Count Your Many Blessings

It’s late. I’m tired. It’s been a long day. But I couldn’t end the day without writing down a few things that happened today:

1. I signed my biggest contract to date with CF to do marketing consulting (will talk about this one more in a bit)
2. Got a cool email from Dad stating that he’s interested in writing more (que coincidencia con el contrato que firme hoy)
3. Sent a proposal to PS to do work with DSM (it’s a long-shot but a start with them)
4. Got work done on ST site – feel it’s coming along nicely
5. Watched the Biggest Loser season premier with Beck
6. Had a good meeting with Jason

I don’t know HOW #1 really even came together. I got an email from Kat E. a few weeks ago out of the blue stating that the company she’s been working with for a while was looking for a marketing consultant. I responded that I’d be interested to hear more what they had in mind.

She sent me an email back saying Lyle (one of the owners) would like me to come in and speak with him – see what I can offer.

I go in, we talk. I don’t really have much of an idea about what they do, they don’t seem to know too much about me either (that I know of). Come to find out, one of his sons (Adam) works at PR and he and I were pretty good friends. He asks me a little bit about what Adam does – I think to see if I’m for real.

Our first conversation goes well but it’s still a bit unclear what they want and how I can help best.

We meet again a few days later, where I present a sub-par proposal of some things I can do for them (Facebook Marketing, Social Media, SEO, etc.).

They say they’ve talked with Adam some and he had good things to say about me.

So, at that point they say the offer looks pretty good but they’d like more details. This is all before the Christmas break. I tell them I’ll map things out in more detail and we can meet after the holidays.I detail things out in a checklist format and we meet on Monday, Jan. 3rd to talk things over more. I bring a detailed out contract (a revised one from VIQ) and lay out all the details.

Lyle looks it over and seems to be ready to go. We talk more about what he has in mind and what I can do to help.

We reschedule to meet for our first “official meeting” today at 3:00 (nothing is signed yet).

I meet with him today, he signs the contract, I sign the contract, and VIOLA – I’ve just signed my biggest contract to date based on number of hours and pay scale.

It’s really kind of crazy just writing this all out. I don’t know how it all came together so seamlessly. I can’t thank Kat enough (will get her a gift card or something).

Most of all, I really feel the hand of the Lord in all this. I really am trying to do my best. I know I’m not perfect but I want to be my best self. I know WHAT I need to do. I feel a direct correlation with when I do what’s right and how blessings seem to immediately follow in a variety of ways.

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.

That couldn’t be written any more accurately.

I can’t believe the things that seem to be happening with my career and the opportunities.

I’m currently working on 3 websites (2 from the start and 1 re-design). I just signed this big contract. And other things just seem to be falling in to place.

I need to make sure I recognize the hand of the Lord in all these great opportunities.

There is no such thing as a coincidence. I truly believe that.

Before I finalize things, I decided to look up “count your blessings” at LDS.org. I found this great reminder in “Idea List: Count Your Blessings“:

• In your journal, make a list of things you’re thankful for. Take time to think of specific blessings that often go unnoticed. Then, whenever you’re feeling down, pull out your journal and remind yourself of your many blessings.
• Memorize the words to a song about gratitude. There are some great ones in the hymnbook, such as “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241) and “Because I Have Been Given Much” (Hymns, no. 219). If you’re musically inclined, offer to perform the song for your family.
• During your scripture reading in October or November, highlight verses about giving thanks. Write your favorite gratitude scriptures down on paper and display them on your bedroom walls as a constant reminder to be thankful for your blessings.
• Do small acts of service for others that will cause them to thank Heavenly Father for good friends. Raking a neighbor’s yard, baking cookies for a friend, or helping someone with homework are some examples.
• Make your personal prayers more sincere by taking time to think before you pray. During your evening prayers, reflect on the day’s events and thank your Heavenly Father for specific blessings.

I plan to practice these things, maybe even print them out as a reminder on my mirror or something.

I’m grateful for this day and all the ways Heavenly Father has blessed my life.

I’m excited about the future and will take one day at a time (today was a near perfect day with lustful desires and fighting off temptation).

Hasta manana!

Nate