Sheltons in the Sun: Blog #15 Grateful Reflections

Blog #15 An Attitude of Gratitude

For this blog I thought I’d write a jingle

of some things I’m grateful for :

Bottled water, photographs, internet,

hot chocolate, and so much more

I’ve loved foot lotion every night,

dinner club, almonds, ,and pictures

Mexican food, zone conference, texting,

and, I can’t forget my scriptures

I find my awareness is in a space right now

where I’m experiencing tender emotion

As I daily read and study the Lord’s words

and strive to increase my devotion

Consequently, each day I am touched

with profound feelings of gratitude

Witnessing such tender mercies and blessings

are profoundly affecting my attitude

I’m most grateful for an eternal companion

who is so wise, also kind, and much fun

Who helps me enjoy this city of Bakersfield

although we are “baked” by the hot sun

We work with so many great people

who are creatively giving their all

Who invite souls to Christ as they diligently strive

to consecrate each sacred call

I stand in awe of the young missionaries--

it is fun to watch them grow

As they invite, teach and learn,

I’m amazed at how much they know

As hard as their days may sometimes get,

they never do complain

They just express gratitude and joy

for each investigator they gain

I’m so glad, as senior missionaries,

by different rules we get to abide

But I wish I’d also served when young,

this feeling I cannot hide

I’m also grateful our housing assignment

has us traveling through this mission

We experience the beauties of California,

and we have permission

The GPS has become a value friend,

one we couldn’t do without

The iPhone keeps us connected with home

(and keeps me sane, no doubt)

I get to write the mission newsletter

which helps creative juices flow

For that, missionaries share experiences

and they keep me in the know

The fruit here is extraordinarily delicious,

I really must confess

Here, Bakersfield’s coke, my drink of choice,

seems to certainly taste the best

I love the orchards, blossoms on trees

and so many unique flowers

If only we had more energy and time,

we could stroll for countless hours

So many members here are converts

with their own miraculous stories

My heart is touched as they have shared

their sacrifices, struggles and glories

We’ve seen poverty raise its dreadful face

and .with it, create so much pain

Then anguished souls have turned to God

and found there’s much to gain

I can’t say that I’ve always taken for granted

the personal blessings of my life

But, true joy for me is watching first hand

a change of heart heal a soul full of strife

I’m grateful for the love and promises

my dear Savior continues to give me

Because of His Atonement and redeeming power

I can realize my dreams of eternity

This has been a very busy month. We've made moves, attended 24 hrs. of a family reunion (opps! I dropped Mike's hearing aid in the lake--I thought he was putting a crawdad in my hand), taking missionaries to the temple on the mission temple day, presented to 9 zone conferences (we sing "Called to Serve" to the ladies who serve us lunch between conferences), and are planning our closures for next week's transfer. The days are still long, but the weeks are getting shorter.

For some reason this is an emotional time—and I am grateful. We appreciate your love and support and hope all is well with you. We love you!