Yesterday, I attended sacrament meeting in the Summerlin Ward. It was great to gather with dear friends for our weekly worship service. It was a spiritually renewing experience. I was given confidence again about the reality of God and of His son, Jesus Christ. I am very grateful for the gifts and blessings of the Spirit in my life. 

I found this saying on the wall of a home I recently visited. Years ago, my younger, “wiser” self would have thought this a bit cutesy to have real meaning in my life. I was also recently taken in by this cute little girl with the flashy hat, raincoat, and umbrella. I think she has already learned the lesson that has taken me decades to internalize.

Sadie is a very sweet and loving dog. We are grateful she is part of the family. She loves tennis balls and chases them all over the house and yard. Last night she waited patiently with her nose under the edge of the dresser until Alan joined her and helped deliver the tennis ball to his friend.

In younger years, I did not fully appreciate the value of laughter. Now I see it as a balm for the soul that is so needed in this serious and troubled world. In a recent class at Education Week, the instructor was masterful at delivering important and life-affecting information, while spreading humor throughout the delivery. At times he suggested the class was not fully-appreciative of his humorous injections. I had a friend make this little sign that the instructor could flash at appropriate times to help his students more fully experience his presentation. 

I have mentioned before on this blog that I am often uplifted with feelings of gratitude when I am out shopping. It happened again yesterday at the grocery store. Perhaps it is the quiet time as I am strolling through the store that allows me to ponder and appreciate. In this setting I feel grateful I have the health and energy to be out and about. I feel grateful for the time and means that allow me to shop. I feel grateful for the abundance from which I can choose in our well-stocked stores. I am thankful for God’s goodness to me and my family.