Thanksgiving Tribute #30

Maps

Isn't this photo adorable!

Oh dearest Maps, I would be super ungrateful if I didn't include her in these thanksgiving tributes. After all, 30 people in 30 days was her idea.

I truly find the Lord's puzzle work of life incredible! It doesn't matter how long or short a person is in your life. What does matter are the lessons you learned from them and the memories you share. Maps and I met a few years back. Congenial really. We had mutual friends. She was (and is) a bright happy light. It was easy to become friends with her. What I've never told her is how greatly she's influenced my life... and its been a lasting influence. Ironically enough, she's taught me the life lesson of gratitude. How perfectly appropriate.

One of my earliest memories of Maps was sitting around a campfire during a week long service project we were participating in. I noticed each night she would be writing in her journal. What I soon discovered was that it was a gratitude journal and that each day she would record the things she was grateful for that day. She had numbered each one and over the years she explained that she had accumulated several books full of these gratitude lists.

Years later I was working for a summer youth camp and was having a particularly hard time spiritually. A revelatory thought struck me and I remembered these books Maps had written. What a wonderful idea! So I tried it out... by the end of the summer my little booklet was full and so was my Spirit. I've carried on the tradition for several years now (better at times than others), but it has been a source of strength in my life for which I will always be grateful for.

In a recent Religion class I shared Maps' example of gratitude and these books she has written. My sweet perceptive professor (Elder Hammond) smiled and said that he can only image what it will be like for her at Judgement. Those books will be presented to the Lord and he will escort right into the Celestial kingdom. I couldn't help but smile myself because I'm sure that can't be far from the truth.

Thank You Maps for teaching me the power of gratitude.

Thanksgiving Tribute #28 & #29

Kristi Lee

Taiwan 2010

Kristi is my honorary sister. She and I probably act more like sisters than me and my sisters. That might be because our mothers are sisters and we are only 9 months apart.

She and I have survived each other for 24 years (as of December 1... ha ha). Anyone who can make it through the adventures of childhood, the drama of teenagehood (I know its not a real word), and the independence of young adulthood is doing pretty good. I think we've done a pretty darn good job. Kristi has always been the sweet, calm, smart, hardworking, lovable one that I've had to compete with all these years. ha ha. But I love her anyway and am grateful for her example of excellence in my life. Anything she does, she does it 100%. She has wisdom beyond her years (yeah I'm calling you old). I am often the grateful beneficiary of that wisdom.

Kristi, Thanks for having sleepovers at grandmas house watching fiddler on the roof and laughing until 3am (sorry Cindy!). I sure love you.

No post about Kristi would be complete without a twin tribute to:

Holli Berry

Holli is the one that kept sanity between Kristi and I for all of these years. Really, really. She is the older, more mature sister of the three. :)

I am grateful for how much this girl has taught me about life (she is three whole years my senior). She has exemplified courage, being concerned about others, knowing what to say and how to say it, being involved, persevering through tough situations, and enjoying the ride. I've very much appreciated this last one especially. She might not be aware of it but she has an incredible optimism about life. I'm not sure I've ever heard her complain.

I love these two girls.

Kristi and Holli, Thanks for loving me through all those years of annoyance and being such wonderful cousins.

Thanksgiving Tribute #24, #25, #26, #27

My Treasures

aka. My Aunts

L-R: Mom, Anna, Sherri, Cindy, Karen

I don't know how it came about but my aunts started reffering to themselves as their nieces and nephews' "treasures" and it's stuck. ha ha These are my treasures:

Anna: Oh Anna. Anna has taught me (along with my mother and other treasures) how to be a homemaker. If there was a Homemaker of the Year Award I would nominate her. Her 5 boys would probably nominate her too. 5 BOYS! ah! Oh and one very perfect daughter of course. All growing up I loved being at Anna's house because of the Spirit in her home. I also dearly love the way she and my mom interact. Kristi and I are still laughing (years later) at them.

Sherri: I covet Sherri's creativity. But you all should covet that Sherri is in my family and not yours. nienner nienner nienner Sherri is amazing, and her food is divine! I don't know how she does it but she has saved my college years and my party plans with her recipes. hmm hmm good I'm grateful for Sherri showing me that talents come in all shapes and sizes and I shouldn't be afraid to find mine.

Cindy: What do you say about Cindy?! She is... Cindy. ha ha All growing up all my friends knew and loved her almost as much as I did. She is the life of the party. But she has also taken the time to know the details of my life. She is an incredibly selfless server. I am grateful for her example of finding a need around the house or family and meeting it with no complaints. One day I want to grow up to be like her. :)

Karen: When I think of Karen I can't help but smile, really, I'm smiling right now. Karen makes me smile... and she makes me laugh... really really hard... regularly. Her optimism and humor have blessed my life countless times. I can't help but love being around her for the natural endorphins I get! She has shown me how beautiful life is and that I should make sure I'm enjoying it.

As you can see I have the greatest of "treasures."

Thanks ladies for teaching me the greatest of life lessons.

I love you!

Tribute #23

President Mack

Mission Homecoming 2010

Just like President Hinckley will always be my prophet, President Mack will always be my Stake President. ha ha From the time we moved to Utah when I was 8 yrs old to the time I moved away from home (ish) he was my Stake President. I am so grateful for his example of righteous priesthood leadership. I appreciated him long before, but I realized on my mission how much of my understanding of Priesthood leadership was a result in what I experienced and observed with him.

I remember the hugs and the words of encouragement when I messed up a presentation at Girls Camp. I remember the words of counsel he shared when I prepared to leave home for college. I remember how he lead meetings by the Spirit. I remember walking into their home and feeling the power of the Gospel among their family. And I am grateful for his words of wisdom when I returned home from my mission about how to keep my testimony strong.

Thanks President Mack for being a righteous Priesthood holder.

Thanksgiving Tribute #22

Grandma Merlene

Girls Day 2011

Oh how I love my grandmother. You just have to meet her.

My whole life she has set the perfect example of unconditional love and acceptance. For example, when I went to church with her this weekend EVERYONE knew her and wanted to come see her. I could see it... each person had felt her love and wanted a great big Merlene hug. A favorite image I have of that day was when this sweet (and a little awkward) teenage girl walked by with her eyes unconfidently down and before she even knew it she was wrapped in a hug from my grandmother who was whispering words of love and encouragement to her. Her glow was visible.

Another favorite memory of my grandmother took place a few years ago. We were celebrating my grandparents' 50 year Anniversary at The Little America. The weekend was supposed to be all about my grandparents but one day my cousin and I were sitting in the lobby when my grandmother comes over arm in arm with this petite, dark complected woman. We had no idea who she was but my grandmother eagerly introduced us to her. They had met years before when my grandparents had stayed in this hotel previously. This woman was an immigrant and had little family but the hotel. My grandmother had taken her under her wing and loved her like grandma does. They had exchanged letters for years after that initial meeting and considered each other dear friends.

That experience had a great impact on me. My grandmother doesn't look past anyone, she sees each person as a child of God and loves them accordingly.

Thank You Grandma, for teaching me how to love.

Thanksgiving Tribute #21

Bugs

I love my little brother... I really do... I think.

A picture tribute would be in order.

California 2011

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet. ~Vietnamese Proverb

Bridal Viel 2011

Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way. ~Pamela Dugdale

Rocket Shoot 2011

It snowed last year too: I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea. ~Dylan Thomas

California 2011

I, who have no sisters or brothers, look with some degree of innocent envy on those who may be said to be born to friends. ~James Boswell

New York 2011

I couldn't have asked for a more annoying, funny, ridiculous, hardworking, loving little brother.

Thanks Brandon for keeping me in line.

Thanksgiving Tribute #20

Sister Painter I

Mission Homecoming 2010

This woman represents strength.

Her faith and determination have been a blessing in my life.

I've been blessed with the most wonderful family, my Aunt Marjorie included. She has mentored me through my mission and through life. I'm grateful I have her counsel and encouragement to turn to.

We go way back... to the gummy bear days. :) I've been stubborn and selfish in my few years but she has always provided an example of selfless service and patience.

Marjie, thanks for always believing in me and pushing me to do my best.

Love Sister Painter II

(My littlest sister calls herself Sister Painter III)

Thanksgiving Tribute #19

Sister Thacker

Well technically her name is Andreanna Slade now :)

Summer 2009 in Fairfield, OH

Andreanna is a friend of ALL SEASONS. I had to laugh when I was looking at pictures of the two of us because, really, we have a picture in every season. Anda trained me as a missionary and then we ended up serving together for 9 months! (Exactly half of a Sister's Mission) I love this girl like my sister... probably because she was for so long. People even think we look like sisters. I think they even thought we were twins once.

She truly is a friend for all seasons. Really, if my car broke down I know Anda would be the first one at the scene no matter what length she had to drive (maybe Idaho is a little far from Arizona... but you get the point). She is a 1 in a million friend.

She was not only an incredible missionary and a powerhouse of a testimony she is one of the sweetest, happiest, hardest working, well-meaning "daughters of God" I know. She definitely had some endless patience with me in the mission field...endless. I will forever be grateful that she didn't give up on me. I am also grateful for her example of having righteous desires. I have long admired her practically perfect intentions in every situation she encounters.

Winter 2010 in West Chester, OH

Anda, really, thank you for not giving up on me.

Thanksgiving Tribute #18

Kenna

Kenna is simply amazing. We were introduced a few years ago through a mutual friend and bonded over longboarding. :) Ironically, I haven't seen her since BUT I consider her a great influence on my life.

She is one of those people whose strength is heroic. Through trials and turmoil she has always come out on top (whether she feels that way or not). I love how she is 100% REAL. She doesn't sugar coat life but recognizes the worth of experiences. Although I haven't seen her in years her blog, emails, and chats have encouraged and uplifted me so many times. I consider her a true sister, an avenue of the Spirit.

Thanks Kenna, for teaching me that life really is worth living no matter how hard it gets. I sure love you!

Thanksgiving Tribute #17

This one might be a little silly, but I am grateful for...

Jethro

I've been thinking about him a lot recently. Mostly due to the fact that I'm partially obsessed (is it possible to be partially obsessed?) with the Prince of Egypt. As much as I love the movie I also very much appreciate the man in the Old Testament who represented wisdom, righteous leadership, and the power of the priesthood.

However, I also love the character of Jethro, mostly because of this inspired song:

A single thread in a tapestry

Through its color brightly shine

Can never see its purpose

In the pattern of the grand design

And the stone that sits on the very top

Of the mountain's mighty face

Does it think it's more important

Than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth

Or where your value lies?

You can never see through the eyes of man

You must look at your life

Look at your life through heaven's eyes

Lai-la-lai...

A lake of gold in the desert sand

Is less than a cool fresh spring

And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy

Is greater than the richest king

If a man lose ev'rything he owns

Has he truly lost his worth?

Or is it the beginning

Of a new and brighter birth?

So how do you measure the worth of a man

In wealth or strength or size?

In how much he gained or how much he gave?

The answer will come

The answer will come to him who tries

To look at his life through heaven's eyes

And that's why we share all we have with you

Though there's little to be found

When all you've got is nothing

There's a lot to go around

No life can escape being blown about

By the winds of change and chance

And though you never know all the steps

You must learn to join the dance

You must learn to join the dance

Lai-la-lai...

So how do you judge what a man is worth

By what he builds or buys?

You can never see with your eyes on earth

Look through heaven's eyes

Look at your life

Look at your life

Look at your life through heaven's eyes

Thanksgiving Tribute #15 and #16

Grandma and Grandpa Painter

Wedding Day a long time ago :)

Why I am grateful for these two:

-They have taught me how to work hard, whether that be running a business or doing your family history

-They loved and raised 10 kids! One of whom happens to be my father.

-They loved and raised 40 somethin' grandkids! One of whom happens to be me.

(I don't even know how many great grandkids there are)

-They have persevered in the face of hardship (including health issues, family problems, death of loved ones, business aggravations, etc.)

-They love me for me. To them it doesn't matter what I do, but who I am. (Of course they encourage you to do the right thing too)

-They have always been so supportive of my goals and accomplishments

-I am grateful for their abundant wisdom

-I'm grateful for my grandmother's rice pudding (funny to be grateful for a food but if you tried it you would be grateful too... hmm hmm)

-I am grateful for their testimonies

I just love them.

Thanksgiving Tribute #14

Emily Plessl

Snowboarding 2011

I know I have way to many cliche little analogies BUT...

If I was YIN, Emily is my YANG.

We make a harmony, a perfect balance. te he he

The Chinese symbol represents when opposites are in harmony they create a perfect balance. Emily is my balancer. :) Her strengths balance me. She is sweet and patient, calm and caring. Anything she does is 100% genuine.

Emily and I met when we worked at Badger Creek in 2007. (A long time ago!) I think I just loved her right off. I remember being in awe of her goodness and her sense of adventure. Needless to say we had some fun times together. Since then I've been blessed to have her as a mission companion (not really, just via letters), a roommate, an exercise partner, a shoulder to cry on, someone to be spontaneous with, someone to adjust to real life after the mission with, and, of course, my yang.

Badger Creek 2007

Oh Em, thanks for keeping me balanced! What would I do without you?!?!

Thanksgiving Tribute #13

Shalyn Blackham

At the University of Bethlehem 2011

Shalyn is my Diana Barry. My "kindred spirit." My "bosom friend." ha ha I know the Lord knew I needed her example and influence in my life. We joke that she is my clone because she is always experiencing what I did about a year before. However funny and ironic it is- it does make for some GREAT debriefing discussions. Yes, I said debriefing discussions. Shalyn and I debrief life. Its true. Speaking of which I feel long overdue for one. ha ha.

Anne and Diana

I quite frankly don't know what I would do without her. She has blessed my life in so many ways. Her example of righteousness, integrity, hard work, endurance, love, forgiveness, selflessness, and sacrifice has given me the courage to try and live those principles myself. Her warmth and goodness to people has extended far past her perceived sphere of influence.

Bunkie, thank you for being my Diana.

Thanksgiving Tribute #12

Flannel :)

Yes that is his name.

High School 2005 (ish)

What are best friends for?

-someone to talk to

-someone to go on adventures with

-someone to cry to

-someone whose hugs will make everything better

-someone to laugh with

-someone to call when you need advice

-someone to help you realize you were wrong

-someone to share inside jokes with

-someone to do nothing with

-someone to tell your good news to

-someone who will go to the grocery store with you

...and make it fun

-someone who will put up with you

...the real you

-someone who is patient with all of your ridiculousness

-someone who loves you anyway

-someone who helps mold you into a better person

2011

This man has been such a blessing. (I know I always say that, but I mean it!) He is a rock. I appreciate the way he makes me think outside the box. His conversations are meaningful and intelligent. I admire how he tries to understand the world around him. He has taught me the importance of pondering over current events, moral issues, scriptures, and doctrinal principles.

He is patient and kind and always willing to forgive. He has the gift of discernment. He knows when to be serious and knows when to have fun. (Although, I might prefer his fun side I definitely appreciate his serious one:D ) I know that he takes life and the gospel seriously and desires to do the Lord's will. He has taught me so much.

I couldn't ask for a better friend. Thanks Nathanael.

Thanksgiving Tribute #11

Brother Ladle

There are some teachers that will never know the influence they have had on the world. Often they don't even know the influence they have had one just one person- their student.

I took a class from Brother Ladle before my mission. It was a Preparation for Eternal Marriage class (oh the irony). His teaching and testimony helped me gain a better understanding of the gospel and allowed an avenue for the Spirit to teach me the things the Lord wanted me to know.

Although his class was wonderful the thing I am most grateful for was how he seemed to reshape my confidence when I felt it had been shattered. It is hard to explain how he did it, but he did. He helped me see that I had potential when I really felt like I had none. I believe that is the definition of a truly great teacher.

Thank you Brother Ladle.

Thanksgiving Tribute #10

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Everytime I hear his voice there is a warmth that flows through my spirit. He was the prophet of my youth, my prophet. His example greatly influenced my growing up years. I love him. I am truly grateful for him.

Thanksgiving Tribute #8 and #9

My Sisters

NYC Trip 2011

Danielle

Dani has one of the happiest dispositions of anyone I know. She is always making friends and talking to anyone she can. I admire how much she loves people and how much they love her back! This little girl faces life with a smile even through her challenges. She has been such a blessing to me when I've been down and she shares her sincere concern and sympathy with me. I'm grateful for her constant love and encouragement.

She is a beautiful girl.

Dani and I at the Witches Festival 2011

Brittany

aka BB

This little girl brings so much zest into my life. Ever since she was a small she had a sense of adventure bigger than would seem to fit inside her little body. Her bravery blows me out of the water. For years I've been jealous of her self confidence. My sister who is 13years my junior can put me to shame when it comes to talking to strangers, making friends, or doing something daring.

One thing I'm most grateful for Brittany is her love for me. Her unconditional love and acceptance is a blessing. I looked forward to her letters on my mission, and I love getting her texts and calls now. And I'm always down for some sister time. She is a little gem.

BB and I after the Festival of Colors 2011

Basically, I have been so blessed. I love these girls.

Thanksgiving Tribute #7

Grandpa Boyd

This man is my hero.

To this day, I have never met a more honest, hardworking, purely good man. His character is one I hope to cultivate by the end of my life. He truly is a man of God: full of integrity. One of the things I admire most about my grandfather is his attitude. Through years of diabetes and its related health issues I have not heard him complain once. Not once! (And here I complain about the slightest ailment.) He is my hero for the bravery and determination he faces every day with.

One of my favorite memories growing up is how eager my grandfather always was for me to show him my dance dresses in high school. (I secretly loved it.) He would appropriately ooh and ahh and I would always walk away feeling like a princess (which is pretty good for that high school self consciousness).

I hope I can live half as productive a life as he has. I love him dearly and admire what he has become and what he has done with his life.

Thank you Grandpa for being my example.

Thanksgiving Tribute #6

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

You don't have to meet a person to be grateful for them. I've never met Elder Jeffrey R. Holland personally but he has had a profound effect on my life... several times.

My first real experience with Elder Holland (I'm not counting watching General Conference for years and years and years) was in September of 2008. I was carrying a burden that I didn't think I could carry. I was broken. I remember sitting down to watch a CES Fireside on Sunday in late September with a fervent prayer in my heart for peace and understanding.

The speaker was Elder Holland. He spoke on "prison temples." He taught that often our most difficult times of trial can also be some our most sacred experiences. Those times that we are the most sad, the most lost, the most broken are the times that our Savior is closest. I felt the power of his words and I knew it was true. Even today, in my mind, I can still hear his declaration that "Heavenly Promises are ALWAYS kept."

Two other experiences that will always stand out to me...

1. When he spoke to the missionaries and outgoing mission presidents at the MTC my last week there. The one statement I will always remember is when he said, "Welcome to the work of angels, welcome to the work of the divinity." Wow.

2. And during my mission when he added his witness of the Book of Mormon during General Conference (and endeared himself to every missionary!) and declared he knew it to be true. I love that talk and have listened to it over and over. (Find it HERE)

What a good man of God and a righteous influence to so many! I really hope I get to meet him someday.

Thanksgiving Tribute #5

Rachel Briggs

(at my mission homecoming. we hadn't seen each other in three years!)

This girl makes me so happy!

Rachel is the kind of person that lights up a room when she walks in. She has the light of Christ so strong that it just can't help but emanate from her. Her smile, laugh, and optimism are contagious. I have always admired her selfless focus on serving others. I have been the grateful beneficiary many times. The whole reason we are friends now is because of that selfless service extending a warm hand to a reclusive me. ha ha I was pretty standoffish from the social scene at the BYU Jerusalem Center where we met. Rachel, in all of her love and enthusiasm for life sucked me right in. I couldn't help but be her friend. No, really, I couldn't.

I will always admire the work ethic of this girl. I'm pretty sure one day she could be President of the United States if she wanted to. Although, I'm sure the Lord already has plans for her to be the General Relief Society President. :)

Rachel, thank you for being such a blessing in my life. And thank you for always offering the hope of the Atonement. You are a true friend... and I love your stinkin' guts!

Thanksgiving Tribute #4

Ron and Sandi Hammond

(pictured here with my roommates and I)

I love this couple! Since I met them in January they have changed my life simply by their Christlike examples. I first met them when I took Teachings of the Living Prophets from Elder Hammond (he was recently released as a general authority). Sister Hammond sat in on every one of his lessons. I remember the first few class periods I could hardly take them seriously because they were so sweet! How could anybody really be that wonderful?! I quickly realized, however, that they were 100% sincere in their goodness and selflessness.

During my first few weeks as an ordinance worker at the Rexburg Temple I was pleasantly surprised that they were on my same shift. It was definitely a blessing to know someone and they took me under their wings and made me feel welcome. They have a way of making anyone they are with feel like a million bucks.

Countless times, I have been in awe of the depth of their relationship. I have never seen a happier or more Christlike marriage. They have inspired me to find the very best in people, and to treat my husband (to be) like gold. They have single handedly showed me how to live Goal #70: See the good in my husband (to be) and let him know. I will always be grateful that the Lord placed me in their path and for all the things I've learned from them.

Thanksgiving Tribute #2&3

Since I'm a day late, I'm going to catch myself up with two of my favorite people.

My Father and Mother

(I used to call them Mother and Father all growing up. What a formal child)

My Father

Oh my Dad. I just don't know what to do with him sometimes. ha ha

I do know this... he has helped me out of many, many, MANY predicaments in my life. He has always seen the good in me that I couldn't see. He's helped me discover my dreams and passions and has always (deep down) supported me.

I have a deep admiration for him. I hope one day I can accomplish half of what he has. He has taught me how to give with a willing heart, how to sacrifice time and energy for the things that are important, how to be adventurous and create experiences in life, and especially how to make sure you show your family how much you really love them.

I love this man.

My Mother

My mother has been my guiding light. She has dealt with me all these years with such grace that I can't help but admire her! I can truly call her my best friend. I've learned so much from her example:

• How to clean my room
• ...change a diaper
• ...iron clothes (...sorta)
• ...manage a household
• ...cook (again... sorta)
• ...talk to strangers (I can even call them on the phone if I have to)
• ...be a friend
• ...love unconditionally
• ...persevere trials
• ...look up (she is always reminding me to look up and not walk looking down)
• ...have faith
• ...serve
• ...have empathy
• ...trust others
• among many many more things.

She is a blessing in my life.

To my wonderful parents, Thank You!!!

Thanksgiving Tribute #1

I have the most amazing friends! Thanks Maps for the idea!

30 People in 30 Days: Thanksgiving Tribute

(Except for I'm already a day behind!)

Although these aren't going to be in any particular order, I would be very ungrateful if I didn't start my month of thanksgiving with thoughts of gratitude toward my Savior, Jesus Christ.

If only I could put into words the depth of feeling I have for Him. I can honestly say, I am who I am today because of Him. I also am where I am today because of Him. He has taken my hand and led me down a path of life I don't know if I would have chosen for myself, nor would I have received the abundant blessings that have come from it.

He has been my friend when I felt terribly and bitterly alone.

He has been my brother to guide and instruct.

He is my Savior, who offers me the greatest gift of returning to a loving Heavenly Father and there enjoy the blessings of eternal family life.

Study: Hope in a Troubled World

When I watch the local and national news I get the sense that our communities are drowning. However, when I watch this I am reminded of the power of the gospel to not only heal individuals but communities as well.

There is so much good around us. I needed that reminder.