Thankful

As I finished my last post a few hours ago, I decided to write a second post today about what I am thankful for. It's always been a tradition for everyone to say what they are thankful for. I remember years ago, my sister, Becky, started this tradition. She insisted that everyone gather in a circle. I love this because this exemplifies what Thanksgiving is all about. I realize I posted a gratitude list on my blog a couple weeks ago, so with this list, I want to describe five powerful, uplifting people who are true rocks in my life and have shaped me into who I am today.

*Humility: I met this this gal, the summer of 2012.  She was pregnant with her first child, Hunter, at the time. She went through infertility for over ten years and wanted to help me get through mine. Even though she hardly knew me, she and I talked for an hour about God's plan for each of us. She explained everything so humbly. Although I had only experienced unexplained infertility for only 3 years, I was lost and alone. C understood and shared so many personal stories with me that lifted my spirits that day. She and I became great friends even though I lived up in Layton at the time. One day, she suprised me with a HUGE gift of something she put together herself, to help me cope with my infertility. Whatever she did must of helped because I conceived right after she gave me the gift. I was so touched, I cried. This gal is truly an angel in my life. I Feel so beyond blessed to live right next to her and watch her 2 children grow.

* Loyalty: I can't even begin to describe a certain friend in my life who has helped me reach my excercise goals and has become such an example too. She is such a missionary to this day.
 I am such a slacker at sticking with any routine and for three months, this lady still keeps me strong. Here is one example. She has picked me up at 8:30 am, when she's been pregnant and exhausted and up half the night. She has come in the rain, in the cold, etc.  There were days when i didnt think she would come, but no, she is always there. She is so dedicated and I wouldn't be where I am without her. I love her to death.

Generosity: This is an attribute that comes from my sister. She is so incredibly generous, and has been an example to me throughout my life. I could list hundreds of examples of how generous she is, but for time sake, will just stick with one. One day, a few years back, we were on our way home from California.  We stopped at Barstow and got out to stretch. My sister, mom, and I, went inside a fast food restaurant.  When we came out, my sister noticed a family holding signs asking for money. My sister,  without hesitation,  gave them her freshly made fast food,  all our snacks in the car, and all my mom's dark chocolate.  She pretty much cleaned out all food and drink we had in our car, and handed it over to these people.  My mom was upset about losing her chocolate,  but my sister explained that someone else needed it more. What an example my sister is to everyone around her.

Patience: this comes from my husband. We have been married 7 years now and he is still the most patient man I know. He has taught me to slow down and not sweat the small stuff. In addition to his patience, he is so hardworking and always is cheerful and kind. What a great example to me.

Motivation Towards Success. This is an attribute that comes from several of my high school friends that live in different states now. These ladies have showed how hard work truly pays off. I remember my junior year of high school and dreams of my future where becoming more evident. These ladies were powerful examples to model hard work and success. I don't think I would of ever strived to work as hard as I did to get into BYU, without these girls examples. To this day, I thank them.

We all have people in our lives who have shaped us in some positive way. This Thanksgiving is the time to really pay extra attention to what we are thankful for and WHO we are thankful for. I love the hymn, "Each Life That Touches Us For Good" as it a reminder that good people are out there all the time just waiting to touch a life, or be touched.