Kathryn January 27th, 2011

Isn’t it wonderful how on an ordinary day, doing an ordinary thing you can have an experience that defines you, molds you and solidifies who you are. I had one such experience today, it is something I hope stays with me forever and also something I’m sure will happen over and over again.
A friend asked for advice (on Facebook!!), and I debated whether or not to give it….. I decided it was something I felt strongly about and so began to respond to her, part of my response reflected how I feel about the divine design of families, in particular the fact that children need both a mother AND a father. I also wrote about how restricting, tiresome, and all-consuming it is to hold a grudge and then I shared with her some wonderful examples I have had in my life.
After I wrote and was thinking about the conversation, I realised how strongly I felt about these things, and then suddenly, and almost shockingly, I realised that I didn’t always feel this strongly, and that somewhere in the past 10 or so years I changed and am now a completely different person. I became overwhelmed with gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the person it allows me to be. I am grateful for the many people who helped me change and who have made me a better person by their example.
As I’ve grown older, I have heard, and probably said, many times how I don’t really feel any different to when I was 17 or 18. Well today, that has never been farther from the truth. I feel that if that girl were before me today, I wouldn’t recognise her.
Today I have become so grateful for the fact that as human beings we are in control of our lives. If we want to change, we can. We have the ability to master our selves. We can decide who we want to become and through work, effort, and patience, we can become that person. How amazingly grateful I am that I am not the same person I was. If I was then I have no doubt that I wouldn’t have the amazing husband and son that I have today. I would not be secure in my knowledge of families and their role in our eternal existence.
Right now I am more grateful than ever to know who I am, where I am going and what this life is all about. I know what matters most, and I will treasure that for now and into eternity.

Somewhere in those years I decided who I wanted to be and I made the change. Today I woke up and realised that I AM that person – what an amazing experience that has been. I have much more growing and changing to do, but if I make those changes I will grow.

This may not make sense to many (or any of you) but for me it has been one of those feelings and experiences that is hard to put in to words, and will stay with me forever.

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Kathryn January 6th, 2011

For a few weeks now I have been receiving emails daily from a couple of wonderful people expressing daily gratitude. As I have thought about their gratitude and the example they are setting for all those who receive it, I have reflected on the many examples I have had in my life. Some of which I would like to share with you. Each one is for a specific person although I have chosen not to name them, but you never know, it could be you!

An Example of strength and Faith

No matter what challenges life throws at you, you never give up. You keep moving forward with faith although you know the road ahead is difficult and some times very lonely. You move forward and make the decisions that you do not want to make, but you do, because they’re right.

An Example of knowledge

You are constantly seeking to learn, and you never think that there is anything that you can’t learn! You are willing to give everything and anything ago. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but you always try… often over and over again! You may never know the profound impact this has had in my life.

An example of action and service

If ever something needs to be done you never wait for someone else to do it, or put off doing it your self. You get straight to work and get the job done! Even more than that you are so often doing that ‘something’ for someone else. An example I hope not only I but also my children can follow.

An example of quiet strength and humility

Words can not describe how I feel when I think about how our friendship has blessed my life. You never complain. There have been times when I have come to you in the hopes that I can offer you some comfort, when I know you are going through a hard time, and yet I come away sure that you have just lifted me much more than I could have done for you. You are constantly serving, and such a beautiful example to so many people… Yet I think you often don’t see just how beautiful you are inside and out!

An example of charity

What else can be said!? You are always doing something for someone else, and always so mindful of others… if only there were more people in this world as mindful and considerate as you.

An example of motherhood

This one applies to many more than one, but with one in particular in mind, you are an example of complete devotion to motherhood. Not much more can be said but that you are an amazing mother, and I strive to have as much devotion to motherhood as you do.

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