#Give Thanks Posts for November 2020

This is a thank you card painted by my little neighbor, Odin, who is less than two-years-old!

Russell M. Nelson, Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a seven-day challenge to run up to Thanksgiving day to post what and who we are thankful for and why.  Below is one of my own posts, followed by some well-written posts by a dear family member (with her permission).  She, along with others, made me even the more grateful because the "thank you" posts were exceptionally inspiring and thought provoking. 

DAY 6 POST by me:  I'm having trouble wrapping up this week's #GiveThanks challenge. Reading the many beautiful expressions of gratitude that others have posted has enlarged my gratitude like the Grinch's heart growing bigger by the minute. I have realized, even more, how thankful I am for the talents/gifts of others. I've been touched, enriched, motivated, uplifted and blessed beyond measure by people who share their music, art, writing, humor, insights, and wisdom; their talents/gifts/skills to fix, build, and create; to encourage and listen and love and care and inspire, , and their beautiful spirit. When I see or hear you, I know we are all precious children of God and He has given each of us talents/gifts to share with others so we can be instruments in His hands to serve others and spread joy and encouragement.

 Day 3,  by Whitney Sowby:

I am so thankful for sisters. I have my biological sister, Brittany, who has always made any situation fun and exciting. I have my mom, who has become almost more of a sister now that I am grown. I have my extended family “sisters” in my mother in law, sister-in-laws, my beloved aunts, my cousins, my grandmas. They have loved me throughout my life. I can think of numberless stories about them defending me and loving and supporting me. I have my “sisters” in my friends and neighbors. I have had soooo many talks, sharing, learning from these ladies. So many discussions and tears together.

Tonight I was thinking about a problem my child was having (fear of the dark). And I remembered a dear friend who counseled me on her own experiences with her children. Though we do not live close, her previous counsel helped me again tonight.

My many walk and talks with friends and family have taught me so much. The “sisters” in my life are strong in each of their unique and special ways, and I have been lifted up, taught and loved by these amazing women. I can think of something I have learned from each one of you.

I am truly grateful for my many sisters. I thank my loving God for having them in my life.

Day 4, by Whitney Sowby:

Is anyone else having a hard time some days actually narrowing down a #givethanks to really one good idea/topic?!?! Can I just say everything?!

The closest I can get to everything, besides life (Day1 grateful post) is knowledge. And as I am only a mere mortal and cannot experience a fraction of things in my short life, I am blessed with the history of many more mere mortals’ knowledge being amassed together for my edification in the form of books.

Today I am grateful for books. Sooo many books.

I am thankful for the scriptures which give me a road map for my life. That bring God’s eternal message and His personal ministry to me to study at my own mortal pace. I am grateful for the many testimonies held in these scriptures and the power the hold as they teach me something new every time I read them.

I am thankful for books of learning; I have read thousands of books for school and job in text books,scientific journals and articles. And I still don’t know anything. The world holds so many fascinating things; that we have learned and have yet to discover. I am thankful for the biology/physiology/genetics books that have brought great understanding in my life. These science book have especially brought me a testimony of God’s great power and mercies.

I am thankful for books of fun; since I was young, I have devoured fiction. Little house on the prairie, Goosebumps, Nancy Drew, boxcar children, Anne of Green Gable, Jurassic Park, Tennis Shoes among the Nephites, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, The Work and the Glory, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Dan Brown, James Herriot, Matthew Rielly, Brent Weeks......so many.......and ultimately Brandon Sanderson. Don’t interrupt me if I’m in the middle of a good book!!!

I am thankful for the “easy read books”. I love sitting with my kids and helping them learning the magnificent power of reading. I am thankful for the books I read aloud to them (Currently Wednesdays at the Castle). I treasure my reading time with them.

I am thankful for the smell and feel of a paperback book. I am also thankful for my kindle app that I can read at night while up with my babies.

I am thankful for the encyclopedic knowledge now always at my fingertips as I can google search or Wikipedia any question I can dream up, that I used to have to flip to find instead.

I am thankful I am born in this time where as a woman I am free to learn to read, and have such vast treasure troves to access.

Day 5, by Whitney Sowby

I am thankful for those who help me care for my body. The doctors, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, techs/nurses and on and on.

Our bodies are miraculous, but take a great deal of care and work. I greatly value the time,

energy, money and work that comes to those who train for years and years to help us the best we know how to.

I am grateful for the researchers that continue to find new ways to help care for our bodies (Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; Ben Kell, Sam Sharpe, Huachun Zhong, and more).

My entire life has been surrounded by those that work in healthcare. I am grateful for my husband, father and brothers, cousins and friends that have dedicated so much to help others. I am grateful for my mother, who had no heathcare training but was still there to care for me in sickness and pain.

I had an accident my junior year in high school and shattered some of my front teeth. Our family dentist took excellent care of me. Without the knowledge, tools, skills and expertise, I would look very scary and wouldn’t have been able to eat until my teeth were pulled. I am sure I would have had infections which have killed so many. I wouldn’t have had the same quality of life. And this is just a small example of the wonders of medicine.

I had horrible vision. Without my corrective eye care, I could barely see the creases in my hand held at arms length. With lasik, my eyes have been made more correct- I have perfect vision. It has been a blessing to wake up in the middle of the night (with the crying babies) and to be able to see.

I an so grateful for those that helped deliver my babies and helped monitor my and my baby’s health through pregnancy.

So many ailments that in the past have crippled and killed, today have lost their sting. Granted, there are still so many diseases and problems still, but we are still learning and trying. Advancement doesn’t come without work and not giving up.

Thank you to all those whose work helps others and their health.

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There you have just a taste of the remarkable gratetude that filled the pages of social media for seven extra-thankful days!