"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious..."

D&C 78:19

Most of you know that this weekend was....pretty crappy, to say the least. As if throwing out my back and Jared not passing his licensing exam was not enough, I also found out that I was passed over for a promotion at work (unofficially because of my current *ahem* "health status"), our check engine light came on in our practically new car, I missed out on a really important family activity at the temple, and it looks like my husband is now jobless once again. Not a good weekend.

Here's the funny thing: Today, I am feeling really grateful. There's nothing like having the world kick you in the face to remind you of how good you have things.

I am grateful that I have a husband that is determined to be successful, even during setbacks. That loves me, holds me, and reassures me in ways that no one else can. His optimism brings me joy. His love for life reminds me that there are some things just not worth stressing over. Even his presence brings me peace, which is something to really be thankful for, considering my anxiety!

I am grateful for parents that support me and for a mom that shows up at my house because she hasn't heard back from me and she knows I threw out my back. I love her for buying me beautiful RED chargers to go under my plates for Christmas. I love her for taking three batches of laundry so I can have clean clothes, and I love my Dad for encouraging her to help and loving me unconditionally. They are always present and always willing to support me. They are constant in a very uncertain world.

I am grateful for two wonderful sisters that put up with all of my crap! Thank you to Beth for always coming to fix my computer and being generous by inviting me to dinner when she knows the last thing I want to do is cook! Thank you to Brooke for talking so much that I forget about my own problems and for letting me kiss my niece anytime I want!

I am grateful for good friends that call me to check in, and offer to help, even when there's nothing they can do...especially to Abby who listens to me complain and makes me laugh harder than anyone else possibly can! I have a wonderful support system that makes my life easier.

I am grateful that I have a job to go to everyday! It may suck some days, but they have been completely accommodating, and for that, I am thankful.

I am grateful that by paying tithing, Jared and I have been able to make ends meet, even when there's no earthly reason that we should.

I am grateful for the scriptures, that they provide so much clarity in my life. They keep me centered and remind me that God has a plan for me, even when I can't see it right now.

I am grateful for the Young Women's program and the Beehives that I get to teach. Their simple testimonies help keep things in perspective, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

Mostly, I am grateful for the gospel and for the atonement. For a loving Heavenly Father who is patient with me and understanding of my shortcomings; for a savior that gave hope to a world without any and died to give us all a chance to live with our Father in Heaven again. There's something about this knowledge that just makes the other things in this life seem not as important.

Thank you to those that support me. I hope that I bring as much joy to your life as you do to mine!