Tuesday, November 6, 2012

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Six - Ancestory

What do a 18th century Rhode Island freed (black )man, a 19th century (English) Australian exilee, a Confederate soldier, and a body guard for Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith have in common? How about an Italian immigrant, an English servant, or 16th century Irish royalty?

These are but a few of the threads that, when woven intricately together, make up the fabric that is me.

I think its safe to say, that like many Americans, I am truly a potpourri of ethnic, cultural, and even religious backgrounds. I have ancestors that called their home England, Germany, Scotland, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, and some who were even North American Natives. Some were royalty and some were servants. Some were law-makers, and likewise, some were law-breakers. Interestingly enough, if you dig back a few generations, my family line crosses that of President Borack Obama. I'd bet if I did enough digging, I've probably got a distant link to Mitt Romney in there too.

What does this tell me? Well, simply put, that we are all a big interconnect family. If we trace enough names, I'm probably related to you somehow too....

But honestly, family history is more than just plotting names on a tree. Each of these individuals that makes up my past has a story. They are more than a name, they are a person, and each of them has contributed - some in large ways and others in less easily measured ones - to make me the person I am.

I am grateful for the men and women who paved the way before me. I am thankful for who they were and what they did that made my life possible. I am honored by the great personalities that make up my ancestry.


"If you don't recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your ow stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are." - Madeleine L'Engle


Monday, November 5, 2012

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Five - Right to Vote

Last week, armed with facts, figures, and my personal convictions, I ventured to my polling place and took advantage of the great opportunity to cast my vote. I'm not into partisan politics and rarely do I find myself aligned with one party or the other, but as a CITIZEN of the United States, I am grateful for the RIGHT TO VOTE. 


Whether you swing blue or red or somewhere in between, the RIGHT TO VOTE is a privilege and a responsibility none of us should take lightly. While there is no perfect candidate for any office, as an American people we have the responsibility to do our research, learn the facts, and make a decision based on our own findings and opinions. 

On the eve of the 2012 elections, I am thankful to live in a country where my voice counts. Indeed, as a citizen of this great country, I am grateful for the right to vote! 

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting." = Franklin D. Roosevelt


Sunday, November 4, 2012

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Four - Goodly Parents

A handful (or more) of years ago, two young people fell in love, got married, and decided to start a family. 

Cliche as it may sound, I am grateful for that decision. Without them not only would I not be the person I am today, but quite frankly, I wouldn't be. Period. My existence depended on that beautiful young blonde and her stubborn, long-haired beau. 


I am so grateful for the parents I have been blessed with. They've taught me the value of hard work. They've taught me about unconditional love. They sacrificed much for me and my siblings when we were young, and they continue to do so today.  I'm grateful for the things that they taught me and the virtues that they've showed me. I am thrilled by their support and involvement in my children's lives. 


Every day I see hints of them in me (and I'm not gonna lie, some of those revelations are more delightful than others!) Being a parent is hard work. So, at times, is being a spouse. I'm grateful for the example my parents set for me in both of these aspects.  


Saturday, November 3, 2012

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Three - A Loving Savior

Many years ago I had an experience that literally brought me to my knees. I was crippled by my deficiencies; broken by my mistakes. My state of imperfection was not just humbling, it was horrifying!  There was no hope of ever measuring up... 

And, without the grace of our Savior, there was no hope of making my wrongs right. 


I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. My testimony in him was founded at one of the lowest points of my life, but my need for his divine love and intervening grace is never ceasing. I am grateful for the knowledge that He is there to help me through the hard times. I am grateful for His Atoning sacrifice on my behalf. I am humbled that He would suffer for me. I am humbled that He would die for me. And I am humbled that He would advocate for me with our Father.    

Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is my Brother... He is my Friend. I am grateful for my relationship with Him and for HIS LOVE for ME!  



Friday, November 2, 2012

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Two - Motherhood

It's hard to imagine an existence without my children. Motherhood has defined my life in a way that my once highly desired career path never could have. I am grateful for the opportunity and the PRIVILEGE to be the mother to four of the most AMAZING people to walk this planet!

Four very different young personalities grace our home - and I LOVE and CHERISH each of them. My life is complete because of their very existence. They inspire me with their talents and abilities. They make me laugh, they help me grow, and I'm not sure a single day has past that they didn't teach me something.
   
I'm humbled to have been entrusted with such amazing spirits. I am honored by their examples of love and service. And I am grateful for the blessing of being their mother.  


30 Days of Gratitude: Day One - My Better Half

I've decided to take on the challenge of posting each day this month one thing for which I am grateful. Coming up with 30 things is not hard for me, because, honestly, I have much gratitude for the many blessings in my life. Posting on my blog EVERY DAY for 30 days, however, may be a futile challenge! 

Day One:
When I count my BLESSINGS, I count him TWICE!

Many moons ago, when I was young, spunky, and perhaps even a bit foolish, I met an equally young, kind of quiet, and very wise (I mean, obviously: he married me!) young man. Little did either of us know at that tender age just how intertwined our futures would become.

Even then, he was different from the other guys I knew. The first time he tenderly kissed my forehead, I was a goner.  That soft-spoken, kind, and oh, so very patient boy was exactly what this loud-mouthed, opinionated, handful of a girl needed. He balanced me perfectly - and, four kids and seventeen years of marriage later, he still does.

He is the anchor that keeps this OCD nut sane. His patience is impeccable, his devotion unmatched. His constant pursuit of faith and knowledge inspire me. His wisdom humbles me. His laughter recharges me and his smile melts my soul! Today and everyday, I am grateful for my Ryan.


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Healer's Destiny

Welcome to the media blast for Healer's Destiny, the great new novel from author Julee F Page.

Not only are you entered for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Julee F Page, you also have the chance to win a copy of Healer's Destiny, as well as lots of other prizes from other authors and bloggers. In total there are 8 prizes to give away. That means 8 winners!

Enter on the Rafflecopter on this page, then hop on over to the other participating blogs listed beneath the Rafflercopter for more chances to enter.



A war is waged on humanity when the kingdom of Kavorin
realizes only male heirs are being born. The curse can only be broken by a
young girl brought up in secret. Her heritage protects her from human magic,
but in order to break the curse she must leave everything she holds dear and
face the most powerful man in the kingdom.


The daughter of a gifted blacksmith and student to the great
magician Gethin, Eliana finds her world turned upside down as she leaves her
home to fulfill her destiny. Trolls, heartless bandits, and dragons are only a
few of the dangers Eliana will face on her journey. What she doesn’t expect to
find is an angry god behind the chaos her world has been suffering from for so
many years.  
 
About the Author

Julee Page is an RN from SLC, UT. She lives with her husband
and two beautiful sons. Reading has always been a passion of hers and writing followed easily behind. While she loves all types of literature, Fantasy and Science Fiction are her favorites. She hopes her works will be enjoyed by many in the years to come.

 You can discover more about Julee at the following links:

Join Our Facebook Fan Page Follow Us On Twitter Join Our Facebook Fan Page Join Our Facebook Fan Page


You can purchase Healer's Destiny at the following links:


                                                 Amazon Barnes & Noble CreateSpace Smashwords




Now hop on over to these other blogs for even more chances to enter:

Healer's Destiny

Prose by Design

Sherry Gammon

Cindy C Bennett

Jamie Canosa

Felicia Rogers

The Last Selkie

Eve's Fan Garden

Queendsheena

Forbidden Reviews

My Devotional Thoughts

Lucky Books

Not Me Did It

Reader Girls

Vamps and Stuff


Maren Dille
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