The 4 day challenge to a Merry Christmas

Hello everyone,
I am blown away by the schedule of this month.  It has been so crazy!!
It has been wonderful when I've taken the time to feel my Savior's love for me and recognize it for others also.  Sometimes when I need to feel his love I sing a Primary song titled, " Heavenly Father, Now I Pray" on page 19 of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Primary songbook.  It's short but it seems to be my little direct avenue to Him.  My way of letting Him know I need Him and His tender comfort.  He sends it every time.
The words are:

Heavenly Father, now I pray

guide and guard me everyday.

Help me feel thy love for me.

This I humbly ask of thee.

My family was recently challenged by our Home Teachers to only show our gratitude during our personal prayers and see the difference it would make in our ourselves.  It was only for a period of 4 days until Christmas and right away I was struck by the amount of times I reach out for my Father in Heaven for strength or knowledge.   I needed to find shoes (a continuous battle at our house), I wanted help to restore peace to our home, the list is huge.  So, in order to try to only show gratitude, I found myself stopping the silent requests, sometimes in the middle of it, and sharing my gratitude for at least the fact that we have shoes for 13 people, and grateful that we have all the people in our home to love.  I'll admit, there were times that I had to be very creative in the way I spoke my gratitude.  I also admit, that there were many times that I wanted to ignore my Home Teachers' challenge.
My understanding of the great love My Savior and Father in Heaven has for me increased tremendously for I was reminded constantly during this exercise.  I lost track of how many times I stopped myself mid request.
Even though, I recognize I need to humbly show more gratitude I am pleased that I feel comfortable enough to share my concerns and plead for help in my every day endeavors and recognize the greatness of His love for little 'ol me.
I love my Heavenly Father and Brother.  I am so grateful that Father sent His Son willingly.  I am grateful that Christ gave His life and gives His love.
I pray that my children and loved ones will gain the understanding and gratitude that came my way through what has become my 4 day challenge to a Merry Christmas.
        I love you and wish you a very Merry Christmas!!!