Gratitude Day #29

I am grateful for the good people who came to interview. We had an overwhelming success for the past two days. I only hope that next week is that way too. 

Gratitude Day #28

Today I started interviewing. I am so grateful for this. I feel more in my element when I am interviewing and interacting with staff. That's when I feel more like I am great at what I do.  Watching people interact and helping it run more smoothly is one of my specialties. And managing is a part of that. Here's to the start of amazingness!

Gratitude Day #27

Second Thanksgiving! I was given a free turkey from work. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn to cook a turkey. And for my dad for walking me through how to do it. I love thanksgiving leftovers!

Gratitude Day #26

Yesterday I saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I'm grateful to J for taking me to see it. It was amazing. Blew my mind. Now I can't wait until July so I can see the last installment. I need to see it. Seriously. Thus was definitely the best movie they've put out yet. 

Gratitude Day #25

I'm grateful for prayer. Prayer often just becomes a habit for me, but the past few days, I have been reminded once again of how prayer is my way to phone home. I often times need to phone home to my mom, and she usually is readily available to talk to me. It always helps so much to be able to have her calming influence in my life. These past few days, I've been reminded again of how much more the Lord does that for me in my life. When I am feeling any emotion and I am unsettled, I know I can offer a prayer to my Father in Heaven and He helps me to figure things out. I love that He is there for me and that after uttering a prayer, I can gain a perspective on things and remember what is most important in my life.

Gratitude Day #24

I had the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with J and his family. We were with his aunts family. It was such a great opportunity to experience something new for me. The food was standard. It was what I'd expect at a thanksgiving meal, and that was definitely a comfort. But they had other traditions which were so fun to be apart of. We got to make gingerbread houses! It was such a great time. I am grateful for families today. Even though I wasn't with my family, I was able to feel the love that this family had for each other. Families are the most important part of this life and I am grateful for the love and support that I feel from mine everyday.

Gratitude Day #23

Today was the funeral for a coworker. Today I sat in a chapel and was uplifted by those that knew her the best. The last time I remember being at a funeral, I was little. I only remember bits and pieces. Walking into this funeral felt a bit weird. However, once everything got started, it turned into a beautiful experience. I am grateful for this woman's example and legacy that she left behind. She was a woman of strength and integrity. While listening to the thoughts of all those who spoke in remembrance, I was impressed with the memories and impressions they all had of her. I only hope that I can become half the woman that she was in this life. I am grateful for her example.

Gratitude Day #22

Today we are supposed to have the storm of the century. So far it's been the flop of the century. However, BYU closed campus early today lin anticipation of the storm. Because of this, I was able to spend hours more with J, the boy I'm dating. This I am grateful for today.

Gratitude Day #21

I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost. I have had the opportunity to feel the Holy Ghost in my life in the capacity of comforter many times, but each time I am blessed with that opportunity, I am once again so grateful for that blessing in my life. 

The first time that I remember feeling the Holy Ghost as a comforter in my life, I was about 8. My parents had gone to a church thing where they were talking about being prepared in case of emergencies. I don't remember all of the details of everything, but I'm sure my parents told me about some of the things that they had discussed. I found myself very scared and very afraid that our house was going to burn down. I couldn't sleep because I was so afraid of that. 

I remember my parents encouraging me to pray, so I did. After my prayer, I was overcome with such a feeling of peace. I was able to sleep. My mind was put to ease. I was no longer as afraid. I knew it was going to be okay. 

I look back now and I see the way it is still the same in my life. I am no longer scared that my house is going to burn down.my fears are still real though. My doubt and confusion still lives in me. At times it can be even more overwhelming than my child fear of losing my home. These fears are more mature fears, but they still take me back to those primal fears and deduce me to a childlike state. I still get to the point where I can't sleep. I remember the example my parents taught me those many years ago and I climb out of bed to my knees to offer my simple prayer. 

As it happened when I was a child, I still feel that peace overcome me. The comfort is real. It brings rest to my mind, and ease to my soul. So today, I am once again so grateful for the comfort that is brought through the Spirit of the Lord to uplift and bring peace.    

Gratitude Day #20

I am grateful for good people and good food. Sundays are the day I miss my family the most and especially missing family dinners. We always have a big family dinner. Dinner time is the time we all sit and talk and are super goofy together. Family dinners are our time. And Sundays especially. Today I was able to have a normal big family dinner. I cooked a meal that is common at my house and was able to share it with others. We played games and had a fun evening. It was exactly the little piece of home I've been missing. I get to go home in a month. It's not soon enough. But today I'm grateful for the good people that I got to share a little bit of home with. 

Gratitude Day #19

I got a new phone today!!!! I am so grateful to have something newer and more reliable to use now. It's such a good feeling. 

Gratitude Day #18

I am so grateful for good employees. Today we had a huge event at work where we started our major advertising push. I had the opportunity to watch as the 5 people who were there really started getting into the crowd and interacting with people. They weren't shy and they got the word spread. It was good to see that the facility will be in capable hands. 

Gratitude Day #17

Today I am grateful for yet another spot of good weather. It's warm enough outside that I don't have to wear a coat. Yay! It won't last longer than this week, but it's a good respite. 

Gratitude Day #16

I was sitting in at work today and got a phone call from my old boss at Lindon. In the course of the phone call he informed me that one of my old coworkers died today. She died in a plane crash. She was an instructor on a flight and it was just her and her student on the flight when the engines failed. I wasn't especially close with this woman, but I had a relationship with her. She was always there to talk and ask questions. She was genuinely interested in what was going on in my life, and always seemed genuinely happy to see me. She leaves behind 2 young children and a husband. When I heard this, it hit me hard. I had been following the story of the plane crash online all day, so to hear that it was someone I knew, it was surreal. It still is. I almost cannot believe it's true. 

I had the opportunity to text one of my old coworkers about this today and we talked through a few things. It brought a few things back to my mind rather glaringly. I am so grateful tonight for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. While I don't understand why she was taken at this point in life, I know that there is a greater work going on. I know that her family will be able to be with her again someday. I know that the Lord has a plan. 

When I think about how people who don't have a knowledge of the truth process an event of this, I don't know how they make sense. I can understand how this would lead people into more confusion. Having a knowledge and understanding that the Lord truly is in charge is an amazing asset in this life. I am so grateful tonight for my knowledge of the Plan. 

Mid-Month Reminder!

Yay for Mormon Messages!



This one was my mid-month reminder for why I am doing a Gratitude Post everyday. It was also a chance for me to reflect on what this has been for me thus far. Half way through November. Crazy!

Gratitude Day #15

I'm grateful for productive days! I got so much done today both at work and for church, etc. It's just one of those days where I do way more than I thought was even possible.

Gratitude Day #14

I'm grateful for beautiful sunsets. Tonight as I was walking out of the construction zone and was greeted by this.



The photo does not even begin to do the colors justice and if I had the skill I would make them clearer to see. Unfortunately I don't have those skills, so I'll leave that up to the imagination. But it was beautiful colors playing on the snow cover mountains. Normally I'm not a fan of snow, but seeing the brilliance of the colors and how they contrasted with the white gave me a new found appreciation.

And I Am Not My Body

In relief society today, our lesson was on faith. We started with watching one of the Mormon messages that I've seen a few time. Maybe you've seen it as well, if you haven't, feel free to watch it here. I feel this is one that we as women especially can never watch too much. 



As I watched this video again, I was really able to internalize it. At first I started to get down on myself. I wondered how I could complain about my life and the trials I face when it's nothing compared what this woman faces on a daily basis. I realized that was not the point of this video. This video is meant to uplift and give strength. I stopped thinking and just allowed myself to feel. To give myself the opportunity to be tutored by the Spirit of the Lord.

While I don't have physical scars or such visible trials that others can see, I still have scars on the inside from the trials that I have faced and overcome. Each one left a mark on me, and the scar that is now there is the proof of the healing and growth that happened from each one. While others cannot see my scars, I can and so can the Lord. I know that through this I can see that I am beautiful and am more able to feel my Saviors Love and sacrifice for me. I am more able to know of my divine worth and purpose on this earth. 

I know that through faith in the Lord, all my wounds can be healed. And that through Him all things can be overcome. The last part of the movie is a quote by Elder Holland. I know that if during my trials, I turn to the right method of overcoming, I can grow closer to my Father in Heaven than ever before. 

"We are not alone in our little prisons here.  When suffering, we may in fact be nearer to God than we’ve ever been in our entire lives. That knowledge can turn every such situation into a would-be temple.

Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised:

'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.' [D&C 84:88]

That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including—and perhaps especially—in times of trouble." ~ Elder Jeffery Holland "Lessons from Liberty Jail"

Gratitude Day #13

I am grateful today for pink shoes. I woke up this morning and looked at all my sunday heels and I just couldn't handle putting any of them on. So instead I turned to my pink flats. My feet are happy and warm today. And it fits me.

Gratitude Day #12

I am grateful for stars. 

Gratitude Day #11

I know I've already been grateful for tender mercies, so while that is still on my mind, today I'm focusing my gratitude on feeling love from my Heavenly Father. I know often love from above comes in the form if others. The past two days my testimony of this has grown so much. I have been shown through others a lot the past few days of how much my Heavenly Father thinks of me. I have been struggling a little bit trying to figure out if I'm truly capable of all I've been handed at this point in my life. I have been feeling overwhelmed by everything that is going on in my life. The past two days, yesterday especially, I was shown by my Father that my efforts are being noticed and that I am on track. I am able to feel His love so strongly in my life. It is really such a good feeling. I know that I am completely capable and that as ling as I am "anxiously engaged" and doing my best, I will be able to accomplish and overcome all that I am currently looking at in my life.

Gratitude Day #10

I'm grateful for perspective. Being able to see beyond myself and realize that my worries are small in the grand scheme of things.

Gratitude Day #9

I'm grateful for a good nights sleep. It really calms me down and helps me to get a better perspective on things. Yesterday I was having a day where I had not had enough sleep and work and just everything in life was seriously overwhelming. I felt like I was on the edge of a breaking point. All it took was going to bed earlier and getting a good nights sleep. Today I feel like I can conquer the world. I know that I can do everything and handle everything that is being thrown my way.

Gratitude Day #8

The Internet. I'm grateful that a full wealth of knowledge is right at my finger tips. Anything I could want to know is available online and I can find it with almost no issue. If I am wondering what a talk said in the last conference, I can find it immediately. It's amazing what technology has accomplished and what it is doing to help further the work of God. It's been a real blessing to me over the past few days. 

Gratitude Day #7

Today I'm grateful for tender mercies. For the foresight that Heavenly Father has to put those people in our life that are most going to uplift us. I know that often Heavenly Father blesses us through other people, and we just have to be looking for Him in their words and deeds. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I am so grateful that tonight I got to experience that love through someone else. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan, all we have to do is trust Him. If I trust Him and turn my will completely have to Him, I know that I will make it safely home to Him. I'm so grateful for those that demonstrate that through their words and actions. 

Gratitude Day #6

It's the first Sunday of the month and daylight savings Sunday. Today is a day when I feel so much love and gratitude in my heart. I can't even begin to express all the gratitude that I feel in my heart. As I sit and reflect on those things that I have in my life as a blessing, I am astounded again at my Father's love for me. Today being fast Sunday, I am so grateful for testimonies. 

There is so much strength that is made evident every first Sunday of a month. I am so grateful that I am allowed and have choose to participate in it. There is strength in being surrounded by those that have the same values and beliefs as I do. Today was one of those days where I really was uplifted. As I sat and listened to everyone share their knowledge of the Savior and the truthfulness of this gospel, I was overcome. I felt in my heart the truth that was shared. It was an opportunity for me to have a gentle reassurance of the truth of the gospel. 

I know the gospel is true. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that he died for me. I know that there is a living prophet on the earth today. President Thomas S. Monson is called of God. I know that abiding by His word and the words of the scriptures, I can obtain eternal happiness. I know I am loved by my Heavenly Father. I am truly grateful for testimonies and their building power. 

Gratitude Day #5

Today is simple. Today I'm grateful for college football. Not only is college football fun to watch and participate in, it's an equalizer. It is something that a lot of people like and have in common. It breaks down barriers and allows people to talk and enjoy themselves. I love college football!

Gratitude Day #4

Tonight I got a phone call from an old friend. He recently got engaged, and so having him call me at 1 in the morning was a little weird. He was calling for advice. Somehow when he said that I knew it was relationship advice. He laid out the issues for me. As he did so, I started to get mad. When I responded, I'm pretty sure he was surprised by my lack of advice. I didn't actually have any advice to give in the problem. I could have, however,the reason was mad is because here is an engaged man, on the phone with another girl looking for advice on his girl. I actually saw it as him looking for a justification that he was right from a female source. My only advice to him was that he should be talking to his fiancé about this. That he should be working it through with her. 

As I hung up the phone, I was able to reflect on my own relationship. We have had some rocky times, but overall, we have always talked to each other. We get through because we are 100% honest with each other. If I ever feel like I need an outside source, I call my mom and look for advice. Tonight, I am grateful for my ability to communicate effectively. And for the good relationships that are formed off of the ability to talk. I know that it all is because I have developed communication with my Heavenly Father that helps set a pattern for the rest of my relationships. 

Gratitude Day #3

Today was a really good day in Kara land. I woke up and immediately started getting things done. I got into work and got some things taken care of. My boss wasn't around and there were decisions that needed to be made. I took the initiative and made decisions. Nothing big mind you, but decisions none the less. I made some calls and then started getting some product put together. I decided what the prices were going to be at the center. I know the prices are probably eventually going to be changed by those above me, but it still got done. I outlined the duties of one of the interns and was able to more fully explain her job to her. Basically, my day was very productive and I actually started feeling like an asset at my job. I know I'm good at what I do, but this job is stretching outside the bounds of my expertise and really making me go outside of my comfort zone and learn new things. 

So today am I once again reminded how grateful I am for my ability to adapt and to grow. I am grateful that in this life that is our goal. We were put here on this earth to learn and grow and develop. That is our whole purpose. We are here to become more Godlike. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity to learn more about my abilities. To learn what I can accomplish and to see myself get it done. I can see the path that has been paved for me in life as I reflect back. I can see how everything in my life has led to this point and has prepared me for this. Now this is the next stretch. This is just outside what I'm capable of doing and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to grow and become even more.  

Gratitude Day #2

Today as I was driving down the road I had this overwhelming need to call my mom. I had a lot I needed to talk to her about, to sort out the feelings and the unsettled thoughts in my head. I called her and she gave me the response I was looking for and gave me the support I needed. When I was talking about my confusion that held my head in a cloud, she responded with what I needed to here. She said something along the lines of me needing to stop thinking and just go eith what feels right. 

So today, I am eternally grateful for my Mom. I know that I was sent to the family that I have for a reason. My Mom often knows me better than I know myself. She loves me more than I can comprehend. I so grateful for the influence my Mom is in my life and for being my best friend and my balancing force. I love you Mom!  

Gratitude Day #1

While I appeared to be complaining about Utah weather today on my Facebook, I am very grateful for how nice the weather has been the past three days. It has seriously been a nice little break from the rain and the snow. I love that when I walk outside it is gorgeous and I don't have to wear a coat. 

So while I know the weather is probably going to be changing again soon, I'm extremely glad that it has lasted as long as it has. I have always said that Utah weather is like a woman going through menopause, and I still maintain that this is true. I'm just glad that the hot flashes are going through November as of right now. 

Attitude of Gratitude

This being the first day of November, gratitude has been on my mind. Last night as I was preparing a spiritual thought for ward prayer, my mind was drawn back to President Monson's talk from General Conference. I decided to read the talk, and find some material that I could pass on to those that would come to ward prayer.

The first little nugget that hit me was a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley, "When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives."

Walk with gratitude. That is big. That doesn't mean that I am just grateful, that means that my whole being is full of gratitude at all times. I don't have to think about it, I just am. That is a gift that I could possess. When I, as a being, am possessed with gratitude, I don't have any form of pride in me. This will reflect in my life, it will reflect in my countenance, and it will enrich my life.

President Monson asks us how we can cultivate in our hearts gratitude. He turns to President Joseph F. Smith, "The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!"

It's another example of overcoming weakness! If I turn to God, He will help me see all the reasons to be grateful in my life. I remember one week when I tried to make this a priority in my life. I specifically prayed to have a Spirit of gratitude with me at all times. I saw the world in so much better terms and was so grateful for everything that was put in it.

"A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort-- at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don't get around to it. Someone has said that 'feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.'

"When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessing. However if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given."

I love that. My goal for this next month of November is to cultivate and Attitude of Gratitude. I am going to be looking for things to be grateful for everyday of this month. It's my own personal experiment to see how this enriches my life and how it visibly changes it.

Antoine Obama

So on Saturday night I went to iHop to get some late night breakfast. While I was there, I saw 2 guys dressed up in security type dress (sunglasses, ear pieces, suits etc). Then they were followed by 2 more. Following them was a guy and a girl dressed up pretty nice, he was in a suit, she was in a skirt suit. They were followed by 2 more security types. The security quickly spread through the room and one of them then announced, "Listen up everybody, President Obama has something he would like to say." The nice dressed couple were dressed as President and Michelle Obama for Halloween. The Guy dressed up as President Obama was someone I recognized but couldn't put my finger on... Then it hit me, he's YouTube famous for this video:



"President Obama" began his speech, "It appears we have a rapist here, in Lincoln Park. Everyone needs to hide their wives, hide their children and to hide their husbands because they are raping everybody out here." He continued with a reference to being so dumb, and that we could run and tell that homeboy. He had a convincing Obama speech going. If I had only been listening, I might be convinced that it was actually Obama. He then ended with, "We can be the Change!"

If you don't recognize that speech, you may need to watch this video:



As he finished up, he was trying to leave and everyone wanted a picture. The security detail would actually address him as President Obama, and they would take pictures for people. Finally they announced that he had another appointment to get to, and walked out. That was their sole purpose for being there that night. It made my Halloween. One of the more clever things I've seen in Provo.

I'm currently searching YouTube for a possible video of this being done. If I find it, I will post that as well.