Thanks #10

Today, I am thankful for prayer. I am especially thankful for the peace that can be found in prayer. I am also thankful for this inspirational short story that I found online.

The Real Meaning Of Peace
Author Unknown

There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. The contest stirred the imagination of artists everywhere. Many artists wanted a chance at winning the prize. Paintings from far and wide began to arrive. 

The king looked at all the pictures, uncovering one peaceful scene after another as the on-lookers clapped and cheered. The tensions grew as only two pictures remained veiled. As the king pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. 

It was a picture of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a beautiful blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. Surely this was the winner.

The king uncovered the last painting, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? This picture had mountains like the previous painting but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked closely, he saw a little bird had built a nest on a branch of a tree. A tree that reached out in the direction of the tumultuous waterfall. Yet there, in the midst of the rush of angry water, undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, sat the mother bird on her nest – in perfect peace. 

The king chose the last picture.

Thanks #9

The trees in my front yard are making me so happy today. They are so pretty!

Thanks #8

I used to keep pens, pencils, and markers on the nightstand next to my bed. Now that baby is older it isn't so safe to keep those things there. Peter willingly agreed to make me a new holder for them. I love that it's so pink and geometrical. Making 3d prints with Peter is so much fun.

Thanks #7

I am thankful for computers today. They help me so much! From school, to emails, to writing church talks, - doing all of it is so much easier with a computer. 

Thanks #6

Thankful for this tall, old guy today. Happy Birthday Peter! He has grown up way too fast - especially these past two years. It's intimidating to have him towering over me now. He is a great strength and support to me. I will continue to treasure all the strange foods he eats, the chatting we do before I tuck him into bed (I know, a miracle, right), and working together on 3d projects. Being his school teacher is an extra bonus even if he hates all the school subjects. 

 

Thanks #5

Peters hair is getting super long. It seems like he has been growing it out for a solid 2 years now. It's starting to be a problem for the bathtub drain. Thankfully, smart people make these types of things.

Thanks #4

I am thankful for Luke today. He has had some great questions the past several days that have caused me to sit and ponder. 

Have you ever felt pain?

What is a paradox?

What is an example of a paradox?

What is your favorite number?

Luke and I also worked on his primary program part this week. The Primary Presidency wanted Luke to answer this prompt: One time that I felt guided by the Holy Ghost to make the right choice was________________.

I tried over and over and over again to help him with it. One night, before tucking him into bed, we calmly talked about why he wasn't confident in answering that question. It came down the the fact that it was too many words to say. Instead, we wrote this and sent it off to the member of the presidency in charge of getting all the parts compiled. She thought it was fantastic. I'm glad I finally took a quiet moment to figure out the real reason for the problem.

Thanks #3

 Thankful for the endless entertainment this sweetie brings to our days.....

Thanks #2b

I am so thankful for a strong body that helps me do the things I want. These past two weeks I've been painting my front room. My brother helped me move our very heavy piano away from the wall, but I didn't want to bother asking anyone for help to move it back. Thankfully my strong body was able to do it without any help. #sothankful 

Thanks #2a

For several months Walmart hasn't had my favorite breakfast cereal. It's been particularly annoying the past three grocery orders because I can add it to my cart, but when I actually pick up the order the cereal isn't there. This time I was shocked, giddy, and delighted when the boxes were finally put in the back of my car. Super Happy Momma.

*Random fact - I fell in love with Bran flakes on the trip to London. I've eaten them most mornings ever since. This breakfast isn't complete without a smattering of almonds on top.