I am grateful for prayer and faith that my Father in Heaven hears my pleas.

I am grateful for the cool hint of autumn in the air.  Although I don't really like winter, I enjoy the transitional seasons that take us to winter and take us out of winter.  And of course, I love summer.

I have not posted about gratitude for the last month or so.  Honestly, I have not been feeling very grateful lately.  I've been throwing myself a little pity party.


But I'm happy to say that I've repented and my heart has softened.


About a week ago I was in a lot of physical pain.  It's been my experience that intense physical pain can cloud my heart and mind.  It was frustrating.  Then while I was reading in the Book of Mormon I came across these verses:
   
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

 14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

 15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.    -Mosiah 24:13-15

These verses hit my heart and opened my mind.  I immediately realized that I needed a complete attitude adjustment and that I have so many things to be grateful for.

At the top of my gratitude list are Sam, Ben, Tom, Eliza and the wonderful people in my ward who take time on a regular basis to come and help in my home.

This morning my children did all of their chores without complaining.  Then my friend Ana, who is one of the most charitable people I know, came over and cleaned the upstairs floor of my house.  She was amazing. 

I have blessing everywhere.  Some days I'm just better at seeing them.  Those days are always happier and more joyful.