An Abundance of Gratitude

This past week I have been feeling an abundance of gratitude for the things in my life. For a while I had become so sidetracked with my life not working the way I wanted it to that I forgot to remember the really important things. I was too busy playing the whoa unto Sandra card that I didn't take time to ask for my Saviors help.
I have been blessed more than most. I have a family that I get to spend eternity with if we keep the commandments. They are incredible people who bless me in so many ways. I love the innocence of my nieces and nephews, the way they love me and their great dispositions. This past week I had a meeting in Memphis on Thursday so I drove up Wednesday night. I went to dinner at Renee's and hung out for a while. I was able to stay for scripture and prayer. I love to hear children pray. Ginny was praying and she is very good at asking for individual blessings for each person such as please help Aubree get smiley faces at school (for her daily conduct, sometimes this is an issue), etc. Since I was there she included me. She said and please help Sandra, and I wondered what she was going to say for me, to be able to get married and have a husband. I love that even my 7 yr old niece is involved in my life.
I'm also grateful that I have a career. Last year I wasn't very busy at work and became bored often. This is not the problem this year. I have been really busy at work and I am grateful for it. I am feeling, after 2 years, more a part of the school. I know a lot of people struggling right now with job issues so I can't complain. I have a decent income and I enjoy my work.
I have been feeling overwhelming gratitude for my Savior. He truly loves me and has atoned for me so that I can return to live with my Father in Heaven. This is so incredible. I love the peace I am able to feel when I turn my life over to Him and ask for help.
I know that I can credit this STOMP challenge in part to this gratitude that I have. I know that I said I am doing it because I want my miracle in the end. But maybe the miracle is already occurring. Maybe I am becoming my own miracle. I am learning to love me, I am learning to understand a little more about what I am suppose to be doing, I am becoming a better person.
I have let go of so many feelings of hurt and sorrow that were mostly being caused by my own selfish pride. I am learning that I can do it with my Saviors help. I have a better understanding of the scriptures.
All the challenges in life are the refiners fire. I know I have so much more to endure. But if I can remember to lay it on the alter and alter my behavior in the process I am going to be happy and I'm going to make it through this life just fine.
I apologize for my blog not being overly interesting. I guess things are only interesting when there is drama and that is something that I am trying to stay away from. I'm super excited that this weekend is General Conference. I can't wait to hear the messages that are prepared for us. I hope I leave my heart open to accept the messages for me and also open to the will of my Heavenly Father. Because lets be honest, I've been trying to do it Sandra's way and look where it has gotten me, I know He will do a much better job.