my roommates move out today, I was reminded of his expertise in mechanical work. He does a lot of good work on cars, and I admire that about him. Although almost anything can be learned online, those who work as our mechanics are very valuable. I am grateful for them.

I am also grateful for this roommate, and the past year I've had to get to know him.

Decluttering

While my parents have been in town, they have often asked me what they can do to help me and my brother. We went out to eat several times and they've bought groceries for me and my brother. Most of all, it was a blessing to simply spend time with them. I will say that the most helpful thing they have done as far as temporal affairs go, is help me declutter my room. I have been storing a lot of things that may be useful but that I haven't used. It was wonderful to have help to get rid of things and open room in my apartment. I am grateful to have less clutter.

Everything I Need

I am very blessed to have a strong support system of people who love me and want me to be happy. In my case, those people include my family. As we went shopping together, I realized how much I am blessed to have in terms of food and other necessities. I am grateful to have my essential needs met, that I have everything I need to continue to have happiness and success in this life.

A Family of Missionaries

My sister made the decision to serve as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was called to serve in Argentina, and that mission officially began today. Today, I am grateful that I was able to be there with my parents and my brother (all of whom have served missions) see her off.

Caesar Salad

For some reason, I've developed a real fondness for the taste of caesar salad recently. I had it for dinner today, and it tasted great.

Chat with the Family

My family is in town! Yay! When they arrived to pick me up, we deliberated about what we would do. We just decided to visit a few parks, eat snacks, and talk. It wasn't much, but we always have a lot to talk about, especially now as we work on plans for the near future. It just felt great to chat with my family again.

I Got A Letter!

I'd say the highlight of my day (besides a comedy show tonight with a friend) was an unexpected hand-written letter in the mail! A friend of a friend decided to write to me, and it was a pleasant surprise. I really appreciate letters, and I am always very happy to respond with another.

Receiving Thanks for Being a Star

I spent the entire evening preparing for and participating in a composition contest. I was part of an ensemble that performed a wonderful piece written by a good friend of mine. I was one of four bell players, and we (the four bell players) were meant to represent stars. My friend won the overall award (yeah!), but better than that, we received tremendous praise from many audience members about the impact the piece had on them. The effect of the "stars" was one of the defining elements of the piece. My part was small, but because I performed at the right place at the right time in the right way, it greatly contributed to the powerful effect the piece had on the audience. I am grateful for the gratitude I received for playing my small yet significant part as one of the "stars."

Washing Away the Less-Than-Pleasant

In class yesterday, I was reminded of the importance of finding humor in less-than-pleasant situations. In the spirit of that thought, after walking on very fresh (and soft) road pavement and getting a few splotches of buffalo sauce on a pair of nice khakis, I am very grateful for soaps and detergents. :)

Keep Calm, It Gets Better

I woke up after only five hours of sleep this morning, and I wasn't looking forward to this day at all. I felt so exhausted and worn down throughout the morning and afternoon. What I'm grateful for is the fact that as the day wore on, it got better. A well-timed message from a brother, briefly catching up with a friend I hadn't seen all summer, attending a scripture study class, a couple of friends sincerely asking how my day went, getting a lot of pizza after said class, an enjoyable rehearsal of a friend's wonderful music composition, and now the time spent reflecting on these small highlights. I feel much better physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually now than I did this morning. That is a tremendous blessing!

A Day of "Nothing"

It's hard to believe the summer is almost over. There are several things I have hoped to accomplish before the new school year starts. There have been many days, like today, in which I felt like I accomplished nothing. However, today I was reminded of the fact that a lot of my time is being spent working at a library. Even if my day was full of work, that is something. I am grateful that, for me, a day of "nothing" is actually a full day of work, which is something.

Friendly Welcomes

A few new people who moved into my apartment complex very recently. I am grateful for the opportunities I had to meet them and to give them friendly greetings.

The Finale of Avatar

Tonight, my roommate and I watched the finale of the first series of Avatar the cartoon. I am grateful that he shared his appreciation for this story with me and that we could finish it together.

"Alone in the Universe"

The title of this post is the title of a song from Seussical: the Musical. I listened to this song on my MP3 player during work this morning. That was one of my favorite shows to work on in high school. I listened to the song from backstage and at the time I could really relate to the sentiments of the song. I was a kid with lots of dreams and goals, and I wasn't sure how I could reach them or exactly who could help me find my way. I also wasn't very social, so I often felt alone among the generally outgoing theater kids. For me, there are many fond memories associated with this song.

As the years have passed, I have recognized another personal meaning to the song.The song is a plea for "one true friend in the universe who believes in me." I believe that the Truest Friend we have is Jesus Christ. We are surrounded with many people here on earth who care about us, but it is Christ who has sacrificed Himself for His friends, for each one of us. He wants us to be happy, and so does our Father in Heaven.

I am grateful for this lovely song from a fun and profound musical.

Movie Theaters

I really enjoyed going to a movie theater with some friends to see Guardians of the Galaxy. Sometimes I tell myself it doesn't matter all that much whether I see a great movie at home or in a full theater. In many ways, it doesn't matter a lot to me. But, I definitely appreciate the fun environment of a movie theater. I am grateful for movie theaters because they've been making movies look their best for over a century.

Four-Part Hymns

Today, I am grateful that LDS hymn books have four-part harmony for each song. That way, I (and many other people) can sing different voice parts as we sing the hymns in church. I'm glad the writers of the hymnbook decided to do that.

Nickelodeon

I have some nice childhood memories associated with Nickelodeon:

1. Seeing my name on TV (If I had a nickel for each time someone sang "Ni-Ni Ni Ni Ni-Nick Nick Nick, Nickelodeon" to me as a kid...)

2. Nick Jr. Characters from the 90s (especially Blue and Steve from Blue's Clues, as well as Face)

3. Nickelodeon Land in the Mall of America (Well, I was actually disappointed when the Camp Snoopy amusement park was transformed into a Nickelodeon park, but they still kept almost all the old rides that I enjoyed when I was younger.)

4. Avatar (This isn't from my childhood because a friend convinced me to watch this, but I'm impressed with the writing, concept, humor, and music of Avatar. Nickelodeon did a good job with this series.)

An Aunt and Uncle in Town for the Day

I would say the highlight of my day was dinner. I am grateful my aunt and uncle took the time to see my brother and I, and take us out to dinner. I have an awesome family. :)

The Alarm Will Go Off

Today, I am grateful that my phone works in such a way that the alarms i set will go off whether the phone is on or off.

Anxiety Replaced by Confidence

For some reason, I was really anxious about something I had planned this evening. I had the "butterflies in the stomach" feeling, and I had a hard time shaking that off. So, I prayed. I prayed for assurance that everything would work out. In the end I still felt nervous, but I wasn't anxious anymore. I felt that everything would work out, and it did. The plans I had came through and I felt at peace with myself the entire time.

I asked God for assurance and confidence, and I got it. Perhaps God granted it to me when I needed it. Perhaps my deep breathing did the trick. It was probably both. Either way, I had confidence in God. I am grateful that my anxiety was replaced with confidence and faith when I needed it.

Happy Pioneer Day!

This day (July 24th) is actually a holiday here in Utah. As far as I know there aren't many other places in the country where libraries and campus buildings and some businesses close on July 24th. But, it happens in Utah. It has was a really nice break, and I'm grateful for that. I got some cleaning and organizing today. Plus, a good friend came to visit. That was nice. :)

Also, I'm grateful for my pioneer ancestors. I'm aware of a few ancestors from my mother's side that were among the Mormon pioneers who crossed the Great Plains to the Salt Lake Valley back in the mid-1800s. Some came all the way from Switzerland or Germany, as far as I know. I am grateful for their sacrifices and their examples of faith and trust in the Lord through every trial they had.

Happy Pioneer Day!

Just A Little Better

I made a goal to be a little better today at exercising patience and self-control. Instead of hamburger and fries for lunch, I had a yummy meal that was full of vegetables. Later in the day, I waited to start reading a fantasy novel I had just checked out from the library in favor of studying God's word first. I noticed today that I felt better physically and spiritually after making those choices. I felt renewed and able to work hard for a little bit longer until the day's end.

I set this goal about patience and self-control because I've found myself struggling with them at times. Today I'm grateful for the satisfaction and sense of renewal I received from making such choices today.

Help Is All Around

I'm working full-time at the campus library this summer, so the library is on my mind a lot. Today I am grateful for the large number of friendly faculty and staff in the library who are willing and happy to help. Be it a student, a member of the community, an intern, another faculty/staff member, or anyone else that comes to the library, the people I am fortunate to work with in this library are here to help. I am grateful for that. I know it is a blessing to have a large campus library with great resources. The people here are part of that pool of great resources.

Simple Things, Simple Gifts

My mom and I were messaging each other earlier today. She told me she was glad it had just rained back home because then some of tomorrow's yard work will be easier. She followed this comment with "#simplethings." Simple gifts are a blessing, and it brings a smile to my face when someone else tells me about a simple thing they are grateful for. :)

So Many Index/Catalog Cards!

Today I am grateful that I have so many spare index cards and old library catalog cards that I can use them to write notes to others.

Watching It For The First Time, Again

Today, I am grateful for the times I get to watch a favorite show on TV or on a stage with a friend who had never seen it before. Tonight, I attended a production of Les Miserables with a few friends, and none of them had seen the full show live on a stage. I had seen a few live productions of this show before, but this time felt like the first time because I was sharing the experience with other first-timers. The little comments they made and their other reactions helped me to see several things in the show I had not fully appreciated as much in a long time.

Neckties

I really enjoy dressing up. I've dressed up every Wednesday for several years now for the fun of it. But, I dressed up today as well to attend the temple this afternoon. (I can hardly pass up an opportunity to dress up on other days of the week.) By extending my gratitude for dressing up, I can say I am grateful for neckties; the good, the bad, and the ugly, there is a time and a place for all of them. I think ties are my favorite part of a formal outfit. :)

Air Conditioning

For hot summer months like this, my gratitude for air conditioners goes without saying.

An Old Gratitude Journal

This afternoon, I had some extra time so I looked at a small notebook in which I record spiritual impressions and thoughts from time to time. Two years ago, I wrote gratitude statements for several days in a row. Two years ago I was very uncertain about my future, but I trusted in God. Now, I can plainly see how I have been blessed by God each day as I have progressed in many ways, not the least of which is my educational and career path.

Maintenance Workers

Today, in the library, a few workers were placing new carpet in one of the areas in which I work. It gets in the way of work, but the carpet looks better and they'll be finished with their work in a few days. I also saw a couple of workers who were using a few noisy tools to fix a couple of large doors on the second floor. I realize that I see the work of these people every day. In every building on campus, things work as they should. I am grateful for those who come to the buildings and do their job so everyone in the buildings can do theirs in the long run.

An Example in Word and Deed

The talks that were given in church this morning were centered on this theme: "Let Your Faith Show." One of the speakers gave a wonderful, sincere message on the subject and said things that were very helpful and enlightening to me. I was impressed by the message, and I was just as impressed with the appearance and demeanor of the speaker. The way she dressed, carried herself, smiled, and spoke all communicated an attitude of gratitude, cheerfulness, optimism, and faith. It was very easy for me to see her as "an example of the believers" (1 Timothy 4:12). I am grateful for the message that was given by word and deed.

Really Warm Weather

It was really hot outside today, at least I thought it felt really hot outside. Maybe the fair amount of walking I did today had something to do with that. Being from Minnesota, I actually prefer the colder weather of the last few months of the year to the hot weather in the middle of the year. But, I'm grateful for really warm weather just because it allows me to appreciate cooler weather even more when it comes.

Munchkin

Munchkin is a fun card game in which you compete with other players to collect items, battle monsters, back stab your opponents, and gain levels. It is a parody of role-playing games, and it is one of my favorite games to play with friends. I have enjoyed this game for years, and I enjoyed playing it with a few friends tonight.

Apartment Prayer

Each evening at 11 my roommates and I have apartment prayer. We share highlights of the the day, we pray together, and we have a group hug afterwards. Today I am grateful that we have all made this a tradition among ourselves.

"Hi! How are you?"

This was really a very average day. However, I thought it interesting how an enthusiastic "Hi!" from a friend can remind me how blessed I am to have many wonderful people around me that I can call my friends. Such a greeting tells me the person is genuinely happy to see me, and I appreciated that today. Small and simple things do have great meaning, and a sincere, enthusiastic greeting from a friend is one of those simple things.

Full-Time Work

As a college student, I don't get the opportunity to work full-time except for the summer months. Though I often become tired from a lot of work, today I am grateful for the opportunities I have to work for a total of nearly 40 hours a week working in several areas of a library this summer. It helps me earn money for school and it helps me gain valuable experience for the time that will come too soon when I graduate.

Surprise Visits

Today I am grateful for surprise visits to my work. It has happened a few times when a friend would know I'm working and they decide to drop by to say hello. My brother did that this evening. :)

Answering Someone's Prayer or Need

I enjoyed spending a good part of the holiday with a couple of friends. I didn't realize until today that the time we spent having fun and enjoying each other's company was an answer to the needs and prayers of my friends. They were feeling very lonely and distraught, and I was blessed to be in the right place and at the right time to help. I am grateful that I was able to be an answer to someone's need.

A Year of Daily Gratefuls

This is post #365 on my daily blog of "gratefuls." Every day this past year, I have found something to be grateful for. On some days it was harder to think of something to be grateful for, but I have been able to find something anyway, big or small. My experiences in writing this blog have been helping me to notice more of the good around me. I am grateful to have at least 365 things to be grateful for, though I am convinced that there are more blessings around me than that. That's why I will continue to express my "daily gratefuls" beyond the year that is now past. Tomorrow begins a new year.

In God We Trust, and in Him I am Grateful

So many good things happened today: Balloons, a parade, a fair on Center St., an awesome game of Risk with my roommate, and Stadium of Fire with a good friend! I was also blessed to be at the right place and at the right time to help a friend in a time of crisis.

I know that God has blessed me abundantly, and I know He will continue to bless me according to my faith, my righteousness, and my trust in Him. I also know that God has blessed America abundantly, and I know He will continue to do so as we continue to follow the saying on our currency: "In God We Trust."

Salads

Five years ago, I didn't like salads at all. I didn't think they tasted good, so I avoided them. Over those years, I've warmed up to salads of many sorts and now I actually enjoy them for lunch. I like to think that this change of attitude towards salads is a sign of maturity and growth as I continue to progress into adulthood.

Interior Design

I went to a friend's birthday party this evening and she worked hard beforehand to make her apartment look very nice. I thought she did an excellent job decorating and setting up the tasty desserts in a lovely arrangement. Everything looked really nice, almost like a small reception. I was impressed by my friend's skill at interior design. I am grateful for that design gift that some people have. I think everyone has an unconscious sense of good design principles, but it takes talent and effort to put it into practice.

Candy from All Over the World

There is a candy and soda shop in town that sells candy from many different nations. They have sweets and drinks from South America, Europe, Russia, and Asia. I am grateful for this place because it enabled me to go and buy Canadian sweets on July 1st!

Happy Canada Day, everyone! :)

Weekly Devotionals

Every Tuesday, almost everything on campus is shut down from 11am-12pm for a weekly devotional or forum in which a university faculty member or other professionals from many disciplines give talks on professional, educational, and spiritual topics. I find these devotionals and forums valuable and enlightening. There is also a website that keeps an archive of the campus speeches that have been given over the past several decades. I like to listen to some of these speeches as I work on projects at the library. I am grateful for the messages I listened to today because they inspired me to work harder, give more service, and to be better.

Stickers

In my apartment complex, we have a tradition of meeting every Sunday evening for a prayer, and then we write nice notes to each other. The people in charge of the prayer meeting always bring paper and pencils, but this time they also brought colorful stickers to put on the notes. That was a nice touch, and I appreciated that.

"I Love You"

Today, I am grateful that it has become a habit in my family to say "I love you" before we end any conversation over the phone or when we say goodnight to each other. I am grateful we are used to using that phrase so frequently because I always know it's true. I called my sister and my brother today, and we said that to each other. It also happened when I called my parents yesterday. To me, it is a small yet significant blessing.

Random Group Games

I have enjoyed group games since my junior high school and senior high school days when I was more heavily involved in theater. These games encourage laughter, noises, collaboration, and spontaneity. It was fun to be invited to a spontaneous group game night with friends in the apartment complex. We played "Signs" and "Animal Noises." I am grateful for these games that are passed from one peer to another.

Vibrant Green on the Mountains

I was walking outside on campus this afternoon when I looked at the mountains and noticed how vibrant the color green was. Everything that was green on the mountainsides was especially green, and it was beautiful. I am glad I took a few moments to appreciate that before I went on to my next commitment.

Internship

I am grateful for the internship I have this summer. It is at a local library, and it involves the behind-the-scenes cataloging work that I had never done before this summer. It provides a great opportunity to learn more about how libraries work.

Prophets and Apostles

I believe there is a prophet today, and that there are twelve apostles today. They form the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and they direct the Church under the guidance of Jesus Christ. I know they are blessed with divine inspiration daily as they work and pray and serve for the benefit of all of God's children. I am grateful for their service. I am grateful for the testimonies they bear to the world of the reality of God and of Jesus Christ. I know they teach and live the truth, just as the biblical prophets did many years ago.

I am grateful for the prophet, Thomas S. Monson, for his two counselors, Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and for the twelve apostles. I know they are aware of the members of the Church, and they are aware of what God wants them to do and say for Church members and for the world.

"Be Still, and Know that I Am God"

The talks given in church today were all centered on this theme: "Be Still, and Know that I Am God." The talks were inspiring and given with the guidance and blessing of the Holy Ghost, for which I am grateful. 

Not only that, I learned a practical lesson on that comforting and encouraging theme when the musical number (a singer with piano accompaniment) went as planned, even though I thought it would fall through. It turned out I didn't need to worry about anything because it had all been taken care of. God often does that. He allows things to work out, and sometimes I am my own stumbling block. I am grateful for the lessons I heard and learned today about keeping calm and trusting in God.

Water Balloons

I have never regretted being part of a water balloon fight with friends. I have also never played water balloon volleyball until today. I'm glad water balloons exist. Whoever was the first person to come up with the idea to fill balloons with water instead of air, I am grateful to them. :)

Amusment Park

It has been a really long time since I've been to an amusement park. Today, I spent a day at such a park with a couple of friends. I am exhausted from all the walking and standing and thrills. But, I had a great time with friends. I am grateful to have an amusement park nearby that allowed us to do something like this. I also noticed how tedious and repetitive some of those park jobs can be. I am also grateful for those workers at the park who do what they can to keep the place running well and looking nice.

Finale

Finale is a music notation program on my computer. With Finale, I write my music compositions and arrangements on my computer and have them all saved as computer files. Today, I had several music ideas, and I wrote down one song in its entirety tonight. For this song, I entered in the music notes with my keyboard and mouse and typed in the lyrics. With Finale's playback feature, I was able to make a rough demo recording of the song. I got the song from concept in my mind to a computer file to a demo recording in about an hour. I am grateful for this useful music tool.