The Candyland Perspective

And that means Thanksgiving is upon us.  I love Thanksgiving.  I don't necessarily love Thanksgiving dinner though.  I don't necessarily love football watching, cleaning up an obscenely messy kitchen, or all the busyness in the grocery store.  What I do love, however, is the crispness in the air, the gorgeous colorful leaves, the devotion to gratitude... even if for just one day for some folks, and that I get the day off of work to spend time with people I love.  My love for those things certainly outweighs my unlove for the other aspects of the Thanksgiving tradition. Kevin (Beloved's youngest son) will be coming home from Central Michigan University for Thanksgiving.  He'll be home late tomorrow afternoon!  I'm excited to see how he's changed in just a few short months since he left for school.  Will he have gotten the freshman (though he's really a junior) fifteen?  Slimmed out a bit?  Gosh I hope he hasn't taken on the attitu...

{this morning's entry into my gratitude journal received from relief society on sunday} Even though the election last night didn't go the way I had hoped & prayed that it would, I am VERY grateful that Mitt Romney ran.  He has opened so many doors of opportunity when it comes to missionary work.  I am grateful for my faith in God and that I know He is mindful of His children.  I am grateful for the Book of Mormon, as its lessons & stories do truly give me better perspective for life now.  And I am grateful for my dearly beloved husband Dan.  He is the best. ♥♥♥♥♥

I have had Gordon B. Hinckley on my mind and in my heart so very much lately.  I've sought his words in print, online, and most certainly on youtube many times in the past two months.  This past weekend I attended Time Out For Women where his daughter, Virginia Hinckley Pearce spoke.  She shares such a beautiful semblence with her father.  Seeing his face in hers this weekend perpetuated my need to fill my life with his words even more. With a bit of serious consideration, I've decided to take on a challenge.  President Hinckley gave such wise counsel to all of us, and he often spoke directly to young people.  I had received his book Way To Be !, which is actually directed at young people, from my mom about eight years ago.  For totally stupid reaons, I didn't incorporate its words and challenges into my life.  I do believe it's high time that I do now though.  With its wise advice, I shall find a new way to be Candace; ...