So Much to be Thankful For

This Thanksgiving day I have so much to be thankful for. I am often amazed that I am where I am in life. I look around me and wonder how did that shy kid end up here?

To think that I am married to a beautiful, wonderful woman for 26 years now. That I have a true partner in my life who loves me and supports me in all that I do, is overwhelming.

To be the father of my children is one of the greatest joys of my life. To watch them progress in their lives and make great choices is what life is all about.

I have watched Amanda go to the temple and marry a man who truly loves her and treats her as her dad wants her to be treated. I watch her and Scott serve in the church, go to the temple and be a great example to their friends and family. I am so proud of the strong and truly good person that she is.

I rejoiced when all five of us were in the temple the day Jordan took out his endowments. I have been so impressed by his desire and determination to serve a mission. He worked hard and saved all he could before going. Now we read his letters and watch his progress and love to watch this part of the Lord's plan work. There is no other place on earth I would want him to be and nothing else I would want him to be doing.

I am grateful that Jane and I have jobs where I feel that we do meaningful work. That we add to the world in our small way. I am grateful for the church service we are able to be a part of and all that I have learned and the people I have come to know while serving over the years.

I am grateful for all our extended family. For the ever growing circle of love that they bring to our lives. Each new child and each new marriage just extends the circle.

I am grateful for great friends. Both at work and at church.

I am truly blessed. The Lord said "man is that he might have joy". This day as with all days of my life, I can say that I do indeed have joy.

For Unto Us...

As I begin this week of Thanksgiving I want to first start with the thing I am most grateful for. Let me explain.

We went to see Mainheim Steamroller in concert on Thursday night. The program began with the Hallelujah Chorus. As I listened, I was overcome by the reality of the fact that he shall indeed "Reign Forever". Truly King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The greatest gift ever given to man.

This was a Christmas concert, but it seems such a great way to start the season of Thanksgiving. Because of this blessing, all other blessings that I enjoy are possible.

Let us all shout Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hal-le-lu-jah.