Ok, this week has been pretty intense with midterms and stuff going on, so here is my personal little pick-me-up. It is amazing how much there really is to be grateful for when you think about it, so here is the highly condensed list!
1. My Mom - because when I call every five minutes she says, "Amy! It has been so long!" instead of "What is it now?" I love the way she makes time to talk to me, and the great advice she gives. She is the reason I am the person that I am today, and I could never thank her enough for it. I love you, Mom!
2. My Dad - because when my stories get a little wild he holds his arm up and says, "It is getting deep in here, and I want to save my watch!" and when I am having a pity party he rubs his fingers together and says "You see this? It is my little violin." I love that my dad can cheer me up no matter what. He encourages me to be all that I can. Most of all, he believes in me, and he helps me believe in myself. I love you, Dad!
3. My Siblings - because we know how to have fun! I remember family football games on thanksgiving, Dodger dogs at the game, roller blading, slurpees, Settlers of Catan, Balderdash, movies, and just plain hanging out. i know that my siblings will be there when I need them. They love me, and I love them! I feel blessed to have four amazing siblings that I get along with so well.
4. My Friends - lets face it, up at school these people have a HUGE impact on my life. Luckily, I have picked some real winners! I can't tell you how many amazing things I have learned from my friends, but lets start the list at service, love, spiritual maturity, and responsibility. My friends make me want to be a better person, and I am grateful for the times they share with me. I really believe that "Friends are the family you choose," and I wouldn't choose any differently. I love you guys!
5. My bike - Ok, it kinda surprises me that this one isn't higher on the list. ;) I really, truly, deeply love my bike. I know when life gets stressful and I need a moment to figure things out I can hop on for a ride and feel better in just minutes. Without my bike, I would be lost! I don't know what I am gonna do when it snows...
6. My body - yeah, it is true, I love my body! Kind of a weird thing to say, I know, but God gave me an amazing body that dances, runs, bikes, skates, swims, laughs, and plays whenever possible, and I am grateful for it! I love to use my body! It makes me feel so good to get out and move. Who cares about looking like a "model"?! Just have fun! Get outside and move, and you will never regret what you've got!
7. My major - sometimes I complain that the accounting program is taking over my life. While that is true, is it such a bad thing? I have friends who know exactly what I am going through and are there to support me. The accounting program pays for my social activities on the weekends, feeds me, gets me free backpacks and shirts, and basically takes care of my every need - not to mention it is ranked #2 in the United States! I am lucky to be part of such an amazing program, and I am trying hard not to forget that!
8. My job - I genuinely love my job, and am very, very sad that I have to quit! My job has been a major blessing in my life, financially and emotionally. There is a support system at work that I have never experienced anywhere else, I care about everybody, and they all care about me! From the supervisors to the new hires, thank you so much for being a part of my life. You all really mean a lot to me!
9. My ward - I don't know many people in my ward yet, but everyone I have met is so friendly and kind. I tis nice to know that I have a spiritual safety net in the members of my ward, especially with the relief society sisters and my FHE group. I feel uplifted when I am around them. It is strange, but even though I don't know everybody, I love them all.
10. Scriptures - I have learned more from the scriptures this semester than I have my entire life! It is truly amazing how God can speak to me so strongly through the scriptures. I discovered so many answers to my personal struggles. It comforts me to know that God is looking out for me and knows everything that I am going through.
11. Prayer - there is a plaque in the Law School Library that simply says, "Prayer changes things." It is true. Prayer does change things. I have seen prayer work miracles in people's lives, including my own. God listens to and answers prayers. He loves us and wants us to be happy. That doesn't mean her will take away our trials, but it does mean he won't leave us alone during them. I am grateful for the power of prayer in my life.
12. The priesthood - guess what? God's priesthood is on the earth, and men are working miracles in the Lord's name every day! I am blessed to have a father, brother, and two brother-in-laws who are worthy priesthood holders, and they are all great examples to me. I know that priesthood blessings come from God, and I am grateful for it. Priesthood blessings, from people I am close with or near strangers, have given me guidance in tough times, and I am grateful, once again, for God's knowledge of me individually. His love is more than I could ever ask for!
13. Prophets - this weekend is general conference, and I have never been more excited to hear the Prophets of God give me guidance on how I can make my life even better. I know they are inspired, and can touch us all if we will just listen. I will listen! I will listen!
Well, it is getting late, so I think I am gonna stop there. Like I said, this is the highly condensed list - you should see the one in my journal!
