Thankful Me

A political map of the world circa 1987. The Soviet Union takes up a sizable portion. A lot has happened in the last 39 years. The Berlin Wall came down. The Soviet Union collapsed. The Twin Towers fell. Technology has changed: landlines and phone booths are practically extinct, and random questions can be answered in seconds by asking Google, Siri, or Alexa. No longer do drivers keep the Thomas Guide in their cars; navigation systems will give turn-by-turn directions, and recalculate when the driver doesn't follow the directions. Some cars don't even need drivers. While many shoppers do their shopping in-person, some simply log into Amazon and have their item show up on their doorstep--sometimes within hours.  I've seen pieces of the Berlin Wall. I've traveled to places that used to be behind the Iron Curtain. I've been to Ground Zero. I no longer have a house phone, and have looked up the answers to countless questions using my cell phone. I do not miss the stress...

  A red peony bud prepares to open fully  After an incredibly dry winter, we had a bit of precipitation this past week, in the form of falling snow. We didn't have much, and it didn't really stick, but we'll take water however it wants to come. Fortunately, my peonies seem unaffected by the cold snap, and are ready to put on a show here soon. 1. I'm thankful for moisture. 2. I'm thankful the flowers are still going to bloom. I don't know how the colder temperatures will affect the fruit crops. The strawberries look like they are still planning to set fruit. We'll have to see what happens with the peach, apricot, pear, and apple. (The apricot only bears heavily every other year anyway, and I think this is an "off" year--though I could be wrong.) Strawberry plants in full bloom 3. I'm thankful for anticipated berries.  We continue to clear out and otherwise prepare John's parents' house for sale. I've been going through old photos and...

  Though stormy skies threaten rain, a white lilac shows off beautiful blossoms Going to wax philosophical today, and the above photo illustrates my thoughts and feelings well. The dark sky in the background was, in this instance, an approaching storm. Viewing the clouds on that day, the interplay of light and dark was mesmerizing, and I was curious to see if we would get precipitation. But even though I didn't particularly want to get caught in a downpour, my beautiful, very fragrant lilacs were blooming, and there was no place I wanted to be more than outside, with my nose in the lilac blossoms. The sight and scent brought me joy that not even the threat of an imminent storm could dampen.  Life is like that. The "weather" changes, sometimes suddenly and without warning. Othertimes, we can anticipate the change. But even in the rain--whether it be a short cloudburst or an entire monsoon season--we can find joy, beauty, and gratitude.  Looking back over the past week, I a...

  Christus statue by Bertel Thorvaldsen shows the resurrected Jesus with outstretched arms Happy Easter! Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the hope for the world. Easter celebrates the fulfillment of His earthly mission, His atoning sacrifice that provides a way for each of us to have peace and joy even amid the challenges of life. Everything is possible because of Him.  This weekend is also General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am thankful for the messages given and the reminders of how strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ allows us to more easily recognize and feel His power in our lives: 1. "Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, lives, knows us, watches over us, and cares for us. As we pray continually, no matter the circumstances of life, the Lord will offer us His peace and abiding support." (Henry B. Eyring) 2. "As we follow, love, and serve the Savior, we gradually focus less on our own desires and inte...