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Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Top Ten Tuesday: There Is Always, Always Something to be Grateful For


November is a busy, busy month in my household.  Three of my four children were born in November (although none of them were due then), there's Thanksgiving, and this year, I hosted a bridal shower at my home for my daughter-in-law to be.  This month always brings a flurry of activity which really doesn't let up until mid-January, but it's also the time when I reflect most on the things in life for which I am grateful.  This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic—Thanksgiving/Thankfulness Freebie—goes right along with that. 

Although I'm a religious person, I don't bring up the topic very often on this blog.  However, I want to share with you this short, beautiful video that was released a few days ago by Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I, and others of my faith, believe him to be a prophet of the Lord.  Whether or not you see him that way, I can assure you that he is a man of intelligence, experience, and wisdom.  I love the things he says in this video, especially his message about gratitude.  In the video, he gives listeners a challenge to flood our social media channels with posts about the things and people we are grateful for.  Because many of my friends and family members are members of my faith, my Facebook feed has been overwhelmed with beautiful, inspiring, funny, thought-provoking, and moving messages of thanksgiving.  It's been lovely—a vast improvement over all the hateful, divisive political posts that dominated social media earlier this month.  I urge you to watch this little video and find your own ways to #GiveThanks:


What am I thankful for?
  • My family.  I'm grateful to have grown up in a loving household with two kind, supportive parents and five siblings, all of whom have taught me valuable lessons.  I'm also thankful for a husband who is loving, devoted, hardworking, and kind.  Although they have given me lots of gray hairs, I'm also grateful for my four children.
  • My faith.  I have a firm testimony of God and my Savior, Jesus Christ.  This sustains me through good times and bad.
  • My country.  It's far from perfect, but I'm proud to be an American and am grateful for all the freedoms I'm afforded here.
  • My roots.  I love researching my family history and am grateful for the lives and many sacrifices of those who came before me.
  • My health.  Although I'm not going to lie and say I'm grateful for Type 1 Diabetes, I am thankful for the science and technology that allows me to take medicine and use devices to make my disease easier to manage. 
  • My friends.  I'm not a super social person, but I do have some good friends who have brought joy, laughter, and needed support into my life.  
  • Books.  Reading has been something I've enjoyed throughout my life.  I'm grateful for the abundance of books that are available and the ease of acquiring them!
  • Simple conveniences.  Seriously.  What would I do without air conditioning, microwaves, indoor plumbing, computers, etc.?
  • Nature.  I'm an indoorsy kind of girl, but I can still appreciate the beauty of an Arizona sunset, a sky full of stars, a majestic waterfall, autumn leaves, and more.
  • YOU.  I'm grateful for all of  you who take the time to read my blog, make comments, recommend books, and share a little piece of yourself and your world with me.  I appreciate it more than you know.
There you go, ten things I'm thankful for.  What about you?  What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?  I'd truly love to know.  Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.

Happy TTT!

51 comments:

  1. I'm so grateful for the people who have continued to work during this time, including our grocery store workers and health care workers. Happy Thanksgiving, Susan!

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    Replies
    1. Same! I'm grateful I was still able to see my doctors during the pandemic. Bless them all.

      Thanks for coming by, Deb!

      Delete
  2. What a lovely message. I am also grateful for my faith and for our church that really tried to provide us with a sense of community through online sermons and electronic Bible studies. Where would we have been without our faith this year?

    I don't have a big family, so we aren't that busy over Decembers. But I love Christmas and if you give me half a chance, I'll go seriously crazy! And then I'm busy...

    We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in South Africa, but I do believe that the whole world should this year. Just reflect a bit on what we still have.

    Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

    Elza is grateful for

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    1. Right? I've relied on my faith a lot this year to help me stay positive and look at things with an eternal perspective. That has helped me a bunch through this crazy year. And, yes, I'm grateful for Zoom and other technology that helps keep me connected with my congregation.

      I agree - we should all be giving thanks all the time, but I am glad we have a holiday here that's dedicated to being grateful. It's a good time to really reflect on the many blessings we've all been given.

      Thanks for stopping by, Elza!

      Delete
  3. I'm so glad there are treatments for type 1 diabetes now! Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by.

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    1. Me, too! If I had been born in another era, I wouldn't have lasted very long :( Thank God for modern medicine and continuing advancements in health care.

      Thanks for coming by, Lydia!

      Delete
  4. Yes to all of these, but the simple conveniences. I remember being without power for 8 days after super storm Sandy - no heat, hot water, showering, electricity, internet. It's terrible!

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    1. Sadly, it's not until we have to do without these conveniences that we really appreciate them! I need to remember to give thanks for them every day.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Sam!

      Delete
  5. All these grateful lists are so nice to read. Happy thanksgiving!

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    1. I agree! It makes me happy to see people counting their blessings. No matter what our circumstances may be, we all have things to be thankful for.

      Thanks for stopping by, Catherine!

      Delete
  6. It's definitely nice to have some more positive, grateful and uplifting posts and that's why I love this topic this week too :) Your list is wonderful, and definitely filled with so many things to be thankful for! My mom has Type I Diabetes too (has since she was a teenager) and we definitely also appreciate all the improvements in science and technology that help her manage everything easier!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bet your mom has seen some amazing advancements over the years! I feel like a cure for diabetes - or at least some kind of artificial pancreas - is just around the corner. In the meantime, I'm grateful for insulin, insulin pumps, etc. They make diabetes SO much more manageable.

      Thanks for coming by, Lindsey!

      Delete
  7. So much to be thankful for in this year of loss! Extra grateful for and spoiled by wifi, online ordering, and curbside pickup! I may never go into a store again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooh, yes! Online shopping and food ordering has been a godsend. I have yet to try grocery delivery, though. It makes me nervous for some reason. I need to give it a try - I'm guessing I'll feel like you and never want to go back to grocery shopping in person!

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  8. Beautiful list, from the simple conveniences right up to family, faith. I'm grateful for these too. Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is a wonderful life, isn't it? So much to be thankful for!

      Thanks for coming by, Priya!

      Delete
  9. I have a couple of Facebook friends who post something they're grateful for each day of November. Some of their daily posts are big, some are small, but as you say, it's a refreshing change of pace after the divisiveness of "election season" (Elections are starting to feel like a near-constant in our lives. Will they never stop campaigning?).

    Another friend has posted a daily "check-in" post since the pandemic started. She asks any of her friends to weigh in on a prompt she provides or to share a concern or a happy moment. One day a week she encourages us to share something we're grateful for.

    I haven't joined in with any of those gratitude posts but I'm thinking I need to. I really needed the time to reflect on how much I have to be thankful for, even in this train wreck of a year.

    I'm glad you have so much to be grateful for as well.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same. I have friends who do the daily grateful posts in November, but I've never joined in either. Mostly just because I'm lazy! But, when a man I consider to be a prophet of God suggests we make gratitude posts, I do it. And, you know what? It has helped me to be more aware of the blessings I have in my life, from the little things (I found Clorox wipes at Costco today!) to the big things (family, faith, etc.). It also reminds me that I need to be more grateful every day, not just in November, LOL.

      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Jen! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  10. I loved this post! Thank you so much for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Aww, thanks, JadeSky! It was a nice post to put together :)

      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  11. What a great list, Susan. I am a firm believer that there truly is always some to be thankful for. Sometimes it’s just a matter of perspective.

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely! My son met the love of his life this year and is getting married in January. He's got a great job, good health, lots of friends, and is just really happy. He keeps saying 2020 has been the BEST year of his life. Perspective for sure!

      Thanks for stopping by, Tanya!

      Delete
  12. There are so many things to be grateful for, aren't there? I know I'm thankful for family, a warm house, a car that runs, a job, friends, a full pantry, the gospel and all the good things it brings to my life, good books, and so much more. Great post, Susan! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen and amen! I don't give much thought to ordinary things like warm houses, functioning cars, full pantries, etc. but they are a major blessing. Something to be grateful for for sure. And the Gospel is so central to my life that I hope I never take it for granted :)

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Lark!

      Delete
  13. I've definitely been thankful for books more than ever this year!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/top-ten-tuesday-291/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure! I've been very appreciative this year of books that suck me in and let me leave the real world behind.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  14. Nice video. :) I didn't realize he was 96! Wonderful message, thanks for sharing it. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. President Nelson is no spring chicken! I'm impressed with the amount of energy he does have, though. Being the president/prophet of the Church involves lots of travel, speaking engagements, meetings, etc. It's not for the faint of heart!

      Thanks for coming by and commenting, Greg!

      Delete
  15. This is such an exceptional post! I hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Natalie! It was a fun post to put together. Thinking about all the things I'm grateful for just makes me happy :)

      Thanks for stopping by, Natalie!

      Delete
  16. I'm non-religious person who is very interested in religions and churches if that doesn't sound like a contradiction (I know it does). So I watched Dr. Nelson's video with a great deal of interest. What an uplifting and inspiring speaker. It was just beautiful, and thank you for sharing, Susan. I'm thankful for most of the things that you are - family, health, my few special friends (like you I'm not hugely social), my country and yours, and so on. Books and my thirst for knowledge sustain me through tough times, hard to overstate that. Happy Thanksgiving to you from across The Pond.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That makes total sense! I know lots of non-religious folks who have zero interest in learning about religion. I think it's great that you want to learn about and understand different religions - there are so many and they're all fascinating in their own ways.

      One thing I love about President Nelson is his sincerity. It shines through every time I hear him speak.

      I love what you said about books and your thirst for knowledge. I agree, absolutely.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Cath!

      Delete
  17. Great reminder, Susan, that the world as we have known it for our entire lives is not completely falling apart. There is much to be thankful for still. Number 11 on my list would be that I think we may be seeing a little light at the end of that dreadful Covid tunnel now. Keep your fingers crossed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not completely, no :) I do hope things are looking up with COVID. It's hard to tell as the number news seems to always be conflicting. I'm definitely keeping my fingers and toes crossed that things will improve vastly in 2020. They can't get worse, right??

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, Sam!

      Delete
  18. What a wonderful list! While some of these were not on my list, I too am grateful for them. I am so happy that there is technology nowaday to help manage DM (or other diseases) with greater ease. It always blows my mind how technology and healthcare are advancing. It really does make a huge difference in people's lives. While I do not have DM, I am grateful that the technology exists, that you have access to it, and I am grateful that people like you have a bit easier when it comes to managing their health problems. ❤️

    Beautiful post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diabetes Mellitus is a horrible disease and I pray every day for a cure. In the meantime, I'm amazed by the technology that exists to help manage the disease. It's improving all the time, thank goodness.

      Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your kind words, Maya!

      Delete
  19. There is so much I am grateful for in my life. I just started doing a study around the book 1000 Blessings that has me focusing on the little things. I love doing my Positivity Post each Friday. It helps me to focus on the good things. Wonderful video Susan, thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. The little things are really big things, aren't they? I'll have to check out that book. It sounds like it's made a big impact on your life.

      Thanks for coming by, Carla!

      Delete
  20. A wonderful list! I hope you have a relaxing and lovely time with your family this week!

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    1. Thank you, Helen! I hope you do as well.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting!

      Delete
  21. Great post and lovely list of things to be thankful for. I agree, there is always something to be thankful for, even in the darkest times, no matter how small. Have a lovely Thanksgiving <3

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Agreed. Anyone, no matter what circumstances they're in, can be grateful for the air they breathe and any number of other "small" things. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

      Thanks for stopping by, Alyssa!

      Delete
  22. What a beautiful post. All wonderful things to be grateful for indeed.

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    Replies
    1. Indeed and I could have gone on! There's always something to be thankful for.

      Thanks, as always, for coming by and commenting, RS!

      Delete
  23. I am grateful for my family,friends,helpful neighbors. I am grateful for my country. America is not perfect but it allows us freedom. i am grateful for books. I am grateful for my Catholic upbringing. Wishing you and yours a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving
    Marilyn and family

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    Replies
    1. That's a lovely list and I agree with all of them (just change Catholic to Mormon). There's so much to be thankful for, isn't there?

      Thanks for stopping by, Marilyn!

      Delete
  24. So many great things on this list that you are thankful for, Susan. We share many of them. I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Stay safe and healthy! <3

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Leslie! We did have a lovely Thanksgiving. It was a small group, but we had a great time together.

      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  25. Thanks for sharing that video. It really is a wonderful message. And I'm so there with you on appreciating the simple conveniences. It became even more apparent how reliant I am on so many conveniences when we started experiencing shortages because of the pandemic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's sad that it takes shortages, outages, and pandemics to make us appreciate the things we take for granted every day! During the summer, our power went out for an hour or so and we all thought we were going to die without air conditioning. It's amazing how much we rely on conveniences like that without even really thinking about it.

      Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne!

      Delete
  26. So much to be thankful for even in this hard year. <3 I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete

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