Day 7 - Attitude of Gratitude

I have resolved not to study on Sundays. It is a hard thing to do, especially in a competitive pre-professional program. But I'm doing it, even when the Lord tries my faith. For yesterday's AoG, I'm grateful for the Lord's tender mercies. I went to bed on Sunday night knowing that I had a molecular biology assay due on Monday. Naturally, I've had all week to complete it, but hadn't touched it. Well, I wouldn't expect this from the Lord every time, but a crazy miracle happened on Monday and my teacher was too sick to come to class and collect the completes assays. And today, (tuesday) I received an email that he will never be collecting them. Yessss....

Day 6 - Attitude of Gratitude

In my current ward, my calling is to be the ward choir director. I love it. I love it so much. Today I am grateful for ward callings.

Seriously, I had so much fun today as we began to work on the Christmas Program. It's nice to take some time to really enjoy some spiritual, beautiful, wonderful music centered on the joys of the birth of our Savior. I've been in choirs before (see below), so I know a thing or two about music, but I've never directed before. At first it was kind of scary, but seriously, my choir is so awesome. We just work through each song one at a time and by the time we're done they're singing phenomenal pieces like virtuosos. And we have so much fun while we do it.

I can't remember what this was for, but I sang with my buddy Dave in the Salt Lake Tabernacle last year. Way fun.

Day 5 - Attitude of Gratitude

It is dumping snow outside. I love snow! Cleanliness is next to Godliness, and whenever it snows, everything looks so clean and pure. Plus, it means that Christmas is coming, ski resorts are opening, I get to see a lot of my extended family, and everybody is getting in the holiday spirit!

Skiing in powder ranks in my top 5 favorite things to do.

Day 4 - Attitude of Gratitude

I missed yesterday, so I'm doing two today. Don't tell anybody.

Yesterday I went to Hale Theatre and saw "Curtains." It masterfully blended romance, murder mystery, and comedy into one very enjoyable play. I want to go back and see it again! My favorite character was their simple, honest, slightly awkward, theater-loving detective who spends his time solving mysteries, wooing one of his suspects, and even directing the play a little bit. I loved that he had the courage to try his hand as a thespian. And so, yesterday, I was grateful for freedom, freedom to pursue your dreams and be the master of your life.

Day 3 - Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for amazing roommates. I live with 3 other guys, 2 of which I've known since I was 6 years old, and I'm pretty sure I met the other guy in heaven before we were born. We've never had a disagreement, nobody cares if you steal a little bit of their milk (cause they probably took some of yours last week), and we take care of each other.

Just after Christmas last year with Gordy (childhood friend Marc creepin' behind him). Gordy will do anything for you. He's one of the truest friends you could ever have.

Alex - we share a room and it's sa-weeeet! Alex is from back east, and I only met him a coupla years ago, but he feels like family. And he's pretty much the friendliest guy in the world.

Can you believe that out of the four of us, it's this guy (Andrew) that's closest to marriage? Every day I thank my lucky stars he decided to live with us. He is my spiritual rock.

Day 2 - Attitude of Gratitude

Today, I am grateful for good health.


I am not the strongest boy in the world, but I am healthy, and I've got pretty great endurance. I love the way that getting a little physical activity makes me feel, and how it can change my day for the better. Another bonus, so far I have avoided contracting the swine flu. Thank goodness! Now, I am going for a morning run.

Going Public - an Attitude of Gratitude

This last Sunday, I spoke in church about developing an attitude of gratitude, trying to see God's hand in your life. One thing that I have been doing has been to write about something I am grateful for in my journal every day. It's good to acknowledge God's hand in all things. For the rest of the month of November, I'm posting every day about something God has done for me. (The exception being on Nov 20-29, during which time I will be in Mexico with Volunteers Involved in Development Abroad aka VIDA)


Today, I stopped for a little bit on my way to school just to appreciate the beauty of mother nature. The sun had just risen over the mountains and cast dappled shadows across a freshly-cut, and yet leaf-blanketed lawn. It smelled so fresh, and looked so wonderful! Today, God gave me a beautiful morning and a perfect day.