JOY!!

I had so much fun recording my blessings and gratitude last month. It really helped me focus on what's important in life day-to-day and see the hand of the Lord and His tender mercies in my life! :) So, this month I'm going to record daily moments of JOY! :) After all, that's what life's about, right? :) "Men are, that they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25)." Here's another video to get in the spirit of the season of JOY!

Joy to the World!! :)

Dec. 1: being inspired by the Spirit while listening to two different General Authorities today--faith is the power, we're stewards, do the Lord's will, astonish the world, rise up and make a difference, miracles will happen, be happy, these are the best of times; being inspired to change and be better--be grateful, be happy, simply seek to do the Lord's will and let go of the rest, focus on what's critically important; friends who say hello or talk or help or share or visit
Dec. 2: finishing our ethics presentation, inspiration to verify lunch for tomorrow, institute, Mosiah 18, relationships, covenants, writing my personal code of ethics, learning, aha moments! :)
Dec. 3: a great class today on diversity that opened my eyes to new ideas, free lunch, nice compliment from a stranger, finishing a lot of little things, the temple and inspiration, good advice
Dec. 4: sleep, my scriptures, fun distractions, Christmas festivities
Dec. 5: learning, working, the Book of Mormon, Christmas songs and praises to the Lord, celebrating with friends
Dec. 6: Church, my testimony, fasting, gratitude, good music, a nap, scripture study, Christmas Devotional
Dec. 7: a covered parking spot, watching the SNOW!, an email from Samoa, pulling into the MTC (oh, all the memories!!), the Engisn
Dec. 8: beautiful and white winter wonderland, early morning scripture study time, personal inspiration and revelation while walking through the snow, learning the need for and striving to have a humble heart, finishing a class for the semester
Dec. 9: great roommates who bring things to school when I forget them, discussing with my fellow MPA class and friends how we will hold ourselves accountable to each other ethically going forward in our careers (after all, we do have a collective reputation), giving and how it makes us happy, one more presentation down, the sunset light on snow-covered Timpanogos, institute, books, Barnes and Noble, a schedule for the week and then no schedule for two weeks, a heart at peace
Dec. 10: finished with classes!!, an almost relaxed feeling, interesting thought-provoking discussions about Santa Clause, an amazing opportunity to go to China next semester, attending the temple!!!!, Gmail :)
Dec. 11: maps, helping others, work, chocolate cheesecake :), visiting teaching, Christmas music, completing a business plan
Dec. 12: SNOW, present deliveries, getting ahead on grading, pondering the coming of Zion, a nap, ward Christmas fun!
Dec. 13: Matt! :), singing in the choir, church, our Savior's love and life, chance to stand up for what's right, freedom, agency, constitution, reminder to be a good citizen, Joseph Smith and his life and mission, restoration of the gospel, Heavenly Father's plan, good uplifting music, Moroni 7:22
Dec. 14: studying with friends, finishing up work, FHE, the end of the semester in sight, time to play soon!!! :)

Dec. 15: steady progress towards my goals
Dec. 16: being done with finals!!!!, inspiration to take my phone :), warm day, my coat, pen and paper, my WONDERFUL sister and adorable niece and nephew, dessert, Loto Taha!!!, chance to learn Chinese, did I say being done with finals??? :)
Dec. 17: time to plan and organize and study things other than homework! :), scripture study, Temple Square!! :), missionary work, good friends and examples, good music, knowledge of our heavenly home
Dec. 18: warm bed, the BYU Bookstore during Christmas and end of the semester, the temple, HOME and family, flute-piano duets with mom (especially Christmas songs!!), trying on all the nativity costumes
Dec. 19: errands for/with dad, reading, dancing to Christmas music with Kayla :)
Dec. 20: testimony of Christ and giving, testimony of Joseph Smith, Sunday study time and discussion, grandmas, family togetherness, graham cracker houses, "The Nativity Story"
Dec. 21: EXERCISE, reading, efficient Christmas shopping, lists, email from Samoa, helping prepare for family gathering festivities, family nativity, service project, family discussions

Dec. 22: spreading out the Christmas celebrations all week long, discussions with Matt, just hanging out with the family, snow for Christmas, shoveling the driveway
Dec. 23: Joseph Smith, the Restoration, scriptures, more shoveling :), opportunities to meet new people, work, books, music, family
Dec. 24: impressions, guidance, some plans and goals for my life to tell family about, traditions
Dec. 25: sleeping in, a quiet Christmas with my wonderful parents, family!!!, I don't have a boil, talking to my great missionary brother in Western Samoa, relaxing at Grandma's
Dec. 26: getting organized, exercising, finishing things, starting new things, the temple, hanging out with the parents watching "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
Dec. 27: church, family, naps, gospel discussions

Dec. 28: exercise, more organizing, job ideas
Dec. 29: sleep, morning study time, shoveling the driveway some more, exercise, reading, getting a couple more job applications done, inspirational pondering time, learning new things
Dec. 30: someone else shoveling the driveway for me today!! :), Matt and Megan are home, gmail, being VERY productive, running errands with mom, biking, hanging out with Cari's family, finishing a few more job applications (a few that I'm actually kind of excited about)
Dec. 31: sunshine, finishing work, family togetherness, live saxophone of "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight :)