Be Thankful

I love cornucopias!

 The Cornucopia is also known as the Horn of Plenty. According to Wikipedia

it is a symbol of "abundance and nourishment."

To me, it represents the bounty of blessings that are mine.

 It represents the best of me, My Grateful Heart.

It reminds me to count my many blessings!

The traditional cornucopia we have had on our table for many years

is still packed carefully in a box in our home in American Fork, Utah. 

Though I'm missing it this year,

I know that it will be waiting for us next Thanksgiving.
It's a tradition that will continue!

The cornucopia has extra special significance because it reminds me of my mom. 

Many years ago, mom and I purchased matching cornucopias

that we lovingly unpacked each Thanksgiving, year after year. I knew that
when we visited her in her home, it would be fondly displayed just as it
was in my home. Today, though Mom has progressed from earth life
 on her eternal journey and I'm still finding my way through mortality, 
our cornucopias represent the connection of our grateful hearts. 
This is one of the many beautiful lessons mom taught me!

This morning, I received an email that had this beautiful poem included in it.
It is simple and yet it is so true.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything your desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
For it gives you opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
For  they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

I wish I could thank Author Unknown aka Anonymous. He/She often teaches me great things and I haven't been able to find a way to email, like, tweet or text to express my gratitude!



Transfer week begins tomorrow morning with our 19 incoming missionaries
leaving the MTC about 4 AM. They are all on the same flight and
will arrive about 4 PM tomorrow afternoon, exhausted, excited and a little dazed.
Elder Urban usually drives a 15 passenger rental van,
the Assistants drive the mission van complete with the trailer for luggage,
 and Elder Hunt drives the President and Sister Craven to greet the new missionaries.
They are driven to the Mission Home where Sister Craven
feeds them dinner and President Craven interviews each one of them.
Tuesday morning begins before 8 AM at the Mission Office with a Southern breakfast
of eggs and grits casserole (it's really nummy), fresh fruit,
 Krispy Kream Donuts (a NC original), chocolate milk and Orange juice.
Sister Scott is amazing and prepares this food for the new missionaries and us too.
We take care of each missionary's paperwork and photos
before they begin training from President, Sister Craven, Elder Urban and Elder Hunt.

Meanwhile, the missionaries being transferred throughout the mission
as well as  those 20 outgoing missionaries
 (who are saying farewell to North Carolina Charlotte Mission)
are traveling to the Mission Office for the 2:30 PM Transfer Meeting.
It is a joy to participate in this powerful, spirit filled meeting.
The chapel is full of wonderful missionaries.
Those headed home share their heartfelt testimonies.
Sister Craven also bears her witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Then President Craven will teach an inspiring gospel message.
New companionships are announced, lots of hugging is going around
 and new adventures and friendships are formed.

Then my favorite part is when we all sing,
"We Sure Love Ya, North Carolina"  (the Mission song).

It's an eventful wonderful exhausting day and we love it!

Those 20 missionaries leaving Wednesday morning will be having dinner
with the Cravens at the Mission Home, exit interviews, a little sleep
 and will leave at 6:15 AM for the airport.
Guess who leaves for the Mission Home at 5:30 AM on Wednesday to take them to the airport?
Guess who cries a little when we have to say good bye to these valiant
Sisters and Elders we love so very much?

All in all, it is a logistical nightmare but Elder Urban has helped it become a well oiled machine!


Elder Shumway will be home with his family for Thanksgiving.
I'm sure they are counting the hours!

Sister Phillips is being transferred as a new Sister Training Leader.
She's been with us for 6 months and we'll miss her!

 

I'm thankful for so many blessings.
 My relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ
 Our family, children, grandchildren, dear friends who are family too.
Technology that allows us to communicate with those we love.
The opportunity to serve this mission with my Sweetheart.
The amazing relationships we are making with people we are blessed to know here.
The Book of Mormon and teachings of the Prophets

I will continue adding to my list...
perhaps you are doing the same.

Sending our Thanksgiving love to y'all!