54. Today I am grateful for the Christmas Bureau

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to learn more about various programs in the city. Today I went to an information session for the Christmas Bureau at City Hall. Although, October seems a bit early to start thinking about Christmas, projects like this are worked on year round.

I am grateful that I have been fortunate enough to never have to worry about there being enough food at Christmas and I know that when I wake up on Christmas morning there will be gifts under the tree. However, there are many people who are struggling to make ends meet. I think it’s wonderful that there are programs like this to ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the Christmas season. One of my Grandma's favourite saying's is "More blessed to give then to receive" which is true. In donating gifts, money and time to projects like this, we too will be able to feel more of the Christmas spirit. At Christmas time, we remember the birth of the Savior and what better way to reflect that then to follow his example in serving others and helping those in need.

Here is one of my favourite Christmas songs and videos that reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. How do you show that you have room for the Savior?

53. Today I am grateful for self defence classes

Tonight, I went to a self defence class for a relief society activity. It was hosted by the ward I was previously in so it was nice to see some of the girls I hadn’t seen in awhile. The class was taught by one of the members of the ward who is a police officer. She was a great instructor! I have been to a few self defence classes over the years but it’s always good to get a refresher and learn more techniques. Hopefully, I won’t ever have to use it and if I do, hopefully I remember what to do. What I found the most helpful was talking about what to do in various situations. After the class, I had to get gas and I was probably more aware of my surroundings than I have ever been.

52. Today I am grateful for the Bishopric

Today for Family Home Evening (FHE) we talked about gratitude. Something I have been hearing about a lot these days, likely because I am also thinking a lot about it. After the lesson we made candy grams for members of the Bishopric. Although, I do not know my new Bishopric that well, I am grateful for them and how they have all helped to make me feel welcome in the ward. They also dedicate a lot of their time to fulfill their church responsibilities and helping members of the ward, on top of their career and family responsibilities. I am also grateful that my membership records are now in the ward so I am now officially a member of the Highlands Ward.  

51. Today I am grateful for walks with my roommates

One of my favourite things to do is go for walks, particularly when the weather is nice. So far this fall, every Sunday has been beautiful so I have taken advantage of the nice weather to go for a walk. I am blessed to live right by a beautiful park and to have roommates who also enjoy going for walks. I am grateful to have wonderful roommates!

Here is a photo of us on our walk today:  

50. Today I am grateful to be involved with the Edmonton Food Bank project

During General Conference in April of this year, Elder Eyring spoke about the Church welfare program. This year, 2011, marks the 75^th anniversary of the Church welfare program. In commemoration, Elder Eyring, on behalf of the first presidency invited members of the church worldwide to engage in a Day of Service; more specifically for wards and stakes to come up with a formal service project to benefit the community.

The Edmonton stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choose to organize a city wide food drive. Flyers were delivered to every neighbourhood and members were assigned routes to drive through and pick up donations. I arrived at our stake centre with one of my roommates and saw a large empty truck in the parking lot waiting to be filled up with donations. My roommate and I then joined with another member of our ward and drove around a nearby neighbourhood to collect donations. It was wonderful to see so many doorsteps with donations! A few people came out to greet me when I walked up to their doorstep to thank us for collecting donations for the Edmonton Food Bank. I then thanked them for their donation, which is what made the project successful.   

In less than an hour we were back at the stake centre to see the truck filling up quickly and cars, vans, SUV’s and pickup trucks full of donations driving into the parking lot. People of all ages helped pick up donations and load the donations onto the truck. I loved seeing a group of children inside the truck helping to sort the donations. My heart was truly touched to see the community come together in donating much needed donations for the food bank. I only played a very small part in this project but I am grateful that I was a part of it.

The Edmonton Journal reported an early estimate of more than 71,500 pounds of food collected. Thank you Edmonton!

49. Today I am grateful for opportunities to get to know people better

I enjoy being social and talking with others. Today I am grateful for opportunities to get to know people a bit better, Perhaps those who I haven’t had many opportunities to talk with or meeting new people. Everyone you meet has the opportunity to influence your life in some way. Likewise, you also have an opportunity to influence the lives of those you meet.

48. Today I am grateful for religious freedom

Last month, Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a CES broadcast address titled “Truth and Tolerance”. One of the things he spoke about was religious freedom, a right that is increasingly being threatened. Elder Oaks stated, “Some influential voices even question the extent to which our constitutions should protect the free exercise of religion, including the right to practice and preach religious principles.” He then went on to say, “We must also stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers to preserve and strengthen the freedom to advocate and practice our religious beliefs, whatever they are. “

I strive to understand the religious doctrine and principles of others. I believe that we are all children of God and as such each person deserves to be treated with love and kindness.

In the past couple of days I have seen several postings on facebook linking to a clip of CNN host Anderson Cooper interviewing Robert Jeffress who is known for bashing various religions, most recently calling Mormonism a cult. I wasn’t offended at all by his comments and actually thought the interview was a bit comical. However, I do think it’s sad to see that some people are so misinformed about my religion and also sad that some feel the need to attack other religions. There have also been several follow up articles from non-LDS people supporting the fact that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are indeed Christians.

Here are two that I enjoyed:

Who says Mormons Aren't Christians - By Dean Obeidallah

Friend of Perry is enemy of almost everyone else - By Daniel Ruth