Thanksgiving 2015

I am thankful for many things.

First and foremost, though, is my bride of over 42 years.  Sometimes I am impatient with her, and she puts up with me.  We have never argued in all those years.  I believe it is because neither of us HAS to be right at the expense of the other.  We respect each other, we understand each other and we love each other.

Second, I am thankful for my children.  Each of them is a precious individual with his/her own talents, traits, personality, and thought process.  I love them all to the extent that I would give my life to salvage theirs if it became necessary.  I have sincerely prayed for them when they are in trouble and when they've had medical challenges, and when they have asked I have willingly offered "Father's Blessings" to them.  I have enjoyed listening to the stories they tell about the military, their families, or whatever concerns them at the moment.  I love being a part of their lives.

I am grateful for those of my sons that have served and are now serving in our nation's Military.  Our nation needs willing men and women who are capable and willing to fight to protect our nation.  I am grateful for my sons that have served in that great spiritual army, going out into the world to teach Heavenly Father's children the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Third, I am thankful for the grandchildren presented by my children.  I'm not as close to most of them as probably I ought to be, but I enjoy their emerging personalities.  I'm grateful for the individuals they each are, and I'm grateful for the challenges they each present.  I love them and I enjoy time spent with them.

I am grateful for the Church to which I belong.  I love the Prophet and the Apostles called to serve all mankind.  I enjoy my little calling in the Church which is teaching teenagers.  I love teaching concepts they haven't previously considered.  And I love seeing the light turn on in their minds.

I am grateful for our lives in this great nation, which was established for the purpose of protecting religion, personal rights, and life.  I am grateful for the Pilgrims that came to the American Continent to escape persecution.  I am also grateful for my Pioneer ancestors that came to Utah for the same purpose.  I am grateful for the nation of Mexico that was willing to shelter my refugee ancestors when needed.

I am grateful for the marvels of modern medicine without which I would likely not still be living. I am grateful for modern communication that permits me to write this blog and transmit it for any person willing to read it. I am grateful for "Star Trek" style communicators that permit me to visit over long distances while traveling.

I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for the great Plan of Happiness instituted in our behalf and executed by His son, Jesus Christ, whom I serve.

These are only a small sampling of the thinks for which I am thankful.  And I am thankful for willing readers.