40. Today I am grateful for a supportive supervisor

One of the things that I love about my job is having a supportive supervisor. She is a great mentor to me and I find it easy to go to her to ask questions or for advice. She also helps me feel confident in my ability to fulfill my duties in the work I do.   

39. Today I am grateful for cultural diversity

At work, Tuesday is parent group day and at today’s parent group we made culture collages. After making the collages each person shared their collage and talked a bit about their culture. It was neat to see what pictures or words people choose to represent their culture or themselves and family. I have always had an interest in learning about different cultures and religions and appreciate diversity. I grew up in the Vancouver area in a very culturally diverse city and had many opportunities to be acquainted with people from all different backgrounds and countries. I loved school, community and church events where people shared ethnic dances and music. I also love various ethnic foods. I especially love it when people from different ethnic backgrounds come together to share their culture with each other.

38. Today I am grateful for running water

On Saturday night our water got shut off and there was a moment of panic when my roommates and I were worried about such things as brushing our teeth and showering the next morning. One person thought it might be because the bills hadn’t been switched over yet. Being that it was the first of the month that would make sense. However, I suggested that it was due to a problem with the sewer seen how it was raining pretty hard and there is a lot of construction happening in the area. We all hoped that is what happened. We woke up in the morning to find out the water was back on and it turns out that it was due to sewer issues. We did have some water in the fridge so I was able to brush my teeth but that water would only have lasted so long. We often realize how dependent we are on something when we don’t have it anymore. I am grateful for the funning water that I often take for granted.

I have a 72 hour kit and 3-month food storage but I do not have water storage. It occurred to me that it is more likely that something will happen to limit or cut off our access to water than to food. I suggested to my roommates that we have a water storage which they agreed to and we cleared a shelf to store water. I found today that someone had started to store water. Now, if our water gets shut off again we will be more prepared.    

37. Today I am grateful for President Thomas S. Monson

President Monson leads and guides the church today and I am grateful for his leadership and guidance. In Matthew 7:15 – 17 we read: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” This scripture tells us that we are able to tell the difference between a false prophet and one who is called of God by the things they accomplish.

President Monson is an example of a man of humility and a man who stands accountable to God in all things he does. He is a great example to me of someone who is always looking for opportunities to serve others and encouraging members of the church worldwide to do the same.  In closing the last conference session today, Pres. Monson counselled the members of the church to show an increased love to others and to always be about the work of the Lord. I love that, Jesus commanded us to love one another and it is through showing love to others that we become Disciples of Christ. It is through love that we each will “bring forth good fruit”.   

36. Today I am grateful for the Semi-Annual General Conference

Twice a year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a worldwide conference which is broadcasted from the conference centre in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference can be watched on cable television at home, via the internet, radio or satellite broadcast at church buildings throughout the world. The first weekend of April is the Annual General Conference and the first weekend of October is the Semi-Annual General Conference. I love General conferences because it is an opportunity to hear the things that are leaders are inspired to teach us. Anyone can receive personal revelation or inspiration for themselves and conference is a time where you can be inspired. Inspirations can include something you determine that you need to begin doing, something you need to change or greater clarification of a principle of doctrine. Our church leaders include prophets, who we believe are God’s mouthpiece on the earth today and therefore can receive revelation on behalf of the church. During Conference we can recognize the things we need to focus on, not only on a personal level but as members of Christ’s church.

35. Today I am grateful for roommate pizza night

I have now lived in my new place for a week now and being that we are all busy I hadn’t really had a chance to get to know my roommates. Last weekend, one of the girls suggested having a pizza night that Friday and we all agreed that it would be a good idea. It was fun and I enjoyed getting to know my new roommates.

34. Today I am grateful for crisp air and crunchy leaves

I live by part of the river valley, which is probably the most beautiful area of Edmonton which includes several parks. After work, I went for a walk today along one of the walking trails. There is just something about the crisp weather that seems to add a bit of freshness to the air. I also enjoy walking through the leaves on the ground and hearing the crunchy sound. It brings me back to my childhood days of playing in the leaves and “helping” my dad rake up the leaves.