I love love love this time of year! Because there is so much to be grateful for and I can get away with expressing my gratitude for everything and everyone and not be seen as a weirdo for randomly saying thank you! haha. Just kidding, we NEVER need an excuse for being grateful! Especially to our Father in Heaven! Something that was said in relief society sums it up nicely:
WHAT IF WE WOKE UP TOMORROW AND HAD ONLY WHAT WE THANKED HEAVENLY FATHER FOR TODAY? ...just some food for thought! :)
It has been a crazy week here in Iowa! Monday night we were able to have dinner/FHE/birthday party at the Pena's home with Shari's friend Angie and her kids! It was so much fun!...and Angie was able to see the more "normal" side of us! :) Tuesday we had a relief society activity where we sewed some lap quilts and made those fancy shmancy crocheted scarves... it made me think of that quilt I have sitting at home that I started last year at this time. I think crocheting that thing is going to be the death of me! haha. I love learning all these handy dandy things though that I know will benefit me someday! ;) Wednesday evening we had dinner with the Jensens, and boy are they funny! Moki and Kurt both shared some mission stories and they were hilarious! Missions are full of excitement and surprises..and sure make for some fun memories! Thursday we had a little miracle (well, everyday we have little miracles...) but usually we go to the library and to mormon.org time on Saturday but we decided toThursday morning. We get to the library and see Shari and her kids talking to a lady. We get talking to her and find out another member in the branch had also talked to her and had her over. We had heard about Patti, but hadn't met her...and she just "happened" to be at the library the same day as us and we were able to meet her and talk to her a bit more. She recently converted to christianity, and is completely open to learning more! She has an adorable 5 year old daughter who has cerebral palsy... I just love how Heavenly Father continues to place us exactly where we need to be! Friday we were taken out to dinner to the nicest restaurant in Keokuk, "Angelini's". We are just a little spoiled... haha. Saturday Christy and her kids Akadia, Caleb, and Alexis were able to come to the Brodegards for dinner and a lesson...I love teaching kids! They beg their mom to take them to church, but sadly they didn't come yesterday. I am still grateful to see how the kids soak up the gospel, and know that mom will follow as we continue working with her.
The other night Sister Andersen and I were walking along, in our big coats and boots, and both of us started thinking about how grateful we are to have big coats and boots and warm houses to come home to...unlike our ancestors who had to deal without, walking across most of the united states! We were reminded of how nothing would be worth anything if we didn't have to sacrifice something for it. Sacrifice brings about so many blessings! And really, I am forever grateful for this time that I have to give to the Lord, because He has given me everything! I owe Him so much more, and always will! No matter what, if we dedicate our lives to serve God and keep His commandments, we will be taken care of. Even if we don't necessarily see immediate blessings, the blessings of Heaven will be poured upon us. I see that each and every day. The firey darts of the adversary are constantly being thrown at us, and it is our ability to chose to put on the armor of God and prepare ourselves to fight back, or not. Everything is our choice. We have been given the tools and armor, but it is always our choice to put it on. I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. For this time that I have to share my knowledge of them with others and help them receive the armor and tools to overcome the adversary in these days so we can all usher in the Savior for His second coming.
This week, focus on what you are grateful for... dedicate/rededicate ourselves to serving our Father in Heaven in gratitude for all He continues to give us. This life is so precious and so important, and I know that as we focus on what we are Thankful for and always express our thanks, things will be so much better! I love you all so much, and am eternally thankful for the strength and support you give me and have always given me.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
Love Always,
Sister Natalia Alston
Sister Natalia Alston
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| having way too much fun! |
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| Playing piano with Emily |
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| shadows and puffy coats |
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