I am thankful for roses trying to bloom in November....(insert tire screech sound)...
NOT! (I took this picture today-honestly)
I am truly thankful for prayer. 
When I read about Jesus' visit to the Nephites and realize in the limited time he had that he chose to spend that valuable time teaching them and showing them the power of prayer, it strengthens my own testimony of prayer.
They worked hard, training on the bike trainer at night and then early morning rides on Saturday's. And the day is finally here! It was so exciting to arrive at the start. First you heard the music, then you see the big balloon arch marking the start line. As we crossed the street, you see what looks like an endless mass of bikers. So much energy in the air as they wait to to get going.
Here is how we will distinguish them from all of the other riders! Love it.
Kelly and Maryn left to make their way to the back of the pack and Kelsey and I found the perfect place to get a picture of them as they start their 66 mile ride. It was so thrilling!
After they got on the road, Kelsey and I made our way to volunteer at the rest station in Rancho Vistoso. It is so fun to help the riders and visit with them. So many of them have such interesting stories about where they are from and why they are riding. We were able to give some encouragement to Kelly and Maryn when they came by too.
As soon as we could get away, Kelsey and I then headed downtown to greet them at the finish line! Once again the excitement was tangible. We listened to music and cheered the riders coming in as we waited to see our favorite two riders! Finally, here they are!!
I am thankful for dreams and goals, the idea, no the reality, that you can work hard to better yourself--in a variety of ways. I am thankful for the things you learn along the way.
I am thankful for the sense of accomplishment when you reach the finish line.
And I am thankful to support any such endeavors!
One week from today my parents are finished with their mission! Today starts the week-long countdown of all of the "lasts". Last Thursday, last Friday lunch, last weekend etc. We have had a unique opportunity to have them in our home for the last eighteen months while they served. I am thankful we were in a position to be a part of it all.
I took these pictures as I sat outside reading my scriptures. I love the sunsets here. I don't love cholla cactus all that much but I thought the sun made them look so beautiful.
I love to feel peace. I felt that in this moment.
Tuesday, for our class activity we baked bread for the Sacrament and wrote thank you cards to the Young Men for their service. We wanted them to know that we appreciate their respect and reverence for this ordinance that is so important to us. The activity turned out great and so did the bread.
"He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth."
My little corner of the world. That is what my husband calls it. I am embarrassed to show it so messy, but honestly this is usually how it looks most of the time. Don't judge me! It does get cleaned up. I always put stuff away when I am done with a project, it is just that I usually have more than one going on. I use this space in every aspect of my life-personal, family, friends and for my calling. All the things I love, for the people I love. I am so grateful to have this space and yes, I know I am spoiled. Thanks Kelly! Here are some close up shots that really tell the story. There is scrapbooking, reading, lists, card making, gift giving, shoving Kelly off of his side of the desk. And then there is the computer side--digi-scrap, Photoshop, bills, journaling, more lists, piles of "to do's", camera and phone. 
In reading today, it was a bit harder to find something I learned. As I sat pondering, I re-read several times the principles that Jesus taught. I didn't learn anything new but I got some things sorted out better in my mind and I think that counts. Jesus mentions the gate and the way that leads to life as being strait and narrow, and that the way to the world is just the opposite broad and wide, making it hard to find the "right" way. He says there are few that find it. He also talks about beams and motes, the golden rule, judging, a tree's fruit, foundations and asking and as I wrote my notes I separated them as individual principles. I think sometimes we see so many things that way, so many things we have to do to be worthy. Then I read Elder Hollands talk from conference and sat and pondered about what I learned today. That was when I saw all those individual principles become descriptions of the same one, or maybe two. I thought of this same scene in the "old world" instead of the new one, and Jesus states that the first great commandment is to love God, then the second is to love others. Those seem like two, except that when we love others we show our love to God, so that is how they become one. With that thought, I saw how the foundation built upon Jesus, the wise man, is loving God and wanting to do His will, that is the only thing that fits through the narrow gate. If we try to take other "loves" we don't fit through. His will is that we love others, serve them and help each other stay on that narrow path back to Him. When God is first and others are second, we are simply more obedient, less likely to wander off the path.
It puts everything in the proper perspective, including judging others. Jesus taught that we have to be careful in how we judge others, because whatever measure we use is the same measure we will be judged by. Elder Holland stated that each one of us is loved and important to our Heavenly Father. I am important. I am worth it-the plan of salvation. If that is true, than those around me are worth it as well. Judging can be a selfish behavior if we are putting ourselves first, and most of the time it is. That is the beam and the mote kind of judging. But there is also the "fruit of the tree" and the sheep's clothing kind of judging. I have felt the difference. When I am I am motivated by love-the first and second commandment, not concerned about making myself appear better, I can judge the "fruit" of the tree and steer clear of wolves. But talk about a narrow path! The key is to remember the worth of every soul. That kind of judging leads to asking God to direct you on how to help, how to lift, how to give His gift of love. You can know by your own fruits if you are on the right path. The love of God and others will motivate to be better and do better. As Elder Holland stated, more "kind and charitable"--not concerned about beams and motes.
I am thankful for 25+ years.
My thoughts don't come from my reading today, still formulating those, but from lingering thoughts from a verse I read a few days ago.
The verse tried to explain that the record contained couldn't record all that transpired among the people in 25 years. I guess it was the similar time period, but I tried to imagine how to record the “great and marvelous things” that become a life shared. You can record the experiences- the events, coming and goings etc. But, so many of the real, “great and marvelous things” are small moments-tender feelings, insight, growth. How do you record the “hundredth part” or what was “done”? How do you record feelings, changed hearts and bonds forged to last forever? For instance, how do I describe how I felt hearing the words, “because you are worth it” when Kelly found a way to come home…for just 24 hours?
