Attitude of Gratitude

In honor of Thanksgiving (arguably my favorite holiday), I'm going to write this entire blog post in "I'm grateful for..." statements and scriptures to emphasize how important gratitude is to Heavenly Father.

"in everything give thanks" (D&C 98:1)

I'm grateful I was able to take Mike to one of my favorite places in DC - The Kennedy Center - for one of their daily free performances.

I'm grateful we were able to share a mind-opening cultural experience (Indonesian hip hop artists), even though I did not enjoy the actual music.

I'm grateful we were able to enjoy the beautiful night skyline of Georgetown (another favorite place) and go to Institute before he left for Ohio the rest of the week.

I'm grateful for a boyfriend who appreciates, supports, and tries to understand me.

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 37:37)

I'm grateful for my health and the opportunity to finally use my yoga pass to take a barre yoga class at EpicYoga

Grateful for how graceful, strong, and beautiful the class made me feel and all the cool new poses I learned.

"Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.

And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.

And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. (D&C 59:18-21)

I'm grateful I had warm neighbors/roommates/friends to share Thanksgiving with.

Being a foodie, I'm grateful for FOOD and the variety and quantity God has enabled me to enjoy.

I'm grateful for how much food can enhance and enrich life.

I'm grateful I was able to spend Thanksgiving with friends old and new :)

I'm grateful for Britt's efforts to create an elegant, homey experience for us.

I'm grateful I didn't accidentally drink the alcoholic apple cider Britt accidentally bought hahaha

I'm grateful chronic hunger is not something I have to worry about, tho uncomfortable fullness and food comas occasionally are...(2nd plate in 2 hours, 5th Thanksgiving meal this month - see last week's post)

"If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving." (D&C 136:28)

I'm grateful I was able to go to the Broadway Jazz class at Joy of Motion again!!! (it's usually during my work time)

I'm grateful for opportunities to challenge my body with new dance movements/genres while feeling confident with my Latin dance foundation, tho my Latin hip actions come out in dances that shouldn't have it! (see video of routine on Facebook)

"He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more." (D&C 78:19)

I'm grateful for the means to go shopping on Black Friday and for all the affordable clothes I got for winter (remind me never to wear dance clothes out in public again).

I'm grateful I had the time to catch up with 2 good friends and finally get some Chinese food in Chinatown! (I've had crepes, smoothies, sandwiches, etc. in Chinatown - but never Chinese food...oh, the irony!)

I'm grateful for soup - my ultimate comfort food; this egg drop soup was particularly yellow...and delicious

I'm grateful I got to refuel before my next dance class (can't believe I cleaned that plate).

I'm grateful for multicultural friends who get that side of me, and who let me try their food hehe.

I'm grateful I was able to use up my dance pass on the expiration date by going to an intermediate jazz class - it was so intense and exhausting that I didn't stay to take any pics/videos.

I'm grateful I was able to catch up on a ton (10+ hours) of homework, indulge in Food Network's The Next Iron Chef, go to Church, and do visiting teaching.

Other things I'm also grateful for:

My family - for their love and support, the whole eclectic mix of them
My friends/roommates - for their understanding, acceptance, and advice
My education - for a chance to expand my mind/skills and establish a career
My job - for steady income, full benefits, and great coworkers
My apartment - for its comfort and conveniences
My Talents/Gifts - for multiple ways to reach my potential
Technology - for the ability to communicate, travel, etc. unlike any other time
Music - for its magical power to touch my soul
Dance - for the beauty, fun, and inspiration it brings to my life
Personal Revelation - for God's specific instruction just for me
Scriptures - for spiritual knowledge and reminders
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ - talk about perfect unconditional love (John 3:16)
Temples & Covenants - to provide an eternal perspective and hope
America - for its freedoms, rights, and responsibilities
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - for without it, I would be lost

"Live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which [God] doth bestow upon you." (Alma 34:38)