{ The Grateful Challenge }

As I sit here...at work (he he)...I begin to run out of things to keep me occupied (it's really not busy and I'm starting to doze off) so I start to look at friend's blogs and a good friend of mine and old roommate, Jessie, had written about The Grateful Challenge that was the First Presidency Message for this month found here. Honestly I wish I had come across her great post yesterday then I could have worked on it yesterday and today but either way I'm super glad I did. Thanks Jess!

Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.

1. My sight- so that I can see all my loved ones and the world around me (plus the thought of losing my sight freaks me out) 
2. Being able to snuggle - snuggle time with my hubby is the best...oh how I love being loved on : )
3. My ability to dance - even if no one is watching ; )
4. My ability to speak- Um...I'm a girl...I like to talk : )
5. The gift to be active - working in a healthcare setting makes me dread losing my physical abilities, even the basic ones 
6. My ability to hear- I love music, movies, and hearing a conversation
7. Being able to laugh - laughing is so good for you!
8. My tastebuds - I love food! The End! 
9. My ability to use my hands - even though it's not my strongest point right now but I think keeping a journal for myself and future children is important
10. The gift of physical touch - hugs are the best!

Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.

1. My wedding ring - makes me smile and my heart melt every time I look at it...brings back memories of the proposal too : )
2. Clothes - again...I'm a girl...kind of a given right? Comfy clothes are particulary delightful!
3. Bed - oh how I love me a warm cozy bed!
4. Cell phone - yes I'm one of those that feels lost without it...makes me feel safer, especially during those dangerous winter months
5. Scriptures/church magazines - reading and taking in the written Word of my Savior and the living prophets brings such comfort
6. Our home - I always wanted a cute little house as our first home...dream come true!
7. Camera - I am a picture taker. Although not as much since Jordan and I started dating : (
8. Fireplaces - sitting in front of a nice warm fireplace during winter is such a great feeling
9. A car - being able to go somewhere whenever I need to is so nice
10. Crafts - I would be rather bored if I didn't have this hobby of mine : )

Write 10 living people you are grateful for.

1. My husband Jordan - He's a hard working, funny, loving, kind, caring man. I'm a lucky girl!
2. Kenai & Maggie - these two pups really are my "babies" : )
3. My mom - she's my best friend/hero/rock/one I admire most/etc....love her so much!
4. Grandpa Sato - my lil' Japanese grandpa...will always put a smile on my face : )
5. My mother and father-in-law - they've done more for me than I can ever thank them for...man did I luck out for in-laws!
6. Cherika - been my best friend since 7th grade...great friend/person/listener/example ever!
7. Grandma & Grandpa Knapp - I see where Jordan gets his love for family from...these two are two of the most happy and loving people I've ever met...again....lucked out for in-laws! 
8. Crissa - she's been a great friend, especially since I've gotten married...had several great get-togethers and now Jordan and James are buds : )
9. My two lil' brothers: Nathan & Brock - even though they drove me insane growing up, I love them to death!
10. Every single one of my Young Women's leaders - some gave me rides to church & activities growing up, some simply gave me great advice & listened to what I had to say, either way they were all there for me

Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.

1. That would most definitely be first and foremost, my Savior. How can I not show my gratitude to my Savior for a sacrifice so great that I am here with the knowledge of being able to return to live with him someday and be my loved ones?
2. Grandma Sato - she helped raise my lil' brothers & I, made me soup when I was sick, and always made me laugh...miss you Grandma
3. Joseph Smith - such a strong man, both inside and out to overcome all obstacles thrown his way and still do the Lord's work...very admirable in my opinion
4. Abraham Lincoln - ran for office several times and never gave up until he reached his goal and made a difference for our great country
Lucille Ball - kinda random but she always reminds me to laugh at the good, bad, and ugly...what good does pouting & frowning do right?
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley - such an amazing man to be the Lord's mouthpiece for us all..grateful to have had him as the prophet growing up...his words will always and forever touch my heart
Every person in our church history that stood up for what they believed. Sacrifices were made and lives were lost in order to bring us what we have today
Grandma Green - she passed away when I was young but my mom tells me of how much she cared about me
5. Uncle Steve - he baptized myself and Nathan...that meant a great deal to me 
6. Abraham - his faith in the Lord in his willingness to sacrifice his only son...one of my favorite scripture stories 

Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.

1. Nice fall days
2. Crunchy fall leaves
3. Rain - love the smell!
4. Freshly cut grass
5. Thunder/lightening storms
6. Big green trees
7. Beautiful mountains surrounding me
8. Wildlife - love leaving/coming home and seeing moose in by my house!
9. Rivers and streams
10. Sunsets - breathtaking aspects of nature! 

Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.

1. My health - not being the patient at the hospital and instead being an employee...better end of the deal I'd say
2. Coming across Jessica's post about this challenge
3. Jordan being the hardworker he is taking care of the horses at home right now
4. Slippers - yes I'm wearing my slippers at work & I love it!
5. Soap & water - got mascara all over my hand somehow : ) 
6. Decent oriental food that is microwavable for my lunch
7. Christmas decorations put up around the hospital...nice holiday spirit
8. A cozy place to go home to...in approximately 50 minutes ; )
9. Photoshop - made some fun cute Christmas gift tags today!
10. Gilmore Girls - helps to keep me awake while at work on weekends

Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.

1. My cute lil' home
2. Shelley - loved growing up there
3. Rexburg - met my hubby there : )
4. BYU-Idaho - received a great education there
5. Ross - great deals on cute clothes...my favorite!
6. Grocery stores - seriously what would we do without them?
7. Jackson Hole - great anniversary!
8. Terreton - such a great place to live!
9. Craft stores - need I say more?
10. Hill behind Jordan's parent's old home in Washington - where my hubby popped the big question!

Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.

1. Cell phone - makes each day so much easier!!
2. Computers - so handy when it came to homework
3. Internet - everthing can be found online these days
4. Cars - I'm not in good enough shape to walk/run everywhere I need to go
5. Headphones - allows me to watch my movies at work without being caugh : ) Shhh...don't tell!
6. Camera - love to capture memories
7. Hot air poppers - I love popcorn!
8. Straighteners - helps me to not look like either a drowned rat or like I constantly have bed hair
9. DVD's (movies) - definitely a big movie person!
10. Dishwasher - don't have one right now and really wish I did!

Write 10 foods you are grateful for.

1. Banana bread - reminds me of home : )
2. Chex Mix - gotta love that salty stuff
3. Cheese
4. Salmon - the way my hubby makes it of course
5. Fried rice - um...I'm Japanese...the end!
6. Strawberries
7. Pasta - um...I'm Italian too...love my heritage!
8. Pizza - unhealthy: definitely, tasty: of course!
9. Mangos - love fruit!
10. Milk - need a constant supply (10 foods I'm grateful for really doesn't cut it...I love love food!)

Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

1. The temple. This House of the Lord has let me make covenants with my Heavenly Father, given me peace and comfort, and helped build my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
2. Prayer. The power of prayer is such an amazing thing. The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves and can help us in whatever trial we may face as long as we let him in. 
3. General Conference. It's like a huge buffet of fantastic words and spiritual guidance. And to know that it's the Lord's words that we're hearing? Amazing!
4. The atonement. Having that knowledge makes everything else in life that much better. I cannot imagine not having that knowledge.
5. Knowing that wherever I go, the lessons I'm hearing are being taught worldwide to every member.
6. Having an eternal family. How amazing is it to know that my family and I will be together forever? I absolutely love knowing that after this life I can still be with my loved ones.
7. The Holy Ghost. That is one of the most precious gifts I could have ever asked for.
8. The Book of Mormon. So much more knowledge and truth can be found in the Book of Mormon. It truly is another testament of Jesus Christ.
9. Forgiveness. Definitely feel like I am in constant need of this. Heavenly Father knows this is the time to learn and grow. It would be a hard life if there were no forgiveness.
10. The relationship I have with my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I would not be the person I am today or have gotten where I am with the church if it were not for my constant companions.

I am so glad I came across her post and this talk. This challenge has been a great start for the Christmas season.