Angel Eyes: 2020

How fitting it is that Mormon's letter to Moroni on Faith, Hope, and Charity fell as the Christmas season approached. How fitting that we learn how faith in Him, even just a mustard seed of faith in Him can put the Atonement in effect in our lives as we come to celebrate His birth. How fitting that we talk of hope as we talk of Christ. How fitting that we teach that charity is the pure love of Christ as we decorate and give gifts in honor of the greatest gift. How truly fitting that we read that miracles have not ceased and angels have not ceased to be among the children of mean as we tell the story of the most wonderful miracle of all in which angels foretold and rejoiced.

In Germany they have a word for everything. A desire for something unknown is Sehnsucht. But, so far there is no descriptor for the sensation of coming across pre-planned events that have been scribbled out because they no longer exist. 2020 brought along many scratched out activities, family dinners, church services, work days, time with friends, etc. You name it, and it was probably scribbled out. But, among the sorrow that comes with each scribble comes a light at the end of the year. A light that cannot be taken away. I know someone in my parents' neighborhood has a sign in their yard that says, "Hope is not cancelled." How forever grateful I am for my Savior and for the fact that because of Him and my faith in Him, Hope is not cancelled. I can still feel hope, joy, peace, and love through Him. As I read the scriptures, learn of Him, pray in His name, grow my testimony of Him, and become like Him, that hope can grow.

I came across a 5-minute fireside today that I felt was so perfect.

Christmas will still be special. We can find peace, joy, love, and HOPE because of Christ. We can be like Mary and be full of faith even in times where we may find ourselves asking, "I'm doing everything you've asked. Can you make this a little bit easier?" May we all align our thoughts to Him in this busy, unprecedented, unusual Christmas season because in the words of the famous Dr. Seuss, "Maybe Christmas, [the Grinch] thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." And, may we all come to TRUST HIM in this coming year even as we come across the more difficult or unplanned for times.

At the start of this month, I decided to think of one thing each day I was truly thankful for and try to think about it throughout the day. Later on in the month, the prophet told us to #givethanks each day and flood social media with things we were thankful for during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. It was so amazing to see the hashtag #givethanks reach over 4 million posts on Facebook alone. So, below are some of the things I am thankful for today and always!

Priesthood power- I have never felt the need and importance of priesthood power as strongly as I have this year. It has been amazing to be able to have a worthy priesthood holder at home and for him to be able to bless and pass the sacrament while church was on hold.
My family- I have drawn a lot of strength from my family over the years. I am so thankful I can always lean on them. I’ve spent every weekend over at my parents', and it has helped keep me sane since I am alone the rest of the week. I am thankful Mom is always up to doing things whether it is shopping, baking, decorating, spending time outside, doing puzzles, watching movies, or whatever else we think of! I am thankful for a fun little brother who always makes me laugh. I am thankful for a dad who always watches out for me. I am so blessed to have my family.
My country- Living in a country where I have a right to vote for my leaders is truly a blessing. I am thankful I can live in a time and place where my voice matters and is heard.
My dogs- Seriously, they make me laugh every single day. And in between the laughs when things are hard or I get sad, they are there to snuggle. Vivi will genuinely try to kiss away every single tear that falls. I love them so much and am thankful for their sweet personalities and the love they show me.
My job- I am thankful for my job. Early this year I hit my 5 year anniversary at Children’s. That seems crazy to me. This year has been especially hard because being a volunteer coordinator without volunteers being able to be in the hospital has led to us having to get really creative. I have loved my time working at Children’s as a child life assistant and now a volunteer coordinator. The people I have met and worked with never cease to amaze me.
Music- There is a song for every single feeling, every experience, every moment. I am thankful for all the artists that put music out there for others to hear and love and enjoy.
The temple- Even though we can’t go in right now, I am thankful for the temple. I don’t know many other places where I can feel the spirit and so much peace just walking around the grounds. It is truly a house of god. I look forward to the day we can go in again!
Church- I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have seen so many blessings come from being a member. I'm thankful to have a prophet, that my family can be together forever, priesthood power, and the Book of Mormon which really is another testament of Jesus Christ. My life is fuller because of the church, the gospel, and the standards we live by. I love the feeling I get when I get to go to church and be a part of a ward family (even if it isn’t my ward).
Prophet- Isn’t it amazing that we have a living prophet? Isn’t it wonderful and comforting to have someone to lead and guide us and get direct revelation for our church? I’m so thankful for President Nelson and his inspiration.
Our world- Do you ever just look around? We live in such a beautiful place with all of heavenly father’s creations all around us. Do yourself some good and just stop and look. I have been blessed to explore some of it. I love the mountains, the beaches, the red rock of Southern Utah, the brown dirt of Texas. I hope to be able to explore more of it soon!
Colors- What would our world be without color? I absolutely love it. I love seeing all of the colors in a “white” flower even. I love how the leaves change in the fall. I love how everything is bright, beautiful, and unique with countless numbers of colors making it all up.
Art- Art! I love it. I love the feeling I get when I sit down and draw. I love when I get to appreciate other people’s art. I love the beauty and feelings that are construed in each painting. I love how each piece of art is so different.
Pictures/memories- How wonderful it is to be able to look back at some of the best times in your life whenever you want! You can look at pictures of people and places and a whole slew of memories comes back to you. Sometimes as you think of one thing it leads to something else. It is even better when you land on something you may have forgotten for a time. Memories of wonderful times (as well as hope in a bright future) sustain me through tough times.
Books- I am thankful to be able to escape to another time, another place, a fantasy, a mystery, a romance. I love reading! I have read so many books this year. I have learned from some, I have just enjoyed others with the new characters they bring into my life. It has been so nice to have more time to read this year.
My volunteers- This year has been really hard, but I love my volunteers. Every time I get to talk to them is special, and I love getting to know them more and more. It has been fun over the years to find the one thing that helps me connect with each person. I am thankful for each of them.
Christmas decorations- They make me happy and bring in the joy of the season (even if you put them up a month early!). They are beautiful, and sparkly. They are fun and bright. Some even bring the true meaning of Christmas into it. I love them all.
My education- I am thankful for my education. I always had the best teachers at Merrywood, and it prepared me for public school where I was able to skip a grade. After moving right before my sophomore year I again found my niche and had more amazing teachers. BYU will always be the shining star of my schooling. It is a remarkable place and will always hold a special place in my heart. I am also thankful for ASU's online programs. After seeing online programs from other schools I really am thankful for them and the hard work they do to keep you connected with the teachers if you ever have questions.. All of my schooling has made me who I am today, and I am thankful for these experiences that helped me learn and grow. I know I don’t use my degree in my current work, but I am so thankful for all that I learned. I am glad I can use my knowledge in my family and future family and that good things will come from what I learned through classes and experiences at school.
Patriarchal blessing- My patriarchal blessing has been a huge, well, blessing in my life lately. In a time when it feels like hope is lost, I can find peace and comfort in the words of my blessing.
Good food- There is something so comforting and fulfilling when you make and eat a good meal. I have gotten a little lazy and haven’t cooked as much this year, but when I do it’s always worth it. On occasion I’ve gone out to eat it always hits the spot too!
Friends- I am ever so thankful to have wonderful friends. Whether we still talk or time with you is a cherished memory, all of my friends have had a lasting impact on me. I’ve always been the more serious one in my group of friends, often known as the “Mom” of the group, but my friends have helped me relax, have fun, laugh so hard I’ve cried on many occasions, and be goofy. I’m thankful I’ve been able to be a part of their lives at work, in weddings, at school, and all the other places and adventures I’ve had with them.
Technology- This year has been tough. I have felt so disconnected from people and things. But, thanks to technology I was still able to talk to friends, still able to attend baptisms, still able to go to church, and still able to see family even if was from my own home. I am also thankful for technology because it allowed me to work from home!
Home- I really struggled with this concept when I was in college. Was my parents’ house home or was Utah home since I had made a new life there? Now, my apartment is home and my parents’ house is home and places I love (including Utah) all have a little feeling of home as well.
Leaders and teachers I have had throughout the years- I am thankful for the leaders I have had at church and school. In a time when everything was changing for me (schools, dad's wreck, etc.) my young women leaders were there for me. I was also blessed to have amazing bishoprics all growing up. And, in college I had the most wonderful role models to look up to through my teachers, my boss, and my coordinator in BYUSA. I will be forever grateful for all of their loving guidance over the years.
My savior, Jesus Christ- I am immensely thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His example, His love, His peace, His sacrifice, His mercy, and His promises. I am thankful for Him and all He has done for me and will continue to do for me. I am thankful I have the opportunity to be on this earth to learn more about Him and become more like Him so one day I can return to Him.
Movies- My parents met working in a movie theater, so movies have always held a special place in my heart. But I also love to sit and watch a movie, eat snacks, and unwind. I love having them on in the background as I clean or work. I love watching movies and shows with people I love.
My car- I loved my little Gemma so much. With her came a newfound freedom. Now, Gemma is retired and I have Cosmo that will hopefully be with me for many more years to come. I am thankful that my car is there to get me wherever I need/want to go and that I can take my dogs with me!
Missionaries- I am also thankful for missionaries. Without them my grandparents probably wouldn't have joined the church which would make my life completely different. I am thankful my little brother served a mission, and I am thankful for all those currently serving to bring others closer to Christ.
Talents- I love to bake, create, decorate, draw, cook, help and comfort others, and so much more. I am sure there are numerous other talents Heavenly Father has given me that I can’t think of right now or don’t even know about yet!
My body- I am thankful for a strong, healthy body. I can do so much! I can go and go and go and not think twice. I’ve been able to hike mountains, go exploring, work hard, and sleep hard. I am so thankful for the body I have been given and all it can accomplish.
Inspirational people and quotes- I love inspirational quotes. I love finding them at just the right time in my life. Sometimes I can hold on to one good quote for weeks, and it sustains me. I am also thankful for the people who express those lovely thoughts and share them!