Today commemorates 9 years since “Mormon Soprano” was born in blog form.

Nine. Whole. Years.

Wow. How did that happen?

Nine years ago several things happened in succession that changed the direction and focus of my life. My children were in Junior High and High School, respectively. That year began with an extreme trial of faith. My oldest, Daughter A., experienced her first medical crises, and after enduring a long process of finding a diagnosis, and then a long hospitalization out of state, her life was saved, and our family was bonded closer together in ways that are too numerous to describe. After the miracle of that defining experience, I decided I needed to make an offering to God of my time and talents. It put myself in His hands for what He thought should happen next – and he sent me a clear answer the next day. Over the next 5 months my feet followed the path of auditioing for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

On November 8th, 2007 I received my acceptance letter – an event which would alter the entire course of my future life.

On November 15th, 2007 I created “a blog” called Mormon Soprano.

In Hindu philosophy, there are nine universal substances or elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, Ether, Time, Space, Soul, and Mind. I feel like I have experienced all nine of those elements during my past “9 lives”as a blogger.

This morning, I was feeling really down. But, then I remembered that it was my Blogiversary, and there is so much to celebrate!

9 Reasons I’m Grateful Today

In no particular order, because they are “all #1”:

#1. Health -Today all members of our immediate family are healthy physically and mentally. Health is a blessing that is something easily taken for granted until we ourselves, or someone we love, does not have. We have all been “without” health over the years, so today I am grateful that we are living “with” health.

#2. Husband – “Mr. Mo” and I have been a team for nearly three decades. We met 29 years ago, and next month we will celebrate 27 years of marriage. He’s my rock. He puts the calm in my storm. He has always been my biggest cheer leader. He goes a long with all of my crazy ideas. For as long as we have known each other he has attended every concert, every recital, every performance and has watched every Sunday broadcast in support. He’s a kind and patient man.

Mr. Mo is a good father who has spent countless hours reading books, playing games, helping memorize times tables, making up silly stories to learn all the capitols of every state in the nation, teaching his children to sing nonsense songs, to learn silly trivia facts, to love Christmas, and to root for the Utes. He’s the peacemaker, and the one who always has a funny “dad joke” to ease the tension of a situation. A devoted husband, a loving friend. If he’s ever asked to help, he’s there in a heart beat.

#3. Family – I am grateful for my parents who have sacrificed everything so I could be where I am today. They gave me life, and taught me to love learning, love life and love the Lord. They have supported me my whole life, and continue to watch over me and my family and make sacrifices for my happiness. I am grateful for my parents-in-law who raised such a wonderful man to be my husband, and who taught him to serve others, work hard and love the Lord.

I am grateful for two beautiful daughters who have taught me so much over the past decades and I’ve been privileged to sacrifice for, and been rewarded to see them learn and grow and overcome hardships and blossom into amazing humans. I am grateful for my siblings, and their spouses and children on both sides of the family. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and the legacy of past generations. Family is everything.

#4. Friends – I have been blessed with really precious friends in this life. Extra sisters and brothers who have supported me through some of the toughest times, and rejoiced with me through some of the most joyful times, and cried with me, and played with me and laughed with me.

#5. Faith – I am grateful for my faith in God which has always seemed to be there deep in my soul, and was nurtured by my mother and so many other people of faith in my life. I am grateful to be a member of a church that has taught me the Where, Who, What, and Why of life, and where we’re going after this life. 

#6. Music – What would life be without music?! I am so grateful for music to life my soul and orchestrate my ups and downs, and it is a blessing to be able to not only enjoy listening to music but also to make music. There’s a special connection to heaven whenever we raise a joyful noise to the Lord.

#6. SOLD!! The House Finally Sold! – Yes, believe it or not, it really sold! I haven’t wanted to jinx it, so I didn’t blog about it. But, yes, it is sold, and I am so grateful to the buyer – not only for buying it, but who has allowed us to stay living here until our new home is ready.

#7. Change – I am grateful for change. Change is really hard and scary, but it is also really liberating and exciting. Change is the great irony of human life; the only thing certain in life is change.

I am grateful for the opportunity that we have this year as a family to start a fresh chapter in a new home & neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong, leaving behind the old home and the comforts of our routines, friends, neighbors, ward congregation, and all the blessings we’ve had for the past 12 amazing years is very hard. I’m feeling really sentimental. But, I also feel that it’s time for this change, and it’s been a long year as we’ve worked to make this happen. Our new home is almost finished. The carpet was installed last week and all the finishing touches are being taken care of this week.

#8. This Beautiful Earth

I love the seasons, and my favorite season is Fall. The colors of the leaves, the crispness in the air. Last night we got to see the “Super Moon” shining in the sky, and today the sky was as blue as the ocean, and the sun is so warm and bright! This is a beautiful world that we live in. Life is a gift.

#9. Hope

No matter the challenges or the fears of life, there is always hope because of Jesus Christ. There is absolutely nothing that He cannot save or fix, comfort or heal. He is the reason for every season of our lives. He is the reason I cannot give up, and I cannot give in. He is the reason why “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

OK. IT’S YOUR TURN!!

To help me celebrate this Blogiversary, I  invite you to share “9 reasons” that YOUu are grateful today! 🙂 – MoSop ♥