Be Grateful For All That You Have

I am grateful I made it to the year 2010. I don't know what is in store for me for 2011. I do know I am looking forward to the New Year. I use to make my New Year's Resolution every year, but then I stopped making them because not all of my resolutions were fulfilled. It's more procrastination then any. I promise to do this or that never really works because you never know what is in store for you.
All I ask is, the opportunity to live long enough to see my grandchildren get married and have children of their own. 
I stop asking for good health. I ruined that a long time ago. I abused my health and myself when I was younger and now I have to live with the fact that my body is slowly degenerating. I live day by day...there are moments when I have great days and there are moments when my days aren't so great.
I can't complain...I won't complain. I live with pain everyday, but I keep going. 
I'm 61 years old....I am a workaholic....I am still able to workout at the gym....I still push my limits at the gym....and I deal with the fact I am getting older, I tolerate what my body is throwing at me, and I do the best I can to overcome my abilities. 
I know I am a strong person and I can deal with most anything that happens to me. There is nothing that can surprise me anymore...
I feel I have dealt with everything that was thrown at me. I've been there, done that. 
My faith has never left me. I left my faith. I had the pleasure of serving 2 temples, San Diego and Salt Lake City. I was called to serve in the Young Women, Primary, and ward missionary. 
I wanted to serve a mission and I also wanted to marry in the Temple. I don't regret the choices I made. I still listen to that small still voice in me. And when I feel I have overreacted, I step back and clear my thoughts so I can think a lot more clearer.
Am I grateful that I was chosen to be here. Am I grateful that I am able to make choices. Am I grateful that I was blessed to bear children. Am I grateful that I was blessed to be sealed along with my children. Am I grateful that I was able to do the work for my mothers parent and seal them. Am I grateful that I was able to do the genealogy for my father so he may know where he came from and who his relatives were that passed on. I am not only grateful, I am blessed that I was able to serve in my callings, in the temple(s), and also for my family. The greatest gift was the gift of doing the work for your relatives/family and to know they will be together. 
Again, I don't know what 2011 has in store for me....but whatever it is, I am ready.
Last but not least.....I am thankful to be part of a wonderful family. I have a wonderful man who devotes himself to his daughters. And soon he will be a wonderful grandfather who will devote himself to his new granddaughter. 
We may have our moments....but my life with him is wonderful and he always makes me laugh. I am thankful that he chose me in his life.

    

Let Yourself Shine

Have you ever tried to figure yourself out?  Don't try...it only gives you a headache!  If you're comfortable with who you are....let yourself shine.  My father was in the Air Force, growing up as a military brat was and experience.  I remember when my mom was giving birth to my youngest brother my dad had to watch the 3 of us.  He would line us up for inspection to make sure we did everything right.  My mom was the gestapo in the family.  She was tough as nails and we towed the line with her.  I come from strong minded, strong willed parents.  My parents believed, if you have something to say, spit it out!  If you didn't have the backbone, you're too weak.  Fight for what you believe in....never back down to know one.
I love my parents, I'm thankful....no grateful that they are who they are.  
Don't figure yourself out....just know who you are and be grateful that you turned out the way you turned out.  
Are you comfortable with yourself?  Are you comfortable with who you are?  Then let yourself shine! shine! shine!