Thankfulness & Gratitude

Earlier this year, I felt as if my life was an old "Hee Haw" song -

"Gloom, despair, and agony on me;

deep, dark depression, excessive misery.

If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.

Gloom, despair, and agony on me."

I was asked to speak on gratitude in church last Sunday, and in that talk I mentioned the post from earlier this month, which has made such a difference in my life:

As some of you may know, earlier this year I was falling victim to a debilitating illness known as depression. I was depressed over many things for a long time, and it was getting the best of me. Medication helped with some of the symptoms, such as insomnia and over eating, but even my doctor had told me, the pills will not be a cure. Losing my job only made things worse, as I focused so much on what I didn't have or couldn't do. Things did begin to change, however, first, as I provided comfort to a dear friend who had recently lost her mother. I also was able to be more active in assisting my parents, and by doing so, had less time to worry about my own problems. But the real road to recovery for me began when I was asked this question : "What if tomorrow morning, you woke up with only those things you thanked Heavenly Father for last night?" Each morning as I think back on that moment, I am amazed at just how blessed I really am! As we sing, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." Recognizing those blessings, and expressing gratitude for them, has led me to an incredible feeling of peace, comfort, and joy!

Magnifying My Calling

“God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.” - Neal A. Maxwell

This is how someone like myself, with no musical ability or training, can stand in front of the congregation each Sunday and lead the hymns. I am so thankful for my calling, and for the assistance from above that I receive!

PadreRitaVille

The 18th Annual World's Championship Shrimp Cook-Off was held on Sunday, November 6th, in Port Isabel, Texas. I attended this event last year, and was very impressed with the entry by PadreRitaVille, a new restaurant on South Padre Island. They were offering "Shrimp Diablo" - shrimp stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeno, and wrapped in bacon. They took home first place in presentation, and second place in taste, and I couldn't wait to visit their restaurant for more! I've been there 4 times in the last year, and have yet to be disappointed. This year's Shrimp Fest was no exception, where owners J. Michael & Cathy Laferty were serving up a crab-stuffed, bacon wrapped shrimp, drizzled with pineapple butter. A very unique & tasty creation!

If you enjoy shrimp, then you must give PadreRitaVille a try! Shrimp Diablo is now featured on the all-you-can-eat Prime Rib buffet, available for $23.95 on Friday & Saturday nights. You also won't want to miss South Padre Island's own Jimmy Buffet (J. Michael), singing in the evenings from Wed. to Sun.

And don't forget to say Hi to his wife Cathy, as she stops by your table to make sure your visit is an enjoyable one!

You may also visit PadreRitaVille on Facebook!

Papa Joe

46 years as head coach at Penn State and this is how it ends???

Joe Paterno being fired yesterday is pretty dramatic. Yes, what happened is sick, twisted, and disgusting. Those kids that were abused is what people should be concerned about. What happened to them was terrible. Joe Paterno had been associated with Penn State longer than a lot of people have been alive and then head coach for four decades, and certainly deserves better than this. His job was to win football games, and should not be the scapegoat for the failure to act of the entire university.

What'cha Gonna Do

Check out the latest from the Oak Ridge Boys!

The Oak Ridge Boys - What'cha Gonna Do

- Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

R.I.P. Elder Strong & Elder Walker

2 LDS Missionaries killed in Hit and Run accident in Donna, Texas

It is always sad to hear of tragedies like this. When the accident was first reported, and I saw McAllen Texas Mission, I knew that it hit too close to home. Even before their names were released, I was sure I probably knew them. My heart aches for the families of Elder Strong and Elder Walker. Both fine young men, who gave their lives in service to the Lord.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement that reads in part: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missionaries involved in this tragic incident. We pray that they will be comforted as they mourn the loss of their loved ones, who served others selflessly as missionaries."

Dear Herman Cain,

To be honest, I wasn't all that concerned when the news first broke about possible sexual harrassment claims against you. Nor was I bothered when you denied that such claims existed. Typical mudslinging that you see in any political campaign. But when more details came forward, and I heard you say there were no settlements, then later the same day "started to remember details of a settlement", I began to worry about your credibility.

You said whatever settlement there may have been was an "insignificant" amount. Herman, I'm sorry, but $35,000 is pretty darn significant to me! And I'm sure I can find many unemployed or underemployed people to agree with me. Not to mention that you've obviously been lying to us! Add to that at least 2 more claimants coming forward, and I see a man unfit for public office.

In Memory Of Andy

Today, I am saddened by the loss of an idol, and a hero - Andy Rooney.

I grew up wanting to go into journalism - not the best seller's list kind, but the reporting the news in my own way and with my own opinions kind. In fact, some of you may remember my 1 copy "newspaper" that I ran for over 2 years in high school. That dream stayed alive, until my fascination with computers came along. Would I ever have been a success at writing? I guess we'll never know. Andy once said "I obviously have a knack for getting on paper what a lot of people have thought and didn't realize they thought,"And they say, `Hey, yeah!' And they like that."

When I graduated, Gary Laubach, one of my English and writing teachers, had this to say about my "newspaper" - "How will we fill the void? Where will we go for the news, the sports, the goings on of punchbuggies, our weekly French lessons, the zany photographs. Who will devote as much time to informing us about ourselves? No one, I suppose. And thus 'parting is such sweet sorrow'. He has entertained us, brought us to anger, to tears, to laughter; he has captured our inner feelings; our outer facade. None could take his place."

I wish to renew that legacy. So that is the direction I am taking my blog - in memory of Andy Rooney, whenever my creative mind feels up to it, or just feels the need to speak up on an issue, I will do so here.