Righting the Wrongs Against Rights

Some of the articles I read today for a class were directly related to human rights. It's not a topic I often think about, but I did today. The articles discussed tremendous violations of human rights, and described how the Human Rights Council in the UN address those situations. They helped me by making me more aware of what they see in the world. I am grateful for the way many nations work together to support human rights throughout the world.

We Heard, We Talked, We Listened

Like many people in America, I watched the Democratic Presidential Debate tonight. There is much about politics that I don't understand, and oftentimes I feel frustrated at how hard it is for me to find truth in such proceedings as these large, televised debates.

But I am grateful for these televised debates. Watching them led me to talk with my friends about it, and I was able to ask a few fundamental questions that led to great discussions. Perhaps, concerning politics, the biggest challenge for me is to figure out where I stand in principles of American government. I already know where I stand in many issues on a more personal and private level, but that's not all there is. I felt I heard and received more truth in tonight's small discussions than I did in the televised debate, and I think that's okay. The search for truth is a personal journey.

Today, I am grateful for friends who listened and talked with me during and after tonight's debate.

The Person at the Desk

I ran a few errands today, and one of them required the use of a printer and a scanner. The only scanner I could find was at the front desk of my building. So, I talked to the employee there and she helped me efficiently get the task done. A very simple exchange, but I am very grateful for the people who work at the front desk.

I Know You're Not Reading This, But Go Anne!

I was on a video chat with my brother and sister-in-law for about an hour tonight. One of the many subjects brought up was my sister, Anne. She and my sister-in-law haven't met yet because Anne has been serving as a full-time missionary. My brother and I spent several minutes talking about hilarious moments with Anne and her "anne-tics" (heh heh, that pun was so intended).

She is quite mature now, but I remember well those silly moments with my sister. Even now, when I read her letters, she is incredibly joyous. She practically smiles with her words! More than once, in describing the happy work of her mission, she has written about how "sparkles and rainbows are coming out of [her] ears." Her words, not mine. :) The best part of writing about her here and expressing my gratitude for her is that she's not going to read this. She spends very little time on the internet on her mission. If perchance she happens upon this post, well, here it is Anne. You're wonderful!

I am grateful for my sister. From what I've seen, her presence on this earth has done nothing but a lot of good.

P.S.--This is post #800, dedicated to my sister. :)

Living Gettysburg

Today, more than most days, I have a lot to be grateful for. I had several highlights today, mental, spiritual, and social. But here, I will share a spiritual highlight.

It was a privilege to spend part of my weekend in Gettysburg, yes, the historical battlefield. Before touring the fields, I saw a film followed by a cyclorama presentation. Throughout all of this, I thought of my ancestor, George Riley Hall, who fought in the battle of Gettysburg (he survived and lived to old age). The cyclorama was a large circular mural of the view of the battle as you would see it at the top of a hill near Cemetery Ridge. The arrangement, lighting, and sounds of the presentation made the battle feel very real. It was very easy to imagine myself there at that time.

After the dramatic presentation, I stayed in the room for a few moments, taking it all in as subtle dramatic music played in the background. The Civil War was to me no longer an abstract idea or a large dot on the American timeline. I spent those few quiet moments with tearful eyes and a grateful heart. An hour later, I went on a tour of the actual field and discovered where my ancestor fought and lived, but also where thousands more fought and died.

I have many people to thank for this special moment. Many people, including and especially our wonderful tour guide, made the Gettysburg conflict come alive for me today. To them, I am grateful.

George Riley Hall

For one of my classes, I've had to read a book about the Civil War and write a brief response to it. Naturally, I was curious to see if I had any ancestors that were involved in the war. I didn't think there would be, thinking of all my ancestors who were in Europe, Quebec, or Utah in the mid to late 1800s. But no! According to FamilySearch.org, I have a number of relatives that lived out on the east coast at the time (all that I've found were up in the north)! I looked around for any young men that died between 1861 and 1865, but to no avail. Then, my eyes were drawn to an old photo of a man named George Riley Hall. The thought occurred to me that he looked like a military man, so I clicked on his name and discovered his history.

This man had fought in the battle of Gettysburg, became captain of a New York regiment, and fought in many other battles. Before and after the war, he served as a Christian school teacher. He died of old age, having served faithfully for his country and his God.

Incredible.

I am grateful for my third great grandfather, George Riley Hall.

Tiny Witch Hats!

The time of the year has come, that of early October when I get to make witch hat cookies! Every year, for nearly twenty years, I have made and shared these cookies. I have the ingredients (cookies, chocolate candy, and chocolate frosting) and will make them soon.

Here's what's really awesome. I have a lot this year, given by family and friends, and I'm excited!

Here's the best part: in a package from home, I also got tiny cookies and tiny chocolate chips. So for the first time ever, I get to make tiny witch hats! I never thought of this before! What a splendid idea! Thank you, Mom and Dad, for sending me the idea and the supplies. :)