#GiveThanks

 On November 20 President Nelson invited us to post one thing on social media that we are grateful for each day and put the hashtag #givethanks for the next 7 days.  At first I thought it was just another media thing.  I would do it - because the church needs/wants good PR.  But I found that His ways are higher than my ways and as I should have known from the beginning, God has a greater purpose.  My kids also wanted to post but since they don't have social media I posted on mine.  I am going to put them all here.

November 20

I am thankful for Jesus Christ. He is my example. He is my Savior. He is my friend. I rely on his tender mercies, saving gace, and his promises every single minute of every single day. The last 3 years I have learned of the power of daily repentance and that ONLY through Him I can have a solid foundation and a reason for hope. #givethanks

Brock is grateful for a house that keeps us warm and that we have rec centers that we can go to and learn swim and have fun. #givethanks

Madison is grateful for the 2 babies that we have, that we can play with them, and that they smile at us. #givethanks

Megan is grateful that she can help people and make them happy. #givethanks

Noah is grateful that he could give service today. #givethanks

(We spent about an hour and a half in the grocery store parking lot taking people's carts from them and putting them in the cart return... not exactly life changing... but it made a lot of people smile)

November 21

I am grateful for my covenants with Heavenly Father. 5 years ago "my covenants" wouldn't have made it on my top 100 list... I don't think I would have even thought to be grateful for them. My covenants have become one of my most precious things in my life. My baptismal covenants made me a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have taken His name upon me. It gives me direction and purpose everyday. I know what to do, who and how to serve, and membership in His church. My temple covenants gave me power from on high. They give me purpose, boundaries, and protection. They also give me my family for eternity and promises that are deep and everlasting. I draw upon the peace and power from my covenants all day, everyday. They are the reason I am who I am, and the reason I do what I do. #givethanks

Madison is thankful for masks and hand sanitizer. #givethanks

Megan is thankful for Eve and her adorable faces. Because it brings joy into my sad life. #givethanks

(Hmmm.... didn't know Megan had a sad life... I guess I need to check in on that)

Noah is grateful for Eve. Because she is so cute and because of her I get love in my life. #givethanks

Brock is grateful for life. the end #givethanks

November 22

I am grateful I know the answer to life's 3 questions!

Where did I come from?

What am I doing here?

Where am I going after I die?

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that it gives me, it is because of this knowledge I have peace and direction. I am immensely grateful for God's commandments, "We love thy law, we will obey" is one of my favorite hymn lines. The Book of Mormon has changed my life, and continues to do so. I am so grateful for the Doctrine of Christ.

If you don't know the answers to those 3 questions... please ask! #givethanks

Brock is grateful for the scriptures. They keep me knowing the truth and gives me light in my life. #givethanks

Madison is grateful for my family because they love me no matter what I do. I love having siblings so close in age because there is always someone to turn to and someone to play with. #GiveThanks

Noah is grateful that Megan introduced me to creating houses and maps with boxes. I am also grateful for cardboard, and creativity. I love my box map of AmongUs. #givethanks

Megan is grateful she has time to put into making her rock village. #givethanks

November 23

There is nothing on this earth that I would rather do than be a stay-at-home mom. It is all I ever wanted. I am so grateful for Jason for making sure this dream is always a reality, even when it is really really hard.

My children fill my heart and soul with love, joy, purpose, and contentment. They challenge me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is hard, hard, hard work. But I love it. I am now ready to admit what everyone told me when they were young... it is harder the older they get. When I was "in the trenches" with a 4, 3, 1, and newborn (those were dark days:) I HAD to believe it would get easier. But big kids have big problems that can rip your heart out in a way that staying up all night with a baby can't. But lets be honest... that first time I just left in the middle of the day and went to the grocery store and just left them at home by themselves... I mean... THAT was joy!!! #givethanks

Megan is "grateful that it snowed today because I got to play with my friends and build Dane and igloo." #givethanks

Madison is "grateful for my friends. I love playing with them, we have so much fun together." #givethanks

Noah is "grateful for the snow because it looks pretty and I like epic snowball fights." #givethanks

Brock is "grateful for friends that are always there for me" #givethanks

November 24

I have been deeply blessed by this week of Facebook posts on gratitude. I don't want it to end. When the challenge was extended I rolled my eyes a little bit. But because I am obedient I did it. He knew what I/we needed. This has been such a blessing. Thank you President Nelson, Thank you Heavenly Father. #givethanks

November 25

Jason is my very best friend. I am drawn to him. When I am not with him i wish I was. If something happens to me or I hear something interesting he is the one I want to talk to. We still talk for hours and hours... it is kind of a problem. For that I #givethanks

November 26

I am grateful for my Hanna family. I have such a strong foundation on which to build because of them. Because of my mom I know the importance of being a good mom, how to cook, clean and throw a good party. She has a servants heart. She is the reason we all still come home. My dad is a worker. I didn't know how much this has meant to me until the last couple of years. He is always doing something and has a project going. Saturday mornings he is in the yard pulling out a tree or fertilizing something. He wants everyone to have a good time and has great ideas about how to do that. He wants to always go fishing, hiking, camping, boating, golfing, skiing or anything fun. He taught me how to do all of those things. My sisters... what can you say about sisters?? They are a part of who you are. I have unique and beautiful relationships with each of them. My brothers are practically perfect! I think they are 2 of the finest men I have ever met. They are both so so hard working and helpful - and have been since they were teenagers. They married perfectly and gave me two more sisters!! And are turning out to be fantastic dads. It is so fun to see your little brother's turn into dads!! These people are all deeply part of me and created me into who I am, and continue to do so. #givethanks

er

I obviously stopped posting the kids' and I was one day short. Well... I did my best. Even Jason got on board and posted on his author facebook page. His were deep and inspiring - as he always is.

(haha)

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Facebook posts

I have some deep thoughts about what the Lord is trying to tell his church through His prophet.  I believe he has been trying to tell us for years but we have been unwilling to listen.  I believe He is now showing us what he means through the pandemic.  One way he is doing that is technology.  I mostly hate technology and think most everything would be better without it.  I hate social media especially.  But I have come to know that technology is of God and that he intends to use it, including social media, to bring about His great work.  When this was revealed to me I repented and decided to start trying to follow Him by using social media for good.  At the lowest level I try to leave positive and uplifting comments on peoples posts.  Most weeks that this the best I can do these days. But back in the fall I was good about posting positive things myself.  One thing I don't like about Facebook is that it creates a record that isn't on my blog - so I intend to copy my facebook posts over here every once in a while.  Here are some posts from last fall.

10/26/2020 

I have never been a big social media user. In fact I have been "off facebook" for the last 2 or 3 months and I have loved it. But for the last week I have felt a strong prompting to intentionally use social media to share more of my heart. Honestly, I don't have much to share and the thought of adding something to my HUGE list is overwhelming. But I feel like I need to comment on posts more, encourage people, and spread light. I guess I am posting this becasue I want people to know that my sudden use of social media is intentional and to hold myself accountable.

10/27/2020

My sister is amazing and started a podcast! I am so proud of her for listening to the Spirit and following her prompting. She has been guided on this journey and I can't wait to see where it takes her. Her first episode is about her and husband and their marriage journey. It will make you laugh and cry. Way to go Kate!

10/31/2020

Over the last few months I have become so aware of and so grateful for all the people who love and help my children. My children's teachers have become some of my most important allies, who I now see as vital relationships and am overwhelmed at the love and time they freely give to my children. Then tonight I felt flooded with emotions as I saw neighbors step up during this crazy year to make sure the kids had a great time trick or treating. Everyone went all out. The love and selflessness was tangible. I could tell that they all wanted nothing more than for the kids to have a great night. I love and am so grateful for all the people who touch my children's lives everyday. Thank You!

11/1/2020

I am grateful everyday that we added these "pumpkins to our patch". They have been the greatest blessing and everyone agrees. I asked Brock on a mom and son date on Friday what the best thing in his life was and he said Eve. haha Life is a lot harder then it would have been and sometimes I think "what have I done?" But the love and joy makes it all worth it. "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven."

11/2/2020

Today while listening to a talk I was reminded that the word "sacrifice" means "to make sacred". In my previous post I called the decision to have more children a sacrifice. I meant it in the way we usually use that word - hard, giving something up, a loss, etc - even though I understood that it would bring blessings - it had a negative connotation. But today I realized that the true definition "to make sacred" is actually what happened. Having these babies has made our family, our life, our hearts more sacred.

11/3/2020 (Krista Weister's post about me)

Jamie is much more than a Facebook friend. She's a change your life in the best possible way kind of friend! She inspires me with her amazing mothering. She has 6 kids, and is so in touch with what each one needs individually. She has taught me so much about sacrifice, compassion, service, and love. I'm forever grateful for your influence and friendship, Jamie!

Krista

 and 

Jamie

 are celebrating 6 years of friendship on Facebook!

See Your Memories

11/5/2020

The truth is I have thoroughly enjoyed these last 2 days. I have loved checking on voting stats and election counts. It has been a nice change of pace to focus on something outside of my regular routine right now. And the drama and absurdity of it all just adds to the escapism that I am apparently craving right now. It would be great...if it weren't so sad. 😔

11/8/2020

There are so many voices. So many things to worry about. So many choices. When I'm feeling confused, alone, or afraid, I choose to hear Him. Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Redeemer, and King. And when I stop and listen to Him, He speaks to me and I know what He would have me do. Can you hear Him?

YOUTUBE.COM

#HearHim: Listen to the Voice of Jesus Christ

What happens when we mute the noise around us, and listen with our h

11/15/2020

I am so grateful for Sundays! This video speaks to my soul.

CHURCHOFJESUSCHRIST.ORG

The Sabbath Is a Delight

Viewers are reminded the Sabbath is a blessing to renew our bodies and spirits, and draw us closer to God, and away from the frenetic requirements of the world.

11/18/2020

This. (an adorable video of missionaries)  This for SO MANY reasons.  

Because as a disciple of Jesus Christ I am grateful everyday to be a member of His church and learn how to follow Him.  

Because these boys gave 2 years of their lives to serve Him and when it didn't go the way it was supposed to  they make WONDERFUL videos instead.  

And because I believe that peace and joy can be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

These missionaries are His servants and they are serving Him with joy and gladness, even in hard times.  Please watch the video, it will make you smile.

https://www.facebook.com/ItisHayden/videos/953829845065124

12/21/2020

I love the symbolism of having the "christmas star" on the longest and darkest night of the year and the year 2020 to boot! The night is darkest just before dawn. Jesus Christ was born and He still lives today. He is the hope of the world!

12/24/2020

She will grow to either love today or hate it.

Merry Christmas EVE!

Our best Christmas EVE ever!

We love our Christmas EVE!

haha, I could do this all day....

AND sadly I haven't posted ANYTHING sense.  I did so good October - December and then NOTHING!  I try to think of something uplifting and inspirational and I have nothing.  I still try to leave positive comments  - but, honestly, I do that about once a week.  I just don't really have anything to say.  Maybe I should pray and ask for help.  What does He want me to post today?