Emerging Hope - The Simple Woman's Daybook~

For Today

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I am thinking - This past year has been challenging for everyone. It became even more challenging when my dearest husband became ill and was hospitalized for a few days in January. Luckily, he didn't have Covid, but he did have bilateral bacterial pneumonia. I am very grateful that he is up and about doing what he loves to do. I know that he was blessed to have a Priesthood blessing before being admitted to the hospital, along with fasting, prayer by many, and his name on our Temple Prayer Roll. I was given a Priesthood blessing too, and I received peace, and knew that he would be OK. 

One of my favorite things - Believe it or not, I have started playing the piano and learning some new pieces. I have always loved music and enjoyed the piano. I always let other priorities come into my life, and I left that wonderful experience slip by the wayside. Right now, it is bringing me great joy. 

 I am creating - Look at me, I'm creating a new blog post. The last one was on December 24th, 2020. I have been wanting to write one for a long time and have had many life interferences. I'm excited to be doing one now. 

I am reading - This year, we are studying in our Sunday School a precious book of scripture; entitled "The Doctrine and Covenants." In this book, our remarkable Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith, and other prophets received many revelations through the latter-day years. This book is powerful and helps my understanding of The Book of Mormon, and reveals many instructions from our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, as the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ unfolded. 

My husband and I have been listening to a book entitled: "Insights From A Prophet's Life" by Sheri Dew. It is a biography of our living day Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. It is an outstanding book that I wish everyone would read. He is a remarkable man. Before having leadership positions in our faith; he was a well-known Heart Surgeon. He helped develop the heart-lung by-pass machine. He was a leader in innovative surgery of the heart. The story of how he did many of these things are in this book. Our hearts have been touched over and over when reading his life story. He didn't always have an easy life; in fact, he and his wife sacrificed a lot over the years. They are parents of 10 children, and he had 9 daughters and 1 son. When I was an ICU nurse at the LDS hospital in Salt Lake, I had a chance to meet him. He has always been an unusual physician in many ways and credits his success to the spirit, helping him know how to do surgeries that hadn't been done before. It is a fantastic book to read. 

I hope that the Covid 19 Vaccine will be effective and that better treatments for severe cases will be found. Mostly, I am hoping for the pandemic to lessen enough for our Temples and Missionary work to open up even more. I feel blessed to have two Grandchildren serving missions; Sister Abilene Workman in the Arizona Phoenix Mission and Elder Ethan Williams serving in the California, Los Angeles Mission. They do a lot of their missionary work online and are both having baptisms. It's a miracle that the work continues in a different way.  I look forward to being able to attend our church without masks and physical distancing. It will be nice to see everyone's faces. 

My dear husband has been blessed to work at the Jordan River Temple in Phase two. He is the coordinator for the Saturday morning shift. I have been able to return to the temple and work about 4 times, which has been such a blessing in my life. I find great peace within the walls of the temple. It is a place to go and receive personal revelation from our loving Heavenly Father. The work that goes on within the temple is sacred. I love being part of it all. 

 I am learning - I feel like I am learning more on how to hear the spirit of the Lord in my life. My husband and I have a morning time devotional where we are spending time studying the scriptures and other worthwhile books. Through these studies, I am learning many more things about my loving Heavenly Father, Savior, and myself. 

In My Kitchen - I hate to admit this in my kitchen, I haven't been cooking. For the last several months, my sweet, endearing husband has been doing the cooking. I have been busy with other projects, so he took over my kitchen. He is an excellent cook and loves to make up recipes and different types of meals. 

Well, he got sick, so I am back in the kitchen. It's been fun but challenging since I almost forgot how. I still think he flavors dishes better than me. I think I will convince him to share the cooking with me. 

In my garden - There isn't anything in our garden right now, of course. Last year, my husband planted and tenderly cared for a medium-sized garden. Our harvest was good. I'm hoping we will have another garden this year; if we can find the seeds. 

Pinterest Board and link - I'm dreaming of this chocolate cake. When I was a Home Health Nurse in Las Vegas, Nevada, I worked at the Nathan Adelson Hospice. They had a cafeteria, and I loved getting a piece of this kind of chocolate cake. I really do need to make it again. 

Chocolate Cake Recipe from Pinterest -

Post Script - As I think about this past year and the many struggles and challenges that have come, I want to share with you what I learned from it all. I learned to rely on my faith in Jesus Christ. I have worked hard to keep my focus on Him. I have drawn closer to Him and had many spiritual insights into why these kinds of events happen In our lives. I have had answers to my prayers and felt the spirit provide comfort and peace to my soul.

 I believe there is purpose in all that we go through. We are here to gain a body and have earth-life experiences. Through those moments, we learn many lessons that help us grow and develop into better human beings. I have learned to love others even more. I appreciate the good people surrounding me in my church, neighborhood, and especially my family. Our family has grown closer. My relationship with my husband has become even more tender and sweet. We are together in all things. 

I have learned to be more patient with mankind. With the many political upheavals that are present and on-going. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of us, and if we reach for Him and our Savior, they will be there. They want us to look for the positive and leave the negative behind.  They have a plan for this earth, and it will go forth. Satan may rule the day, but the Savior will ultimately win. 

I have had more time to study the gospel and other good books, which has enlightened my mind and heart with positive thoughts and good things to come. 

I have learned that I can continue on in a different way to fulfill the calling that I have and to continue to work in the temple when I can. 

I have learned that wearing a mask and social distancing is difficult but doable. I believe it is following the commandment to love one another. We should all be willing to do whatever it takes to protect each other from this dreadful virus. To me is a privilege to wear a mask. 

I am deeply grateful for my husband's medical care and all the advancements in medicine and technology. I believe these advancements have been spirit directed. I wish I could hug all the wonderful medical personnel that has given hours and risk their lives to care for the many who have had Covid. I have prayed hard for them. I have family members that have been on the front lines. Having been a nurse, I am even more sensitive to what they have had to deal with. I know they will be blessed for doing all that they have done. 

 Shared Quote - 

A moment from my day - I love this man of mine. Tomorrow, we will celebrate his 75th birthday. Every day, I am grateful that he is my eternal companion and that I have one more day with him. I have a testimony that we will be together forever. He is one of the best of men, and I love him with all my heart. We are unified in everything. 

{share a picture with us of your daily-ness}

Closing Notes - May you all have an emerging hope in the future. I know that things will get better, and I pray for us all to be happily engaged in good works. 

God's Greatest Gift ~

The Greatest Gift is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This Christmas Celebration is to keep our hearts and homes focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. The Christ child was God's gift to the world. 

During these difficult months, I have found great peace through keeping my sight on the Savior. He is the Savior of the world and came to open the door to our everlasting life. Through his infinite atonement and resurrection, we will all live again. As we choose the Covenant path, it will lead us back to be with our Heavenly Parent and Jesus Christ forever. 

I know that our redeemer lives and loves each and every one of us. He is there to succor and lifts us in our times of struggle and sorrow. He is there to enjoy with us our moments of joy. He has suffered all that he might lift us and bring peace to our hearts. We are here to experience earth life where we obtained a body and life experiences because of Him.  Our Savior is the way, the truth, and the light. 

As you worship this tiny baby's birth in Bethlehem so long ago. Remember why we are celebrating this divine birth. Read in the New Testament - Luke 2. 

Tonight we will meet on Zoom with our eternal family. We are hoping that we will have everyone on this call.  Presently, we have 6 children, 32 grandchildren, and 5 Great Grandchildren. Many of them we haven't seen for a very long time. We feel like having a Zoom call is a gift from Heaven. 

Our Eternal Family~

May each of you have a delightful Christmas Eve and Christmas Celebration and remember the reason Why!

I'm sharing with you today a video of our remarkable Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. He is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is a vigorous 96-year-old man and has incredible energy and the ability to lead our worldwide faith. This video was taken last year during Christmas time. It is President Nelson playing the piano for Claire Crosby to sing; "Silent Night." In the end, there are some questions. They discuss colors, and if you take a moment and relate that to us as brothers and sisters with no prejudice towards a race or cultural diversity of any kind. President Nelson loves all colors, as do I. 

I pray that this year we will all pull together to make a better world and bring peace. May we learn to love and accept one another as the Savior loves each of us.    

 In closing this post, I invite you into my home to see how we decorated for Christmas this year. We thought about not decorating very much but then realized that we love Christmas and the reason for the celebration so we should decorate and enjoy it all. 

Here is the entrance to our home. We have a snowman theme in some of the areas. Note the group of Snowpeople. My favorite is the nurse. I was an RN for several years and greatly appreciated all the front-line people during this Pandemic. 

The photo above is what we call our piano room. It is the most special room in our home.  During this time of quarantine, we have been able to have our own Sacrament meeting here. There is a special feeling for me when I am in this room. 

Here is our living room. This year we bought a new tree. When we were first married, we had real flocked trees for years and determined that we would never have a fake tree. We lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, for 7 years and found that live trees didn't even last through the season; thus, our trees have been fake ones. This year we love our new flocked tree. For my birthday this year, my husband bought ornament replicas of the temples we have been to. There are 51. I don't think we will ever make it to all of our temples. There are right now 160 operating temples throughout the world. We are hoping to finish attending those in the State of Utah. There are 19 and 9 more announced and under construction. 

As we go into the kitchen area. My favorite Nativity set on the left is around 48 years old. It is a favorite for sure. The other nativity scene is found in our entryway, and then the rest is in our kitchen. 

Even though we don't have anyone coming to our home for dinner this Christmas, I love to set the table with the china that I inherited from my mother. It is probably about 60 plus years old. 

Here are photos of our basement decorations. Our tree is a toy animal tree, and it shows our Garfield collection. This other Nativity is a treasure; also, we have had it for several years. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. May you turn to the Savior this Christmas and feel His light and love in your homes and heart. 

Following His Light -

 Every year at Christmas time, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are encouraged to participate in a #lighttheworld event. Each day for 25 days, we receive prompts of different things we can do during the Christmas Season to "Light The World." I love the opportunity to work on these ideas. Each day my husband and I have been working on the ideas given. We have felt great joy in sharing the light by praying to know who to serve, contact, love, and then the blessing of doing the activities. Here is what we have completed thus far. 

Today, I have been thinking about the individuals that have had Christlike attributes in my life, and there are countless ones. I had marvelous parents and siblings. I have had friends through the years that have touched my heart in so many ways. I have had church leaders who have opened my eyes to what true ministering means.

At times, my children are true heroes as I watch them bravely face their own oppositions. My dearest husband is my hero in a multitude of ways. He is one of the most Christlike men I know. He is compassionate, generous, a man of faith, and a great husband and father.

That being said, I thought I would focus my thoughts on my dear Grandmother, Dora Alice Tuttle Peterson, Ogden, who had a huge impact on my life. She was a very Christlike person in so many ways., As a young girl, I would often sit beside her as she would share stories of being one of the only nurses in Richfield, Utah. She would walk from one end of the town to the other to care for her patients in their homes. She gave after surgery care, post-delivery care, and she, at one time, had two maternity homes in Richfield. She helped to deliver more than 500 babies. She kept track of every one of those births. She would give care and also clean and do other things in their homes. She would be paid in cash and also in produce and other items.

She was a widow raising three daughters. Her husband, my grandfather, died in1922 of the flu.

She had a compassionate heart and was always serving someone through the years. She was loved by many. Later in life, she married my step Grandpa Charles Ogden, and he was the best grandpa too.

I loved my moments with them.

Because my Grandmother influenced me, I always wanted to be a nurse. I am so grateful that I became one. I loved my experiences in ICU's and later as a Hospice nurse. I treasure my nursing experience. I loved this Grandma very much, and am grateful for her great example.

#givethanks #lighttheworld

#lighttheworld

I find the greatest peace inside the walls of a temple. As I enter the temple, there is always a feeling of peace and love. I feel like I am entering Heavenly Father's home. As I leave behind the world and have time to reflect on more heavenly things, my burdens are lifted. I often find answers to prayer in the temple. The Celestial room to me represents our Heavenly Parent's living room. There I can pray, ponder, and find the peace I am seeking.

Even during the Pandemic, I have found peace just being near a temple and sometimes being on the grounds. These dedicated temples and grounds are sacred places where we can find healing and joy.

I have felt deeply blessed in the last 5 weeks to be able to work there 3 times. It has refreshed me, and I have loved my moments in my Father's house.

“As we attend the temple, there can come to us a

the dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace

which will grasp the true meaning of the words of

the Savior when He said: ‘Peace I leave with you, my

peace I give unto you. . . . Let not your heart be

troubled, neither let it be afraid.’” Pres. Tomas S. Monson

Tears came as I watched this beautiful video on "The Christ Child." I love my Savior with all my heart. When we read about His divine birth in Luke at this time of year, my heart is full of gratitude for His willingness to come to earth to save us all.

As I watched the tender portrayal of our future Messiah, my heart went to Mary. I reflected on the birth of my own children and the awe and wonder of it all. I see in Mary's face that same wonder. One of my favorite Christmas songs is: "Mary, Did You Know." As she tenderly kissed her newborn babe, she held the great, "I Am."

What joy she must have felt that our precious Jesus was here.

This was such an inspiring video of His birth and as a young boy. Take the time to watch this one; you will be happy you did.

#lighttheworld2020

#givethanks

#lighttheworld2020

Today’s thought for #lighttheworld to pay it backward was a wonderful one. I spent some time thinking about the many who have shown kindness to me in many different ways. Some gave me their listening ear, an invitation to lunch, thoughtful gifts, cards in the mail, dinners brought in, and a multitude of other services. It gave me a chance to think about and do a couple of paybacks. I have a list of a few more yet to do.

It added to my #givethanks for so many that I love.

Have a delightful Sabbath, everyone!

#lighttheworld2020

It's been a delightful Fast and testimony, Sabbath day.

I am grateful today for Zoom.

We started the day by attending a Spokane Stake Conference over Zoom, and we're able to watch our Granddaughter, Sarah, and fiancé, Josh, speak. They both gave beautiful messages.

I then left to go on another computer to attend a Missionary meeting. Finished just in time for an uplifting ward fast and testimony meeting, and then our at-home Sacrament moment. Next, a great Sunday School lesson. All of this on Zoom.

We loved the Ist Presidency Devotional and especially the beautiful blessing that was given to us all.

This day couldn't be better.

Have a lovely week, everyone!

#lighttheworld2020

#LightTheWorld

Today, we had fun taking a swag Christmas wreath to a home of a dear friend who could use it. It was a great idea to brighten their hearts and home.

We are loving the ideas for doing #lighttheworld2020

It’s never too late to join in on this adventure. Hugs for all!

#lighttheworld2020

Presently, we have several extended family members and a few friends that are essential medical workers. One of these is our son, James, who is Director of Pharmacy at EIRMC Hospital in Idaho Falls. He has shared with me how tired the staff is due to the increasing number of Covid patients. They work long hours caring for very sick patients and are there helping communicate with family—members that can't be there, and holding hands when patients don't make it.

I feel deeply grateful to these wonderful Doctors, Nurses, CNA’s and other personal a

long with EMT’s, Police, Teachers, and etc.

I have thanked a few today and hope all of you will do the same. They need our love and encouragement.

#lighttheworld2020

#lighttheworld2020

Today as an alternate suggestion, we could express appreciation to a co-worker.

I'm not working at a job, but I do serve with three choice women in a Stake Relief Society Presidency.

Laura, Wendy, and Nancy, thanks for being wonderful ministering sisters with compassionate hearts and my cherished friends. You amaze me as you each have gifts and talents that bring creative energy to all decisions and activities. I am deeply grateful to each of you.

#lighttheworld

Today we were encouraged to share a family history story that we found on Family Search. Here is a song that was written about my Great Grandfather Josiah Tuttle and Great Grandmother Sarah Catherine Barr. It was fun to find this treasure because these were the parents of my dearest Grandmother, Dora Alice Tuttle Peterson Ogden. My Grandmother, Dora, had such an impact on my life. She passed away when I was 12 years old. Growing up, I was blessed to know most of her siblings. Three of my Great Aunts, Eva, Georgia, and Lill, came from Richfield, Utah, to Salt Lake before I was married and stayed at our home while making me three beautiful quilts for my wedding. This is a favorite memory of mine.

Song written by Ivalee Sorensen

We've a little story folks to tell to you, About our family tree and how it grew. Josiah Tuttle, Eighteen fifty-six, the first name and date that we're gonna fix.

He grew up there a right smart man. the very first one in the whole clan. Oh, he liked to fiddle for the folks to dance, and while he was fiddlin', he found romance.

He found him a girl, a sweet little cutie. He wanted to marry this dark eyed-beauty. Sarah Catherine Barr was this young gals name, and she told him that she felt the same.

So they got hitched, as you all know, and our family tree began to grow.

Now it wasn't long until the good Lord went, and to them, a sweet little baby sent. They didn't plan on more, it's plain, for they called her Hattie Rosella Charlotta Jane.

Now it wasn't long until the good Lord went, and to them, a sweet little baby sent. They didn't plan on more it's plain, for they called her Hattie Rosella Charlotta Jane.

It was tough luck, and they felt so sad that they couldn't keep this little lad.

Bug the Lord didn't forget them, and he sent their way, Dora Alice, and Maggie May.

Then Georgia joined the family - How many girls was there gonna be?

Now the Mormon Missionaries came along and told of a church that was right, not wrong.

They joined up and moved out west, good Latter-Day Saints, by every test.

When they got to Utah, Joe had quite a time. A wife and 4 kids and one thin dime.

But things worked out, and he made a go. You can't keep a good man down, you know.

Now the tree kept on growing, Lizzie, Eva and Lill, And Lordy, at last, they got a boy named Bill.

They'd almost thought there wouldn't be any boys in their family.

Now Joe got so homesick his poor heart did pine, To go back home to North Caroline.

He started out to go back there, got chased back to Utah by a great big bear.

Now the boys kept coming, and we're happy to say, They added the names of LeLand and Jay. Their little Nellie came, but she couldn't stay with the family.

Joe and Sarah Tuttle surely did their part to plant a good tree, give it a fine start.

Twelve young limbs, nine grew up big. And we're all a branch, a leaf, or a twig.

Now this tale is ended, and we think you'll agree that we're all proud of our family.

Proud to belong to folks so grand, reckon it's the best in the whole dern land.

#FamilySearch #lighttheworl

If you would like to learn about and or join in the light the world initiative; here is the link.

In An Attitude Of Gratitude ~

President Russell M. Nelson, our beloved Prophet gave a challenge to #givethanks for our many blessings for 7 days. Because I loved this experience, I decided to extend the time to November 30th, and then share my feelings after completing it.  First of all, I am going to share my thoughts on these past days in this post. 

Day 1 -Today, I have gratitude for many friends and family that have posted wonderful birthday messages. Thank you, I have felt loved.

The highlight of today was listening to this much-needed message by our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.

Here are my #givethanks thoughts!

Day 2 - I love our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson's challenge to #givethanks for 7 days.

Today I am very thankful for good friends and family. Yesterday was my birthday, and I was overwhelmed with messages from dear friends and family. It warmed my heart and truly made me feel loved.

I am so thankful for the many good friends that I have made throughout my life. I have friends from many different areas we have lived in, social media friends, church friends, and precious family members. I consider them all brothers and sisters. I feel that I knew them in the Pre-mortal life and am grateful to our loving Heavenly Parents for them. May we all love one another, and recognize that all of this world's children are our brothers and sisters.

Day 3 - I #givethanks for our weekly Sabbath days. It is a day to worship our loving Heavenly Father. Through the sacred emblems of the Sacrament, we covenant to always remember our precious Savior Jesus Christ and His suffering for us in Gethsemane and on the cross of Calvary. It is a time to reflect on Him and the changes we can make to draw closer to him.

I love our moments together with our ward family on these sacred days. It is sweet to be with friends.

It's a day of study, pondering, and serving.

With Covid 19, we can also worship and partake in our homes the sacrament when we can't meet together. These moments have been a spiritual highlight for my dearest husband and me. He has prepared the sacrament for us.

I'm so grateful for these treasured moments. It prepares me spiritually for the days ahead.

Sundays are my favorite day.

Day 4 - #givethanks I'm so grateful for our little Sammy. Two weeks ago, he was very sick and could barely walk. We cried thinking we might lose him. With good Vet care, he is back to his cute self. We have had him for 12 years, and he blesses our lives in many ways. We love our Sammy!

Day 5 - Today, I have been thinking about my dear parents and brothers who have passed away, and my sister in law, Amparo. I miss them more than mere words can express. I give thanks to each of them for the impact they have had on my life.

I am grateful for my dearest parents. They are the best. I had a wonderful childhood with many fun moments with my parents. Their life was not easy and near poverty at times, but I never really lacked anything. My mother made most of my clothes, and they were lovely. They were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ and instilled in me a love for the gospel, the Book of Mormon, and the temple. They served a mission, and I know that is exactly what they are doing in the spirit world.

My brothers were awesome too. Mac, who was 9 years older than me, was my protector and always showered me with love. Sometimes it was protecting me from my brother, John, who was 6 years older.

John was a relentless tease, but I loved him for it. We had a great family, and I am happy that we are a forever family too. My brother Mac's wife, Amparo, was like a sister to me, and I loved my moments with her.

Although my family is in the spirit world, I know they are near and busy doing good things. I miss them a lot, and I have beautiful memories of our time together—I #givethanks for them all; my eternal family!

Day 5 - I will be forever grateful that my dearest Roger and I were married for time and all eternity over 53 years ago. I #givethanks often that I have this incredible man for eternity. We are truly united as one and unified in our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in our goals, and in our desires for our eternal family.

Through the years, we have had many difficult moments with various trials of life. This dear man has had severe medical concerns. A heart attack at age 45, open-heart surgery, and then later in life, a Pulmonary Embolus experience. Through fasting and prayer, along with Priesthood blessings, there have been miracles. He has always gone through these experiences with great faith, and the results have been increased faith and hope in our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. These experiences have provided deep growth for both of us. He is always there for me and has given me Priesthood blessings for health, comfort, and guidance. There have been remarkable miracles in my life too. Through fasting, prayer, and blessings, our children have had their own miracles happen.

We have had the privilege to serve missions together, which has brought wonderful blessings into our lives.

We both love the temple and our moments serving there. We know that through promised blessings, being in the temple is where we need to be.

This man of mine is kind, thoughtful, generous, faithful, true in all that he does. He cares deeply for our family and has worked hard through the years to provide for them all. He has always been a good Dad and Grandfather. His counsel is wise, and I know his children love and respect him for his desires for them.

He is the most devoted husband ever, and I love him with all my heart. I #givethanks for him today!

My Eternal Children above and their Spouses below, whom I consider my children too. 

Here are our Children, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren. 

 Oldest Grandson Jed & Jessica with Great Grandchildren, Myah, Lilly and Jadyn

2nd oldest Grandson Jacob & Dana with our Great Grandchildren, Sagan and Katalina

Here are photos of our two married Grandchildren - Our granddaughter, Justice and  our new Grandson, Jaxson - Then our Grandson, Austin and our new Granddaughter, Shamra. Below is a photo of our Granddaughter, getting engaged to our next Grandson, Josh - Then our Granddaughter, Sariah getting engaged to our next Grandson, Alex. 

 Day 6 - Today, Thanksgiving day 2020, I #givethanks for my treasured family. Roger and I have been deeply blessed with a large posterity. We have 34 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren. We have added one more Grandson in law and one more Granddaughter in law. We will soon be adding one more Grandson in law and one more Granddaughter in law. It is amazing how it multiplies. We cherish with all our hearts each individual that makes up our family. We have a deep love for them and marvel at how each is unique and has special gifts, talents, and other wonderful characteristics that we enjoy.

I am sincerely grateful for our Heavenly Parents and our Savior Jesus Christ for the spectacular plan of Salvation. I know that we are a forever family, which gives me comfort, peace, and joy.

Every day, I pray for Heavenly Father's watchful care over each of these precious souls. I love our family moments with them all. May they each know and feel the love we have for each of them individually.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends. May you have great joy this Thanksgiving day as you #givethanks to our Heavenly Father for all of your blessings.

Day 7 - Today, I wanted to #GiveThanks for all of you that come in and view this page and leave comments. I follow various blogs, and I want all of you to know how much I learn from you and how you have blessed my life in different ways. 

I have a love for all of Heavenly Father's children, which means all of you that I consider my spiritual brothers and sisters. May this day be a sweet one. May you feel the Lord's unconditional love for you. During the difficult moments, may you reach in prayer for the peace and comfort that you desire? 

Sending my love and hugs to you today! 

Day 8 - Today, I am grateful for this time of year when I can have a fire in the fireplace, Romantic Christmas music playing with a cup of hot chocolate, and then perhaps a book.

I am grateful for books. My first love is The Book of Mormon which is the most read. However, I like to read religious writings and Historical novels too. It is my perfect way to relax on some days.

I am thankful for good music. I especially enjoy the music of my era. My husband and I enjoy a dance or two when we play this kind of music. I love a little bit of country, but mostly Classical and religious music. At Christmas time, I enjoy Christmas music. My favorite Christmas song is: "Mary, Did You know."

On cold winter nights, I like to have our fireplace going. We enjoy reading a good book, listening to a story CD and sometimes, just watching the fire.

The best, of course, is the chocolate. I enjoy various kinds of chocolate—hot Chocolate in the winter for sure, and then all kinds of chocolate throughout the year. Yes, I am a chocoholic.

I do #givethanks for these sweet moments.

Day 9 - I have felt great joy today. I was blessed today to be able to work in the Jordan River Temple. I had the privilege to help with a parent to child sealing. A precious little 4-year-old girl was being sealed to her parents. Her two sisters, ages 11 & 13, are helping her get ready for this moment. They all were dressed in white.

It brought back sweet memories of being sealed to my parents as a 7-year-old with 2 brothers 67 years ago in the Manti Temple. My memories are good of

that day.

I have always loved the temple and have a strong testimony of its eternal importance in our lives. My sweet eternal Companion and I made a promise to make temple attendance a focal point

in our lives.

Now serving in the temple together has brought great joy into our lives. We are grateful for our Eternal marriage and family.

I #givethanks for temples and their eternal significance in our lives and the lives of our ancestors.

We love the Jordan River Temple.

Day 10 - Today, I #givethanks for our loving Heavenly Parents. I'm so happy to know deep inside my soul that I am a daughter of God. We are all spirit children of Heavenly Father.

I feel blessed to know that I have an elder brother, Jesus Christ, who completed the Infinite Atonement for us. Because of Him, e will all be resurrected and live again. Because of our beloved Savior, if we have faith in Him and embrace the covenant path, we can return and live with Them.

I have two favorite scriptures I memorized that remind me of the love, hope, and trust I have in Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2 Nephi 31:20 - 20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Our Savior is the way, the truth, and the light. Come believe in Him, trust in Him, have faith in Him. Because of Him, we have everything!

#givethanks

I close this Thanksgiving blog with my final thoughts on how this challenge has blessed my life. Living under the restrictions of Covid 19 has been difficult for us all. Because my husband and I are in the vulnerable age group, there has been growing concern as the pandemic has continued. After much prayer and study of the current struggle with Covid, we decided that we would follow our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson's counsel on obeying our state's laws and doing the guidelines that have been given. Being a former Nurse and my husband a Pharmacist, we believe the science is good and that we are protected by wearing masks, physical distancing, and being wise as to where and when we shop.

We are grateful for the many front line workers that are tirelessly working to save lives. We have a son, and nieces, nephews, and friends that are on the front line. We pray for them daily.

We believe that by doing our part, we are showing true love for one another. As the pandemic has continued, we have been sad not to see our family members like we would ordinarily do.

As we were challenged by our Prophet to take 7 days and express our thanks for the many blessings we have; it has been a spiritual experience. I have felt the spirit and have felt uplifted and inspired by the many #givethanks posts that have been put on social media. I have a very grateful heart. I know that doing this has increased my gratitude for countless blessings and helped me with the courage to face whatever is ahead. I do trust in my Heavenly Father and in His plan for us.

This has been a life-changing experience for me to ponder upon my many blessings. May we all continue to #givethanks for our blessings.

I believe that prayer brings blessings from Heaven. I have prayed for individuals and families that are suffering with Covid 19, loss of loved ones, economically devastated, and our world and nation. I continue to pray for there to be treatment and vaccine for Covid 19. I have prayed for the front line workers, teachers, and for all of you.

May we all pray together for this pandemic and world chaos to end. May we love one another and give ongoing thanks for all we have.