STaffy's Sunday Six Nov. 23,2008

My Sunday Six will be short of pictures this week. I have lots to smile about and be thankful for, but I only have a short while to be on the computer. This week is full of family and visiting and fun and cooking and eating...and not much time for blogging. ... even though you blog friends are special and dear to me.

1. I just love Autumn.

We have not had much autumn weather in CA. We have had a few cooler days but mostly we have been in the 80s and 90s or higher.... along with hot Santa Ana Winds. That is not too conducive to lighting a fire in the fireplace or having hot chocolate.....but.....I still love the spirit of fall... The spirit of the harvest.... The spirit of Thanksgiving. Isn't it nice that we have a special season set aside to be thankful! It is a special season that brings family and friends together to count our blessing and celebrate. This Thanksgiving season makes me smile.

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2. I am thankful for my testimony.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that He died for us and took our sins upon Himself so that we will be able to be forgiven and return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father again. I believe the Bible when it says that some day every knee will bend and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. I feel blessed that I know this when so many in the world do not. I wish that I could share my testimony of His gospel with all of the world. I wish that everyone could feel the same joy that my testimony brings to me.

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3. I am thankful for my family.

Erin found this old picture of our family among her things. I know that it is a silly one but I just love it. It reminds me of the fun times we had together when our kids were growing up. It makes me smile to think of my family.
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I feel so blessed to have a good husband and children that love me and the Lord and try to follow His teachings in their daily lives. I am thankful that our children are teaching their children to read the scriptures and follow the examples of Jesus. None of us is perfect that is for sure.....but we are trying to be good and live righteous lives. When we make mistakes we try to repent and do better the next day.

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When our four children were small, John and I tried to set good examples for them. Now that they are grown they are setting good examples for us. Nothing in this world....not wealth....or fame...or power could bring me the joy that my family does. I am thankful for each one of them.

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4. I am thankful for the scriptures.

I am so thankful that I can learn about what God wants me to do through the scriptures. Today in church a return missionary told us that in the area of the world she had served in, most did not have scriptures of their own. Families would get together to read and share the gospel messages with each other.

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I am so glad that I have been raised having and reading the scriptures. I love the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ. It does not take the place of the Bible but is a companion to it. It is the story of the people that lived on this continent at the same time the Bible was written about the people that lived in the Jerusalem area.

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Many of you may think that I am foolish to believe in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon offers a challenge to those of you who feel this way. In Moroni chapter 10 verse 4 it says if you will read the Book of Mormon with a sincere heart and pray and asked God if it is true, the Holy Ghost will manifest the truthfulness of the book to you. I have done this. I love reading in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. They bring peace, comfort and direction to my soul. If you do not read the scriptures regularly I invite you to do so. They will bring smiles to your face, and hope to your heart, as they do mine.

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5. I am thankful for good friends of all denominations and faiths that set a good example for me to follow.

This is a picture I took at our last Women's Club meeting. I have many sweet friends that do a lot of good in our community through this club. They volunteer at the Settlement House, the homeless shelter, the library and for other worthwhile causes throughout our city. They read to the homeless children and tutor them with their schoolwork. They raise money for scholarships given to each of the high schools. They busy themselves all year long doing good and giving service where they see it is needed. I am honored and blessed to serve with these ladies. They do not share my faith but they share my love. It makes me smile to follow the good examples that these dear women set for me.

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6. I am thankful for my blog friends.

Reading through your various posts brings me so much pleasure. You set good examples for me. You make me laugh. You give me recipes. You inspire me. You touch my heart. Sometimes you make me cry as I read of the challenges you face with courage and faith. You make me want to be a better person as I read of the service you give to others.

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I look forward to the comments you make on my blog. I appreciate how good you are to me and how supportive you are. I started this blog just to keep in touch with my children that live outside of CA. I never thought that I would make such dear friends in cyberspace. Thanks to each of you that brighten my world and make it a better place. You truly do make me smile.

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I wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

May God's blessings be upon you all.

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Love, Grammy Lura