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Ten Things of Thankful: Can't Think of a Title, but Still Thankful Edition

I love the exercise of reflection that the Ten Things of Thankful posts brings. Especially during this year of transition, it's a good way to stay grounded. As I look back over each week, I remember moments of gratitude, and I realize that the events that brought the most joy usually involve other people. Though my stay in this rental house is temporary, I need to avoid the ease of emotional detachment and make the most of the time I have here to reach out to make and strengthen friendships. 

This week:

1. I'm thankful for a discussion earlier this month in Relief Society about a talk called, "The Needs before Us," by  Bonnie L. Oscarson. In her address, she made the following statement: 
What good does it do to save the world if we neglect the needs of those closest to us and those whom we love the most? How much value is there in fixing the world if the people around us are falling apart and we don’t notice? Heavenly Father may have placed those who need us closest to us, knowing that we are best suited to meet their needs.
While our primary responsibility lies with our family, there are others around us--in our neighborhoods and communities--of whom we should be aware. As we turn our focus outward, we feel better, friendships develop, and everyone benefits. 

2. I'm thankful for the chance I had this week to go to lunch with some of the women from church. It was nice to spend time together and get to know each other better.

3. I'm thankful for the memories of other lunches/frozen yogurt outings with friends when I lived in California. Moving doesn't mean severing ties, and I'm glad to "make new friends, but keep the old."

4. I'm thankful for texting, which allows me to reach out when I think of someone, without fearing that I am disturbing her day. 

5. I'm thankful for friends who reach out to me, too. 

6. I'm thankful for friends-of-friends. Dyanne asked me if I'd be willing to talk to one of her friend's 4th-grade classes via Facetime on what it is like to raise guide dog puppies. Even though I'm not currently raising, I'm looking forward to talking to the class. I'm sure Drexel will be happy to join me. :-)

7. I'm thankful for upcoming trips. Youngest daughter and I will be making a short trip to California later this spring, and I'm looking forward to seeing my grandchildren (and their parents) as well as some friends. 

8. I'm thankful for the temple. I still can't get over the fact that there are 2 temples within 10 minutes of the house we are renting here. In California, we had to travel at least an hour on the freeway to get to the closest temple. It's so nice to have temples so close.


Photo: The brick Provo City Center Temple stands against a deep blue sky, with the Wasatch Mountains in the background. (Photo taken in the late summer of 2017)
Photo: A white Provo Temple is nestled against the Wasatch Mountains. (Photo taken late summer 2017)

9. I continue to be thankful for the progress that is happening on our yet-to-move-into home. It's getting easier and easier to envision how it will look when we live there. This past week, the carpet was removed from the living room and replaced with hardwoods. Still to come: refinishing the existing hardwood floors and staining the new floors so everything matches.


Photo: A view from partway up the stairs, looking down on the newly-installed hardwood floors in the living room. The walls are a light sky blue color. Also visible are the existing hardwood floors in the entry.
10. As always, I'm thankful for John. Though I repeat myself, every week I mean what I say even more than the week before. Each day, every week, I am more and more thankful that John and I share in this journey. 

What are you thankful for this week? Please join us at The Ten Things of Thankful blog and link your own post. 








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Comments

  1. The Provo Temple is my favorite. (lol way to confuse the readers, clark) I've looked at photos and been up and down the street, courtesy of the internet I feel like I've been there.
    I really should save up for another Doctrine road trip, (the all were based out of SLC or Dallas so it would only make sense to return.

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    1. Well, if you decide to take a trip to Utah, let me know.

      The Provo Temple is beautiful, but the Provo City Center Temple has a rather unique history. It used to be the Provo Tabernacle, until it burned down in 2010. (In fact, my college graduation ceremony had taken place in that building!) It was rebuilt as a temple. https://history.lds.org/exhibit/historic-sites/utah/provo/provo-city-center-temple?lang=eng

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  2. Wonderful list of thankfuls. I agree that our duty it to family first. Your new house is really shaping up.

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    1. Once the renovations are done, we can start moving our things in gradually. I'm looking forward to that!

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  3. Working backwards...You are very lucky to have your best friend with you to share the journey.
    Hey! Is that a window seat I see?? I love window seats. I'm jealous!
    Both temples are beautiful and made more so by the backdrop. Incredible scenery there.
    I love being able to text people. It seems now more than ever people are always so busy so if I can't get someone by phone, I can still get someone by phone. Kind of lol
    Certainly there is need all around everyone of us. It's not always apparent or obvious but many folks are going through challenges of some sort or another. Even the smallest of kindesses can make a big difference.

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    1. Yes, it is a window seat. There are two more upstairs in two of the bedrooms. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do as far as cushions/pillows, etc. for them.

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  4. Great photos. I was so taken with the quote about making a choice about healing the world without making those closest to you sacrifice. That landed close to my heart. I took a 19 yr break from school social work because I do not know how to do that job without committing heart and soul. When we kids were growing up I felt I would have to make sacrifices to keep the job. Some sacrifices are fine, but when it comes to not giving my all to my school kids or not giving me all to my own kids, I knew that was not a choice I was prepared to make. I stayed home with my kids when they were elementary school, and moved into directing our church children's program when they were middle and high school. Now that they are grown, I am able to do my school social work job again with a level of commitment I feel good about. I never second guess my choices.

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    1. It sounds like you handled your decisions just right for you and your family. You might be interested in following the link in my post to read “The Needs Before Us” in its entirety. She gives examples of women doing good, but then realizing their focus wasn’t prioritized correctly.

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  5. You will have to let me know how the FaceTime works. I've seen posts on FB that appear to be what I think is FaceTime, but any friends can view it. Is it possible to use FaceTime and just have a certain person or in your case, a class view it? Admitting ignorance here.

    It looks like your home has a window seat. Nice.

    Looking forward to trips is a good thing. :-)

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    1. Don’t feel bad, I had to ask about how to use FaceTime, too. It’s basically just a video call between iPhones. Facebook has a live video feature, but I’ve never used it. My presentation to the class will not be online for all the world to see. 😊

      Yes, I do have a window seat in the living room—and 2 more in two of the bedrooms! That’s one of the features I really like about this house.

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  6. Your comment on family needs first and the needs of those around us vs. "save the world" are very true. How exciting to share your experience as a raiser of guide dog puppies with children across the country. I sort of laughed when you mentioned visiting your grandchildren and their parents. Funny.

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  7. This was a lovely post to read, Kristi, you are always so aware of the blessings that surround you! I loved the message about reaching out to those around you, I often see families and neighbors neglected while the focus is on those in distant places. I think we have enough love for all, but I agree that God surely put us where we are for a reason, and as a place to serve. Old friends and new friends make up such a beautiful circle as the years move on!

    I love texting and instant messaging too, and for the same reason. It leaves the other person free to respond when/if it's convenient for them. I'm not much of a phone visitor, it can be a time sink. I very much enjoyed our messenger conversation this week, and discovering what a formidable Words With Friends opponent you are!! :-)

    I love that Dyanne asked you to talk to the class of 4th Graders about raising guide dogs, such a fun and fascinating thing to do, and they will love it. I'm sure Drexel will be a fan favorite! :-)

    I'm glad you and your daughter are planning a trip back to California, I'm sure you miss family and friends there, and they miss you too!

    It is amazing that you have two beautiful temples so close by, I didn't realize you had to travel that far before. This is a real blessing in your life. Will there be one close by in your new home as well?

    I am loving watching the progress on your house, you have chosen such beautiful colors, soft and peaceful, and I can't wait to see it all finished and you settling in, I'm sure you are even more eager than I am! :-)

    Thank you for being such a faithful TToT participant, and for helping me figure out how to share the link-up code so everyone that wants to can add it to their post. I appreciate you so much!



    ReplyDelete
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    1. There are over 150 temples in operation now world-wide. Including those that have been announced, or in construction, or renovation, there are 182 total. Utah has 17 temples. While Provo is unique in having more than one, temples dot the landscape all up and down the valley here, so yes, I will still live near a temple. In fact, I can see the Mount Timpanogos temple from my kitchen window! 😊

      The church has made great efforts in my lifetime to make temples more accessible to its members, by building smaller temples in more areas. Before I was born, there were only 13 temples!

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  8. I met the people who raised my guide dog as a puppy. They only spoke French and me, not so much, and my dog just looked at us all, in that room, and that was that. Too bad the language barrier got in the way. I am sure you can speak to a lot of what it is like with the work you've done.

    Awww, number ten. Love it.

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    1. That's too bad that language was a barrier, but I'm sure the puppy raisers were happy to be able to meet you anyway.

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  9. I'm so happy that you and Teresa were able to work it out so you could speak with her class! The internet has made our world vastly larger and yet more intimate at the same time. Can't wait to hear how it goes! I'm sure Drexel will be the star of the show!

    The Provo City Center Temple is simply gorgeous! It looks as though it should be nestled in the Alps.

    Your new house is looking great! How nice that you get to work on it NOT while you're living in it!

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    1. Thanks for introducing us! I'm looking forward to telling the class about raising Guide Dog puppies.

      The Provo City Center Temple is a very beautiful temple--and rather unique, as it used to be the Provo Tabernacle, until it burned to the ground in 2010 and was rebuilt as a temple. It's where I graduated from BYU, too--when it was still a tabernacle, of course.

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