Grateful for a good compliment

I mean the kind of compliment that is sincere. The kind that has truth to it. I like those kind.

A lot of things can happen in a few days...

Just when I declare that I can keep up my gratitude blog, life decides to step in and make its presence known.

My great-aunt Linda died a week ago. She was a good person and was pretty sick with Alzheimer's and dementia. Everyone will miss her greatly, but she is in a better place.

Because of her death, most of my family went up to Idaho for her funeral and we stayed at a cousin's house, which had no wifi. It really didn't bother me; I was glad to be there to support the family. But it also meant no way to write on my blog. The funeral was on Saturday and we stayed for a couple of days.

I guess this leads up to what I'm grateful for today...the plan of salvation. If anything, I've thought about that plan a lot this week, and it's helped me to feel peace. There are a lot of things that I don't know in this life and a lot of things that I don't know how they connect with me. I sometimes wish that I could see what God sees with my path, so I know which turns to take to get to the best end. But that's not how the plan is set up. And it's better that I make some twists and turns on my own in order to become the best that I can be in the end.

And that's what I'm grateful for.

Grateful blog put on hold for a little, but I'm back!

So I moved to Provo last Saturday, and the getting on the Internet has been a little tricky. I may have to post these on my lunch break to ensure that these get posted. I love my place in Provo!
I moved in with a friend, Kristine, and it's been really good so far. I feel great about this decision. At the very least, the commute to work has been downsized considerably.

So I'm grateful for my car. It gets me to where I'm going without causing me too many problems.

Lunch is over! Till later.

Melly

Grateful for my bed

my nice, nice bed.

Grateful for good lunches

Now, granted, I did take some leftovers for lunch today. But I had to drop some things off at my new apartment, and decided that something bought would be nice. So I went to Bajio's, which is just right around the corner and probably too close, but oh well. I ordered my favorite, which happens to be today's special—the small Bajio salad. It was amazing! I was so content afterwords. And it was something that made me happy. :)

Grateful for sturdy boxes

Been packing up my books, and I'm really grateful for sturdy boxes. I have so many books! and they weigh so much when put together. But the boxes held when I carried them from room to room. So way to go, box-making companies! You certainly made my day easier.

Grateful for hugs

Especially the kind that make you feel better.

Grateful for the stars--not the movie stars either

I took a nice long walk this evening, and as the sky kept getting darker, the stars kept getting brighter. No moon tonight, or at least I didn't see it, so it was a little difficult to see the non-sidewalk areas. But the stars were amazing. I found the Big Dipper (the easiest one to find for me), looked for the Little Dipper, and just marveled at how beautiful it all was.

Stars don't make me feel insignificant; they make me feel awe. And I know that someone greater than I had placed them in that order. I always think of Jesus when I look at the stars. I know it may be a bit weird, but that's just how I am. Maybe it's because I like the name "Morning Star." Whatever the case, the Savior often comes to mind. I love the stars because of that connection.

If there's one thing I absolutely need in this world, it's to feel connected to the Savior.

Grateful for birds that sing

I was sitting at my kitchen table today, working on my Sunday School lesson, when a bird started to sing outside the window. It was beautiful. I took a few moments to enjoy the sound of it, and I started to think how that meant that spring is here...or almost here. That little bird brought some joy into my life. I hope to bring joy in another's life someday.

Grateful for cellos

I am grateful for cellos. They are indeed beautiful and beautiful-sounding instruments.

Grateful for good nights

And by that I mean when we say good night to those we love. Are there sweeter words than to hear someone say, "Good night" as you're drifting of to sleep? Well, maybe so, but for me, I love those words. It creates a sense of security and love, all wrapped in a blanket of warm fuzzies.

You know, I read the book about the five languages of love, and found that I'm a quality time person, closely followed by words. Yes, I spend time with those I love, but hearing a good compliment or even a sincere good night will fill my love tank. Words mean a lot to me, being an editor and all, and so when someone takes the time to say good night to me, I feel extremely loved. Take note parents, siblings, and future dates! I'm giving you a big Melly secret. Well, not so secret anymore.

And that's all right with me.

Grateful for lunchtime walks

Since the weather has gotten better (ha!), I've been taking more lunch time walks. Not only do these walks give me the opportunity to exercise, they also give me some pondering time. Far too often, my life is filled with all sorts of noise from music to chatter to TV. Those walks help me to think about my life, the direction it's going in, and also to come up with solutions. Best of all, it allows me to commune with my Father in Heaven and to listen to the Spirit. These walks are only about thirty minutes long, but what a wonderful thirty minutes.

Burning calories and building spirituality! what a great combo.

Till tomorrow,

Melly

Grateful for Easter

Although I was sick for most of the day (sigh), I am grateful for Easter. What a wonderful time of year to remember Jesus Christ and what he has done for all of us. Conference was awesome as well and I loved listening to the Pres. Monson, his counselors, and the other general authorities.

I took some time to think about the Savior and his atoning sacrifice. The Atonement is one thing in this world that gives me a lot of hope. After pondering this great event, I am always filled with peace and happiness, something that I crave right now. I love receiving spiritual comfort; it gives me something to hold onto for the rest of the week. And it helps me see the big picture of life.

He is risen! He is risen! Let that be my praise today.

Till tomorrow,

Melly

Grateful for free books

I went to Ladies' Night at DB, and won a free book! One Eternal Round by Hugh Nibley. It's about 700 pages long. I'm grateful for free books. :)

Sleeping babies

Today, I had a chance to babysit my nephew Monte. I love that kid, so much. At 8 months old, he is incredibly adorable. But I think I like it best when I rock him to sleep, and he actually goes to sleep. That is what I'm grateful for today.

Gratitude post number 1

I know it's April Fools' and that everyone is expecting some sort of joke, but I had an epiphany last night, and this is me following through. I want to write a gratitude blog. With so many things that cause me stress taking up some of my life, I think it's time to focus on those things that I'm grateful for.

So here's the deal. I want to write once a day about something I'm grateful for. That probably means shorter blogs, but more of them. And if I'm diligent, from a year from now, I will have a whole lot of recognized blessings.

Today's gratitude is good music. Nothing like listening to some music that can put you in a good mood. Today's selection was BYU Men's Chorus. Lovely. And inspirational.