Month of Gratitude - Day 7

"We were created in the image of God (see Genesis 1:26)."

Isn't it wonderful to know that we look like our Heavenly parents?  Sometimes I think about how it will feel to see them again someday and to run into their arms and feel their love.  I bear my testimony that we are children of God and we are created in their image.

I love you!

Month of Gratitude - Day 6

"We have a variety of healthy and delicious foods available (see Genesis 1:29)."

Today I brought in the last tomatoes from our garden.  I still have some lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, and beets growing.  Maybe those aren't your favorite foods, but I LOVE them.  And I love being able to grow fresh food in our own garden.  It seems to be even healthier that way.  

I confess that I love a variety of foods, including many that are unhealthy, especially CHOCOLATE!  What's your favorite?

Month of Gratitude - Day 5

"We can worship in church each week and gain strength by associating with others who share our beliefs (see Moroni 6:5–6)."

I am grateful that we are part of a ward where we feel loved and where we have callings that help us know each other and help each other.  No matter where we've lived, Grandpa and I have felt a lot of love from the other members of our ward.  Church is where we go to worship Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  Church is where we go to take the Sacrament.  It is where we go to learn from others and to be baptized.  

How do you feel when you go to Church with your family?

Month of Gratitude - Day 4

"The Savior is our Mediator and has shown us the way to eternal happiness (see John 3:16–17; see also all the headings under “Jesus Christ” in the Topical Guide)."

Today is Sunday, and for most of you it's Fast Sunday because it's the first Sunday of the month.  I love to fast because it helps me feel closer to the Spirit, the Holy Ghost.  In Sacrament Meeting you will have the opportunity to take the Sacrament, which is a very sacred ordinance.  You have been taught that the sacrament is a time to think about Jesus Christ, what He taught and how He lived, and about His Atonement.  When I do this, I feel His love for me and I want to be more obedient and to repent so that I can become more like Him.  

I testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and is our Savior and Redeemer.  I testify that He loves each one of us.  He made it possible for us to be forgiven for our sins and to live with Him and Heavenly Father and our families forever.  

I love you!

Month of Gratitude - Day 3

"Nature’s beauty is all around—and it was created for us to enjoy (see “My Heavenly Father Loves Me,”Children’s Songbook, 228–29; see also Alma 30:44, Moses 6:63, and lds.org/go/82D).

"How is my life blessed by a bird’s song, the sun’s warmth, and the earth’s colors?"
Grandpa and I love to go hiking, camping, backpacking, x-country skiing, biking, and just about anything else that puts us where we can look around and enjoy Heavenly Father's creations.  Today (Saturday) we biked to Bridal Veil Falls for the first time since I broke my foot.  It was WONDERFUL!  When I think about the Creation and all of the beautiful and amazing things that were created for us to enjoy, I feel extremely grateful.

I love you!

Month of Gratitude - Day 2

"We are blessed as we live worthy to attend the temple (see Psalm 24:3–5)."




Most of you have gone to a temple open house.  I hope you will have even more opportunities to do so.  When you do, I hope you will notice how quiet and peaceful the temple is.  I hope you will notice the beautiful paintings and furniture and carpet and lighting.  The temple is the house of the Lord and so when a temple is built it is built to the highest standard possible.  

Only one of our grandchildren is old enough to go to the temple.  Kylie has gone several times since her 12th birthday last year.  You ought to ask her how she feels when she's in the temple.  You may call her or send an email.

Your parents have been sealed in the temple, and so have Grandpa and I.  We were sealed for all eternity.  We can be a forever family because of these sealings.  When I go to the temple I feel the Spirit of the Lord.  I feel Heavenly Father's love for me.  I find answers to questions.  

Set your goal to be sealed in the temple when you are married so that you and your future family will be a part of this great eternal Ketcheson clan.

I love you!

A Month of Gratitude - Day 1

I saw this idea in the New Era magazine a few months ago and want to share it with you.  I hope you will join me in spending some time each day appreciating all our blessings.  As you look for it, you'll see evidence of Heavenly Father's love all around you.

Let's get started:

"Because Heavenly Father loves us so much, He has filled our lives with blessings to make our hearts joyful. Since those blessings surround us, sometimes we forget to notice them and recognize how they show God’s love.

"We have the knowledge that we are children of God (see Psalm 82:6 and Acts 17:28–29)."

When I kneel down and pray to my Heavenly Father, I try to remember that I am His child.  That helps me feel His love and recognize the blessings He has given me.  I am grateful that I can talk to Him and that He can talk to me if I listen.