Thoughts from Early in the Morning

Well that last post was pretty depressing I must say. I guess we all hit highs and lows. Being on prednisone and experiencing the mood swings, plus all that has been happening in life, all the emotions and chemicals just do not create a very pleasant mix.
I am up late (or early I guess..) due to some pretty serious stomach pain that has me doubled over in nausea and cramps much of the time. Despite being uncomfortable, I'm finding it to be more pleasant to think about what I'm grateful for, so I will post those things here.
I am grateful for the church. I am grateful for the YSA program. Basically, without either of these, I would have no life whatsoever. I would be a loser with no life. And I would probably hate it. So I am very blessed and grateful to have this in my life.
Back to the church, I am grateful for the gospel in my life and the truths that I know.
I am grateful for my education and that I will be debt free when I graduate. It is a burden I will not have to carry. I am very aware that very few are so privileged to have this luxury, so I take great appreciation in my dad's job and the benefits it offers for me and my future.
I am grateful for my talents. For music. Music is a language of God. As I study it more and more and as my repertoire expands and experience grows, my love for it also grows. I am glad to have this in my life and am glad that I can express my thoughts and feelings through such beautiful instruments. Especially when I cannot communicate them through words. Music is my release. My escape. My passion. My life.
I am grateful for who I am. There is a lot about me that I can dislike and that others can, too, but aside from my faults and flaws and wrong doings and imperfections (and much much more), I know who I am. I know I am a child of God. I know there is value in my life, even though at times, circumstances make it look worthless and pathetic. I know there is much more of me that has yet to become. I know there is much to me that nobody but God knows, and that because of this, I should put my entire trust and faith in Him.
I am grateful for the Christmas season. I haven't been excited for Christmas in years. Our new house is lovely. It's warm and cozy and open. Christmas will be very enjoyable this year. :)
I am grateful for my dogs. I love my dogs! Tango and Gus and Hoover. And they love me. :)
I am grateful for my family. Each of my siblings. My parents. We don't always have happy picturesque lovely occasions (with the exception of Oliver - he is just one big ball of happiness and love!), but I am grateful for what I have anyway. I couldn't imagine life without them. And I'm glad I never will have to.

It is just about 5 in the morning and the pain is not lessening.. it's intensifying. Bed, even if it doesn't include sleep, will be good.