Last Sunday a talk in church inspired me to offer only prayers of gratitude for a week. It was a great experience and helped me to see how truly blessed I am. It also made me realize how often I ask for blessings! It has really become an automatic thing for me and I'm afraid it has made my prayers repetitive and redundant. Just giving thanks in my prayers wasn't always easy. There were a few times when I had need of legitimate blessings. Scott was sick and instead of asking for a blessing of health I thanked Heavenly Father for our marriage and for the health we have enjoyed. When I wanted to ask for strength for a friend who is going through a separation and possible divorce I instead offered thanks for our friendship and the strength He has given her in the past. I thanked Him for the Holy Ghost who gives us comfort in times of trial. I wanted to pray for a friend who had a tough decision to make so I thanked Heavenly Father for this dear friend and the example she has been to me. I thanked Him for the inspiration he gives us when we have righteous desires. This simple thing of offering thanks helped me to have more meaningful prayers as well as see more clearly all I have to be thankful for. Without further ado here are the 100 things I am most thankful for in no particular order:
1. My Savior Jesus Christ
2. My wonderful husband Scott who loves me even when I'm mean and ornery
3. Our temple marriage
4. Our sweet baby Deacon
5. My amazing parents who taught me by their quiet examples what path I should be on
6. Repentance
7. The power of faith
8. Scott's parents who raised an amazing son
9. Chocolate
10. The beautiful mountains
11. My brother Garrett who would do anything for anyone
12. A washing machine
13. The time I spent serving a mission
14. My sister Haylee who will always be known as the family peacemaker
15. A Camera
16. A living prophet
17. My brother Shawn who is becoming a great dad
18. My college education
19. My computer
20. My sister Kimberly who always looks out for those she loves
21. Sunshine
22. The scriptures
23. My brother Gatlin who is the spoiled favorite of everyone
24. Scott's sister Amber- I wasn't able to meet her before she passed away, but I look forward to seeing her someday.
25. My nieces and nephews
26. The plan of salvation
27. Scott's brother Preston who is always thinking of others
28. My health
29. My job
30. The opportunity I have to be a wife and mother
31. Scott's sister Julie who is always serving others
32. Many amazing friends
33. Music
34. Scott's brother Logan who never has an unkind thing to say
35. Grandparents
36. Toothbrushes
37. Scott's sister Chante who keeps on going through tough times
38. Cars
39. A comfortable bed
40. Scott's sister Katie who is always steadfast and we never have to worry about
41. A good nights sleep
42. Flowers
43. Scott's sister Cari who is becoming a wonderful mom
44. Clean water
45. Role models
46. Scott's sister Jessica whose sweet personality brightens everyone's day
47. Freedom
48. Soap
49. Scott's brother McKay who never lets his challenges discourage him
50. The Holy Ghost
51. Electricity
52. Scott's brother Taylor whose energy we all envy
53. My house
54. Clothes
55. Sight
56. Autumn leaves
57. The Priesthood
58. Hairspray
59. My testimony
60. My extended family
61. Food
62. Temples
63. Indoor plumbing
64. Inspiration
65. A dishwasher
66. Good books
67. Warm weather
68. The Constitution
69. Exercise
70. Memories
71. Teachers
72. Children
73. Shoes
74. Disposable Diapers
75. The United States of America
76. Blue skies
77. Trials
78. The Word of Wisdom
79. Laughter
80. Dancing
81. Email
82. Modern medicine
83. Airplanes
84. My ancestors
85. The Founding Fathers
86. Toilet Paper
87. Phones
88. The chance to further my education
89. The sacrament
90. Free time
91. Naps
92. Fresh air
93. My Patriarchial blessing
94. Energy
95. Art
96. Animals
97. Hugs
98. Kisses
99. Covenants
100. My Life
