In November of last year, my daughter Gwen, sent me a little "fill-in-the-blanks" kind of book, Good Days Start With Gratitude Journal. "Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude", published by PrettySimpleBooks.com (See https://www.amazon.com/dp/1976436184?tag=duckduckgo-ffnt-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Two challenges for me: I keep losing the book/journal. If you could see my living room and apartment, you would understand! Cluttered would be a kind description.
Secondly: And I can hardly write, anymore. No problem with using the computer...just takes a lot of concentration to literally use a pen to literally write using my right hand! However, I will share what I've written so far!
11/25/2019:
#1: I am thankful for "my health". This past year was a year of healing for me, after being very ill in 2018 (pneumonia, compromised immune system because of chemo, etc.)
#2: Modern conveniences (washer, dryer, dishwasher)!
Diary note: On November 27th, I flew to Tampa airport to visit with Benji and Shuzhen and the children. I very much enjoyed our Turkey Day dinner (Peking Duck), and getting to know my grandkids a little better. Shuzhen is an excellent cook and I treasure her friendship.
Thanksgiving Day, 11/28/2019:
#1: I am thankful for my husband and best friend, Ed. When he was alive, he was my dearest friend.
#2: My mother and My father. Ben and Opal Hill weren't perfect people, but they were the best mom and dad for me!
#3: My children and grandchildren, including 2 great grandchildren. Here are their names: Richard who has brought into my life, Torin, Myla and Lucy. Gwen who has brought into my life, Kelsey, Ryan, Shannon, and Eric; Kelsey's kids are Matthew and Grace, thus my two great grands! Chris who has brought (with Tina's help), into my life Zack, Ethan, and Josh! Benji who has brought (with Zhuzhen) me Kaylee and Caden; Debbie who has two girls, Joleigh and Azell.
and finally (for now), Kevin Spencer Harris! My 34 year-old "baby".
12/3/2019: I am thankful for:
#1. Each new day! (which brings a chance to do better, be stronger, and grow in all kinds of ways)!
#2. Forgivness for my sins. And an opportunity to forgive others.
#3. The Sacrament and Jesus' acceptance of what I bring to the altar.
12/30/2019: I am thankful for:
#1. Clean Cool Air, moderate temperatures (?!) and sunshine!
#2. Being able to walk to the Commons Building.
#3. Food and drink.
#4. The gospel of Jesus Christ.
#5. Repentance and Forgiveness.
1/2/2020: I am thankful for:
#1. Books to read and eyes to see.
#2. General Conference addresses.
#3. Good things to eat! (think chocolate, etc.)
#4. Family Members (I have two great siblings: Ben and Sarah)!
1/3/2020: I am thankful for
#1. Strength, energy, health, being able to walk.
#2. Peace and quiet and the sound of falling rain.
#3. Proverbs 1:23/ Doctrine and Covenants:38:?
23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will apour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. And Pray Always
1/?/2020: I am thankful for
#1. Come Follow Me scriptures and study
#2. My Savior Jesus Christ
#3. Heavenly Father who gave his Son.
8/2/2020: I am thankful for
#1. Being Alive!
#2. Family
#3. Relationships, associates, friends, etc.
Diary Note: The last few months, beginning in March, sometime have been interesting, challenging, lonely, etc. I largely shelter at home...my tiny apartment at Bob Hope Village. I might go out once every week or two to the grocery store or somewhere else, but mostly when I get in the car it is to drive-through Baskin Robbins or some other type of eatery. I am getting ready in a couple of minutes to go to the Brock's for the sacrament and a pot luck meal, afterwards. This is my only real concession to social interactions' activity that I have made. I have known them for over thirty years and they are "family" to me. Otherwise, I would be suffering far more than I already am, of loneliness.
