An attitude of gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all. :) 

I hope that this day has been a blessed one filled with family, friends, and of course, food. 

Thanksgiving serves as a time to remember all that we have and just how much we have been blessed with. We are forever indebted to our loving Heavenly Father for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. 

President Thomas S. Monson said:

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

Recognizing the good and counting the blessings in our lives will humble us and cause us to become more Christlike. I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for a few things. 

1. I am grateful for the gospel of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan for each and one of us. I am grateful for the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for the power of prayer and the opportunity I have to speak directly to my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for ancient and modern prophets who serve as mouth pieces of the Lord on this earth. For more information on this religion and knowledge that I am so grateful for, check out the "What I Believe" tab above. :)

2. I am grateful for my family. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful, supportive family unit. I am grateful for my hard-working, intelligent, kind, encouraging father; my compassionate, talented, selfless, caring, fun mother; a older sister who gives me advice, makes me laugh more than anyone else, and is a great example to me and my caring, funny, kind brother-in-law; a younger sister who is so talented, dedicated, sweet, fun, and hysterical; and last but certainly not least, a baby brother who is so musical, funny,  kind, and intelligent. Not to mention my fantastic extended family who support, encourage, and love me. 

3. I am grateful for my friends! I am so blessed to have a hysterical, fun-loving, considerate and understanding roommate (and twin). I am thankful for all my friends that I've had from when I was a baby to today in college. Where would I be without them? They all keep me sane and heck, they must be true friends if they can put up with me and all my craziness and obnoixousness (yes, I just made that word up). 

There are many more, I just couldn't post a million pictures of all the fabulous people I'm friends with. <3 

4. I am so grateful for music! There is a power and sacredness in music. I am grateful for the talents I have been blessed with and the ability I have to make music. I am so grateful for beautiful pianos from Steinways to the little keyboard I have in my dorm. While I play the piano, I feel the Spirit without fail and am overcome with feelings of peace. 

5. I am grateful for BYU. What an amazing university I am fortunate enough to attend. From the gorgeous campus to the wonderful professors, the great atmosphere and spirit to all the knowledge I learn... it truly is one of my favorite places on earth. Thanks to all those who make my education their possible. Oh, and I am grateful for BYU football. 

6. I am grateful for so many other little things that make me happy: 

Goldfish, muffins, eye shadow, dangly earrings, my phone, my laptop, my bed, my rain boots, chocolate, Graham Canyon ice cream, hot cocoa, waffles, rainy days, Christmas music, books, Skype, anatomy, smiling, the color blue, the mountains, Disney movies, music, and princesses, stickers, laughing, running, Jamba Juice, and many, many, many other things. 

Today, take time to be grateful for who and what you have in your life. But don't let your attitude of gratitude end on November 23. Keep that spirit in your heart and you'll be blessed and amazed at what a difference it makes. 

Hakuna matata,

Mallory