1) I'm thankful that I'm able to recognize, at least sometimes, when I'm starting to "get inside the box" toward people (see "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box"). Maybe someday I'll be able to do more than just recognize that fact.
2) I'm thankful that my daughter, who is just over 3 months away from being 6, is FINALLY getting to start school today. She's been so excited for this day for a long time now.
3) I'm thankful for the chance to take some time to focus on feeling gratitude. It makes a difference in how I feel about life each time I do it.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
30 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful that my oldest son got to call us on the phone yesterday because he is doing well enough in his treatment program to have earned that privilege. It was a joy for each of us to be able to talk to him, and I'm proud of his progress to this point. He's a great kid!
2) I'm thankful for the opportunity to work and be able to improve my life situation through my efforts. The USA is far from perfect, but I am aware of other countries with fewer freedoms and liberties, and thus fewer chances that someone who is not already near the top of the heap can work their way to a better future for themselves and their family. I know from my experiences of not being able to do anything to help my wife in her physical pains just how demoralizing it is to know that there is NOTHING that you can do or control or influence that can make a difference in the situation.
3) I'm thankful for the joy that my wife and I share in the company of the other. We're not always joyful, and we certainly have many of the same struggles as any other couple, but it is so comforting and relaxing to be able to know that the person that holds your heart has given you theirs to hold as well. It makes it fun to talk, tease, play, work, and just be together.
2) I'm thankful for the opportunity to work and be able to improve my life situation through my efforts. The USA is far from perfect, but I am aware of other countries with fewer freedoms and liberties, and thus fewer chances that someone who is not already near the top of the heap can work their way to a better future for themselves and their family. I know from my experiences of not being able to do anything to help my wife in her physical pains just how demoralizing it is to know that there is NOTHING that you can do or control or influence that can make a difference in the situation.
3) I'm thankful for the joy that my wife and I share in the company of the other. We're not always joyful, and we certainly have many of the same struggles as any other couple, but it is so comforting and relaxing to be able to know that the person that holds your heart has given you theirs to hold as well. It makes it fun to talk, tease, play, work, and just be together.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
26 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for the chance I get each week to visit with my oldest son in his residential program. We enjoy getting to see him, and even though I think it seems to him that we spend a lot of time talking about things that went wrong and how they can go better, it is good to see the progress that he is making.
2) I'm thankful that my work client introduced me to two books by The Arbinger Institute, "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box" and "The Anatomy of Peace". The concepts that are presented in those books are simple, but they are put together in a way that I have found to be very eye-opening and enlightening. I have enjoyed reading them.
3) I'm thankful that God has blessed some good friends of ours. They are having twins, and one of the twins had a very serious condition that the doctor expected would lead to her death in utero. This family and many friends have been fasting and praying on their behalf, and God has granted that her condition should improve. The doctor went from giving her a 1.5% chance of surviving until birth about 4 weeks ago to an 80% chance as of yesterday. Also a blessing is that the other twin has not had any problems during this time. It is truly a miracle!
2) I'm thankful that my work client introduced me to two books by The Arbinger Institute, "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box" and "The Anatomy of Peace". The concepts that are presented in those books are simple, but they are put together in a way that I have found to be very eye-opening and enlightening. I have enjoyed reading them.
3) I'm thankful that God has blessed some good friends of ours. They are having twins, and one of the twins had a very serious condition that the doctor expected would lead to her death in utero. This family and many friends have been fasting and praying on their behalf, and God has granted that her condition should improve. The doctor went from giving her a 1.5% chance of surviving until birth about 4 weeks ago to an 80% chance as of yesterday. Also a blessing is that the other twin has not had any problems during this time. It is truly a miracle!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
24 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful that my kids are excited about the first day of school and yet sad that they will be spending less time with our family. We've had a rough year, but this past summer has seen a lot of lightening of the load, and it has been enjoyable to pull together as a family and enjoy each other during that time. I believe we can continue to enjoy our family time during the school year as well.
2) I'm thankful for my education in regards to my career. I know many people who have been very successful in their work without having a bachelor's degree or higher, and I've also seen some of those people struggling recently to either move from a bad job situation to a better one, or to get hired in a new position after downsizing. I don't claim to be any smarter or more talented than these people, because I'm not. I do have a bachelor's degree, and I believe that it is helping me during this difficult economic time.
3) I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father. I know that He knows me personally, and that He loves me more than I can imagine. I'm thankful that he provides me opportunities for growth and development in all areas of my life, and that He is a perfect role model for me to try to emulate as I deal with my children.
2) I'm thankful for my education in regards to my career. I know many people who have been very successful in their work without having a bachelor's degree or higher, and I've also seen some of those people struggling recently to either move from a bad job situation to a better one, or to get hired in a new position after downsizing. I don't claim to be any smarter or more talented than these people, because I'm not. I do have a bachelor's degree, and I believe that it is helping me during this difficult economic time.
3) I'm thankful for a loving Heavenly Father. I know that He knows me personally, and that He loves me more than I can imagine. I'm thankful that he provides me opportunities for growth and development in all areas of my life, and that He is a perfect role model for me to try to emulate as I deal with my children.
Monday, August 23, 2010
23 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for an enjoyable Saturday spent in Logan, UT at the Aggie Family Fun Day. We got to play some games, win some prizes, buy new Aggie gear, and watch the football scrimmage. I'm realizing more and more that good memories with family come from doing things together.
2) I'm thankful that something that began as just "hey, this will be fun" has turned into the beginnings of a family tradition. We have taken to making brownies on many Sunday evenings as a fun treat to have, and the kids are starting to ask for them if we don't start on them. I can see this becoming the type of thing that they look back on with fondness as they grow older.
3) I'm thankful for a wonderful wife. Even though she's been feeling sick, and even though she hardly slept for more than an hour last night, she still is out and about taking care of the errands that have been weighing on her. I admire the way she keeps her spirits up most of the time even in the face of near constant pain, discomfort, or illness. I become the world's biggest wimp when I'm sick (I'm only the fifth biggest wimp when I'm not sick).
2) I'm thankful that something that began as just "hey, this will be fun" has turned into the beginnings of a family tradition. We have taken to making brownies on many Sunday evenings as a fun treat to have, and the kids are starting to ask for them if we don't start on them. I can see this becoming the type of thing that they look back on with fondness as they grow older.
3) I'm thankful for a wonderful wife. Even though she's been feeling sick, and even though she hardly slept for more than an hour last night, she still is out and about taking care of the errands that have been weighing on her. I admire the way she keeps her spirits up most of the time even in the face of near constant pain, discomfort, or illness. I become the world's biggest wimp when I'm sick (I'm only the fifth biggest wimp when I'm not sick).
Thursday, August 19, 2010
19 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for people who volunteer their time and efforts to help out with community activities like Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, musical productions, etc. These people are being very generous, and the benefits to those who are able to participate because of their generosity are numerous.
2) I'm thankful for a wonderful world to live in. It is a great blessing to have beautiful and varied environments, flora, and fauna to work with and enjoy.
3) I'm thankful for the political freedoms I enjoy as a citizen of the USA, and I recognize my responsibility to do my part to help maintain those freedoms for future generations.
2) I'm thankful for a wonderful world to live in. It is a great blessing to have beautiful and varied environments, flora, and fauna to work with and enjoy.
3) I'm thankful for the political freedoms I enjoy as a citizen of the USA, and I recognize my responsibility to do my part to help maintain those freedoms for future generations.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
18 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful that I get to visit with my oldest son again today, and that he has been making progress over the past month.
2) I'm thankful for the chance to spend time with my family each day and enjoy their love, personalities, and enthusiasm.
3) I'm thankful for the lessons that I have been learning over the past months. These lessons have helped me to try and focus on maintaining good relationships, because people are more important than things.
2) I'm thankful for the chance to spend time with my family each day and enjoy their love, personalities, and enthusiasm.
3) I'm thankful for the lessons that I have been learning over the past months. These lessons have helped me to try and focus on maintaining good relationships, because people are more important than things.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
17 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with my wife and children each day after work.
2) I'm thankful to have a good job that helps me to take care of my family.
3) I'm thankful for the chances for education that are so readily available to me.
2) I'm thankful to have a good job that helps me to take care of my family.
3) I'm thankful for the chances for education that are so readily available to me.
Monday, August 16, 2010
16 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for the chance my wife and I took on Saturday to do some needed work, then take a nice long date and enjoy the company of the other.
2) I'm thankful for the lessons I'm learning as I strive to become a better father to the three children I still have at home and the one who is currently in residential treatment.
3) I'm thankful for the support my wife gives me as I pursue my dreams, and I hope to be able to be supportive of her dreams in the same way.
2) I'm thankful for the lessons I'm learning as I strive to become a better father to the three children I still have at home and the one who is currently in residential treatment.
3) I'm thankful for the support my wife gives me as I pursue my dreams, and I hope to be able to be supportive of her dreams in the same way.
Friday, August 13, 2010
13 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for balance in life.
2) I'm thankful for diverse opinions to learn from.
3) I'm thankful for the good inherent in mankind.
2) I'm thankful for diverse opinions to learn from.
3) I'm thankful for the good inherent in mankind.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
11 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful that I took the time to take my three youngest kids on a date last night. We saw a movie, ate popcorn, got milkshakes to take home, and in general had a very fun time. My nearly three year old son kept saying "That was a good date, daddy."
2) I'm thankful for access to the internet and the good information and opportunities to learn that I am able to take advantage of.
3) I'm thankful for loving, wonderful parents who raised me well.
2) I'm thankful for access to the internet and the good information and opportunities to learn that I am able to take advantage of.
3) I'm thankful for loving, wonderful parents who raised me well.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
10 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful to have spent an enjoyable evening with family celebrating my the birthday of my oldest son yesterday.
2) I'm thankful that my wife and I have been able to pay off significant amounts of debt recently to help us get out from under that weight and be better prepared to face the future, whatever it may hold.
3) I'm thankful to have gainful employment at this time when so many people struggle to have the same.
2) I'm thankful that my wife and I have been able to pay off significant amounts of debt recently to help us get out from under that weight and be better prepared to face the future, whatever it may hold.
3) I'm thankful to have gainful employment at this time when so many people struggle to have the same.
Monday, August 9, 2010
09 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for being done with the estate sale for my father-in-law's belongings. It is bittersweet to be closing out these kinds of things, but that is much better than having the weight of them hanging over us.
2) I'm thankful that my oldest son is having his birthday today, and that immediate and extended family will be able to celebrate it with him at his program.
3) I'm thankful that God allows me to repent and try again each time I fail. I try not to fail, but it's a part of life than can help me become better if I will learn from it.
2) I'm thankful that my oldest son is having his birthday today, and that immediate and extended family will be able to celebrate it with him at his program.
3) I'm thankful that God allows me to repent and try again each time I fail. I try not to fail, but it's a part of life than can help me become better if I will learn from it.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
05 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for my wife, who cares so much about others and is always willing to try to lift them when they are down.
2) I'm thankful for my children, who are wonderful people that teach me a lot.
3) I'm thankful that my oldest son has been doing amazingly well in his program since we saw him at his camp last weekend.
2) I'm thankful for my children, who are wonderful people that teach me a lot.
3) I'm thankful that my oldest son has been doing amazingly well in his program since we saw him at his camp last weekend.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
04 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful to be able to start working on issues that have been unresolved for quite some time and be able to actually resolve them soon.
2) I'm thankful that my children are having a good summer and being good for their mother. I am blessed to have them in my life.
3) I'm thankful for the opportunities to serve and help others in addition to the service and help I have received.
2) I'm thankful that my children are having a good summer and being good for their mother. I am blessed to have them in my life.
3) I'm thankful for the opportunities to serve and help others in addition to the service and help I have received.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
03 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for a good friend who is also experiencing some family difficulties right now but is willing to help us get ready for a big estate / yard sale we hope to hold this weekend.
2) I'm thankful for being able to find the energy from somewhere to do the work that needs to get done.
3) I'm thankful for the faith of my wife and her initiative in encouraging us to read 5 pages of the scriptures every day as a family in an effort to find extra faith and blessings through our study.
2) I'm thankful for being able to find the energy from somewhere to do the work that needs to get done.
3) I'm thankful for the faith of my wife and her initiative in encouraging us to read 5 pages of the scriptures every day as a family in an effort to find extra faith and blessings through our study.
Monday, August 2, 2010
02 Aug 2010
1) I'm thankful for the chance to spend a good weekend with my oldest son and see how wonderfully he is doing to this point in being able to control his impulses. We were very worried about how his two week camp would go, but it went very well. Now we'll see if he is able to follow through after camp as well.
2) I'm thankful that, after having a long break before seeing my oldest last weekend, we will get to see him 3 times in the next 9 days, and that the other kids will get to see him on one of those days. Both he and they were disappointed that they didn't get to go see him this past weekend, but only parents were invited.
3) I'm thankful for a job with the flexibility that I have been able to take off as much time as I have needed to recently, but that also allows me to bank time for that when I work more than the normal amount of hours in a day.
2) I'm thankful that, after having a long break before seeing my oldest last weekend, we will get to see him 3 times in the next 9 days, and that the other kids will get to see him on one of those days. Both he and they were disappointed that they didn't get to go see him this past weekend, but only parents were invited.
3) I'm thankful for a job with the flexibility that I have been able to take off as much time as I have needed to recently, but that also allows me to bank time for that when I work more than the normal amount of hours in a day.
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