Day 16: Tomorrows

I'm grateful that tomorrow is always another day full of second chances and fresh starts.

Day 15: My Health

In a recent letter, my friend told me about a blessing he gave to someone who had received very serious burns. I realized just how grateful I am to have a healthy body. What incredible gifts they are! Sadly, it isn't until my health is taken from me that I realize how much of a blessing it is. As I've just gotten over a minor cold, I've realized how big of a deal such small things seem (mostly because I'm a baby). No one has been able to replicate the human body. Without them, we would have no power over Satan. I'm so thankful for such simple things as nose hairs (yup, I just said that...) and taste buds. I'm so glad that I don't have to worry about my basic health so that I can focus on my average daily life.

Day 14: A Future Break

Today I am grateful that in a week, I will be on Thanksgiving break and not thinking about Anthropology. The end.

Day 13: Revelation

Where would I be without the influence of the Holy Ghost in my life? *Shutter* I don't even want to think about it. Today as I sat through Ward Conference, I had question after question answered with each lesson. What a blessing it is to be able to receive personal revelation. From the blanketing feeling of reassurance, to the burning anxiousness of knowing something different needs to be done. I have been blessed with a Patriarchal Blessing, General Authorities, the Book of Mormon, the Ensign, lesson manuals, prayer, church meetings, religion classes (even regular classes), firesides/devotionals, missionary letters, all of which provide opportunities to receive revelation. All that being said, I'm realizing how rare it is that I actually take the time to receive that personal guidance. Eeek! Step it up, Bec! 


Time after time I am slapped in the face with the realization that my wisdom doesn't come close to being enough.  I need it. Every single day! I am grateful for that still small voice that helps me along the path of life. My dearest friend, Elder Brock Mays, said "God doesn't use a floodlight when he can use a flashlight." How true that is! I am so very grateful for those promptings, big and small that help me to make the choices that will bring others and myself great happiness. The church is true!!! 

Day 12: Missionary Letters

So, maybe I'm a little ridiculous and check the mail several times a day on occasion. Or maybe everyday... But I just love missionary letters!!! They have answered so many prayers and brought so much joy to many of my days. In previous days, I struggled to get a page or two written to them. But now that all of my really close friends are out, I have a hard time not sending 12 pages every time. I love, love, LOVE seeing the changes that come from the Spirit. I can see their testimonies strengthen with each letter. While it has been hard to have my best friends scattered across the world, their letters make it feel like they're still so close. I love the random drawings, ridiculous list of nicknames on the envelopes, and all the inside jokes. There are very few things that make me happier! Most of all, I love seeing the happiness that comes from the gospel. A true conversion is the most beautiful thing their is, both the missionaries and those they teach. I am so thankful that I can receive letters from the Lord's servants. 

Day 11: Veterans

I'm ashamed to admit that I spend more than the first half of my life completely ignorant of the sacrifices being made in my behalf. As another Veteran's Day rolls around, I can't help but reflect on the many blessings I have, all because of a select few willing to sacrifice everything for this great land. If you follow my blog, I'm sure you're  aware of my feelings of patriotism and love for this great land. I cannot comprehend the magnitude of what I've been given because of the men and women of the armed forces. Today I am grateful to have the freedoms I do. More so, I am grateful for those who have given those to me. And while I will never be able to express how I feel towards them, there is a large place in my heart of our veterans. As I texted my brother on Veteran's day, he replied stating that he is the last person he think of as a Veteran. For him, he thinks about those like our grandfather who left for a war honestly not knowing who would win. So here's my shout out to all the Veterans out there. May God bless you into the eternities for all you have done.

To my brother: Thank you. You have set an example to me, our family, friends, and nation. You have done something that many will never be able to do, and for that you are a real hero. 

Day 10: My Mother

Where do I even begin? Of all the things I could list this month, this is at the top. There is no doubt that my mom is my hero and best friend. Everything I am, I owe to her. She has blessed my life in more ways than I can begin to express. I'll attempt to make a list, but know that no amount of words could ever express the love and gratitude I have for her.

• My mom is my best friend. I tell her absolutely everything. Do I call her every single day? Yes. She listens so selflessly. Not only that, but she always knows how to help. We go on drives and discuss everything under the sun. I can and do tell her anything and everything. She is incredibly patient to whole-heartedly listen to my every word. I can't count the late nights she spend letting me cry to her while she played with my hair and told me she loved me. 
• I love spending time with her. She makes me smile when I'm around her. Even when we aren't doing anything particular, I love to just be around her. She is always excited to see me and makes me feel loved. We love to go for drives up the canyon or to have girl talk late into the night.
• She is incredibly talented. My mom can do pretty much anything. Sew, cook, bake, paint, restore 100 year old houses :), decorate, embroider, crochet, stain glass, canning, dutch oven cooking, takes care of the chickens, quilting, cleaning, yard work, reupholstering, gardening, you name it! She even does sprinkler systems! Not only that, but she is an incredible secretary at the Monroe Seminary. The helps the students feel the love of the Savior and manages to keep the teachers under control. She is an INCREDIBLE homemaker. Our home was always a place of peace. 
• She is selfless. My mother never, EVER thinks of herself. She never requests a television show to watch, where to vacation, how to spend a saturday, or says no to someone asking for help. She is always willing to make someone a meal, hem a pair of pants, or bake a favorite dessert. She makes great sacrifices for her children, including six weeks in the hospital with my sister, and driving to California to spend several weeks helping my brother when he was in need. She sacrifices her own desires to pay for her kids' schooling and other needs. She endured two deployments with patience and faith. Today she drove to Provo to go to the doctor's office with me when I didn't feel like I could go by myself. She sacrificed a second income in order to stay home with her children, to raise us in the gospel. She always woke up with us in the morning, made us a hot breakfast and made sure we were to school on time. She spent her time in the PTA and volunteering to assist our education. She's made countless Halloween costumes and Christmas dresses, suffered through hours of painful piano practicing, and endured many unfinished projects. 
• She is an incredible example of Christ. The more I study the Savior, the more I realize my mom is an incredible disciple of Him. As my mother, she has never judged me. She never tells me that my best isn't enough or that I'm doing something wrong. She loves each of us wholly and completely, without even a thought of doing otherwise. While we, as her children, have made our own choices-good and bad, she has always been there right beside us loving and supporting us. No matter how stupid or selfish I can be, she is always there ready to help. She never thinks twice about service. She humbly goes about doing her best and never asking for praise or recognition. She has truly made home a heaven on earth. I feel like my best self when I am with her. She always lets me know that I am welcome at home and excitedly greets me when I arrive. 

The list could go on and on. I am guilty of not showing enough appreciation for all my mother does. What a blessing it is to have her in my life. She is truly one of the GREATEST gifts Heavenly Father has given me. As I've taken several family classes, I've realized just how blessed I have been. Because of her, I have the testimony I do. Because of her, I am happy with my life and who I am. Because of her, I want my family to be together forever. Because of her obedience and commitment to covenants, we CAN be together forever! I will be doing well if I could be half the woman she is. To my mother, I owe that I have.