Update to my last post

I received a second "Christmas Jar" on Christmas Eve. It was a really cute jar that had been decorated and had a ribbon and said... TO: April FROM: Santa. The Lord works in mysterious ways, that's for sure. When I counted it a few days later it contained $118.05 mostly in change. I am definitely so blessed!

So blessed

I haven't posted for a little while and I have received many blessings. When I moved here all of the ladies in the ward were reading The Christmas Jar. I'd never read it before so I borrowed one and read it. It was a great book about giving to others and generosity and love for others. In it a family decided one Christmas to save their change in a jar and then give the jar to someone for Christmas. By the end of the book, the "Christmas Jar" had come full circle. The woman they gave the first jar to ended up bringing them one in the end. Anyway... I have a point... :) A few weeks ago a lady from my ward came to the door and asked for me. When I got to the door she handed me a small jar full of change. She said she wanted to give me her "Christmas Jar" because she felt like I was amazing and trying so hard to be a good example to my kids. I was surprised and extremely grateful. When I counted the money there were a $50 bill and 2 $20 bills in the jar along with the change. It was a total of over $120. It was immediately appreciated and most of it used. I can't thank her enough for thinking of me.

Since the 12th of December I've also been blessed to receive a small gift and story each night. Someone chose my little family to do The Twelve Days of Christmas for. It's been fun and exciting to wait for the doorbell each night. I hope in two days I will be able to find out who the sweet little elves are :)

And then tonight. I had already received my little gift for the day and the doorbell rang so we knew it was a person... hee hee. My dad answered the door and then said it was for me. I went to the door and our bishop was standing there with an envelope. He said the Stake President had given it to him and said that every year someone in the community is very generous and ask each ward to choose someone to give it to. I was again overwhelmed. He left and I opened the card to find $500 cash inside it. I promptly went into my room and had a good cry and a prayer of thanks.

It's just so amazing to realize that people are thinking of me more than I know. That people are aware of my and my situation and want to help me out. I know I am so greatly blessed and I am so very grateful for every single one.

Small and simple things

So I have quite a few days where I just feel a little bit pooey (for complete lack of a more appropriate word). I get down in the dumps and feeling sorry for myself and wonder what will help me get out of it this time. Well, here's an example of the small and simple things that Heavenly Father uses to tell me I'm important and special and I am doing a good job and that He has a plan for me.

A couple weeks ago I was feeling crummy again and I prayed before bed asking that maybe I could find something in the scriptures that night that might help raise my spirits a little bit. I think it was before I was even done praying that I felt I should read in the Doctrine and Covenants. I hadn't read in there for a long time so I picked it up. I turned to Secton 25 where Emma Smith is given the revelation and told to make a book of hymns, among other things. It's a beautiful section and I love reading it but that's not what it was that made me feel better. The particular scriptures I picked up had been my seminary scriptures so they are just full of extra stuff. Right at Section 25, I have a "glue-in" from seminary. (A glue-in is a small paper with a thought or something that goes with the scriptures on those pages). This is what it says...

"To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling.
The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times....
Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help save the home which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife."
-- Spencer W. Kimball

That just made me feel really good. I am trying to be a righteous woman and how important is that for my family, my children especially.... Especially at this time in our lives. It just gave me the courage to keep doing my best, keep doing what I should do, being a good example and trying to teach my children what's right. It made me feel proud of myself for trying to keep on doing what's right. You've got to love the small and simple things.

Good tonsilectomy and having my kids back again

Kamaryn had to have her tonsils and adenoids out yesterday. Everything went well and she seems to be recovering just fine other than being a little grumpy at medicine time. I am grateful for doctors and their knowledge. I am grateful for my mom who went with me to the surgery. I am grateful that I took a puke bucket in the car on the way home even if I didn't grab it in time :) I am grateful that we traveled safely.

Treven had the kids for most of the past week. He came and picked them up last thursday and brought Kamaryn to me on monday so she could have her surgery on tuesday morning. My boys came home tonight. It is so glad to have their sweet little faces here again. I missed them very much. Ashton has got a good head bonk from falling down but hopefully it's nothing to worry about. I'm grateful he's acting like himself. I'm grateful for Kyler's hugs and Ashton's smile. And Kamaryns stubbornness... believe it or not :)

I'm grateful for my motherhood.

A wonderful meeting

It is Stake Conference weekend here. Tonight they had an adult meeting. I almost didn't want to go but decided to since, hey.... how often do I get to go to a meeting without the distraction of the children :) A good part of the meeting was about family and husband/wife and parents/children things. Some of it was very difficult for me because of the current circumstances in my life. But I kept listening. The Stake President spoke at the end and he spoke about how Loving Heavenly Father and feeling his love is the most important thing. That no matter how much we might feel like we aren't succeeding in other aspects of life that the number one thing should be our testimony and relationship with our Savior. And that we should let Him share our burdens. That touched me greatly and really put things into perspective for me. We sang "I Believe in Christ" for the closing hymn. I've sung that song many many times and it's almost ingrained in my memory but tonight the 4th verse stood out like it never had before...

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

I am going through much grief and pain as all of you know. But I know my Savior knows me and He has carried me though thus far and I know He will continue to help me carry my burdens and as long as I remain faithful I will make it through this. Everything will be ok.

Friends

I can not express enough gratitude for my true and wonderful friends. At this difficult time in my life they remain constant and true and unmoving in their love and concern for me. They are more valuable to me than most anything on this earth (my children coming first, of course). :) I just want to say that I love and appreciate each one of them and I thank my Heavenly Father daily for them in my life.

Being Carried...

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

"You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,

"The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints in the sand,

is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson

I know I have been carried at times throughout all of this. I have not felt much of the burden. I am so grateful to my Savior for knowing how to carry me through it all.

Appreciation

I have been working part time at Kohls for the past few months. I have really enjoyed working there. I feel appreciated for the work I do and I enjoy being there. In the last week I have had most of my managers express how good a job I do and how they know I'll get things done. One was folding some toddler clothes the other day and I walked by and he said, "are we doing it to your standards". :) That made me laugh. I feel so appreciated there and it really lifts me up, especially now. It's about the only place I feel appreciated. I had to tell them last night that I was going to have to leave and I thought manager L was going to cry. She's so sweet and said they're really going to miss me. I'm going to miss working there too. The atmosphere was really great and I enjoyed interacting with people. It has also given me more confidence and that is a great thing.

Dove Promises

This may sound completely ridiculous but nonetheless it's true. There are things I'm struggling with every day and realizing the direction my life has quickly turned is very difficult. Now, if you're like me, you absolutely love chocolate... and the better the chocolate, well... the BETTER. Anyway. I had a friend buy me some Dove chocolates a few weeks ago. Two bags. I was lucky. So I've been slowing eating them trying not to devour the deliciousness too quickly. In the past two weeks I've gotten some "messages" from them that have real meaning in my life right now. So I'm going to share a few of them with you. It just goes to show you.... the smallest things can make your day a little bit brighter.

"Open your eyes to the love around you."

"Love cures people, both the ones who give and the ones who receive."

"Keep believing in yourself and your special dreams."

"Believe the best in yourself."

"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow."

"In chaos there lies opportunity."

"Smile when you want to, cry when you need to, laugh whenever possible!"

Those who love me....

I am so grateful at this particular time in my life for those people who love me. I am going through some things now that I never ever thought I would have to face. I really don't know what will happen. Whether it's good or bad I know that I have wonderful friends, wonderful family, and even random strangers that care for me. They are my comfort and my strength. I know I can tell them pretty much anything and they will be there for me. I am in a lot of emotional pain right now and sometimes I have no idea how I will keep going, how I will face what is in front of me. When I feel so alone it brings comfort to know I can talk to someone.

I am also so eternally grateful for the gospel, for my Savior who suffered and who understands my pain better than anyone else ever could. It is through faith and many prayers and pleading with the Lord that I feel I can keep fighting, keep trying, do whatever it takes to get through this in one piece. Very few people know exactly what I am going through because it is extremely personal. I just keep hoping and praying that everything will turn out as it should. I pray for comfort, peace, and strength.

If anyone reads my blog if you could pray for me also at this time. I know it can't hurt.

Answers to prayers

The last few days have been really hard to get through. I prayed many many times for comfort and strength and to not feel alone. I was able to chat with two good friends online through most of the day yesterday and that helped me to not feel alone. I got an email from friend giving me ideas for fun things to do and telling me that I am special and that Heavenly Father loves me. I also got a phone call out of the blue from a friend. And although I didn't dare answer when I saw her name because I knew I wouldn't be able to speak, I know she was inspired to call me when she did. Just seeing her name on the caller id and hearing her message made me feel so loved and cared about. I am so grateful for the gospel, for prayer, for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and for such wonderful, caring friends that I can turn to when I need them.

A good review

I had a 90-day "touch base" and a "review" at work tonight. Both were just great. I learned that the supervisors do realize the work I am doing and that they consider me a self-starter, and a hard worker. I felt so great to know that my work is appreciated and that they really notice what I am doing. It made me more confident and made the night go better. I love meeting expectations and making things better for other people even if I don't know it. And to top it off I get a few more cents per hour on my check starting in a couple weeks. Every little bit helps and I count it as a great blessing.

Music

I am grateful for music. So many times I can turn on some music and it lifts my mood. I especially love turning it up and singing at the top of my lungs (this is also helpful to drown out whining chilren). I accomplish more and have a better day if I play music in the morning. It truly affects me for the good and for that I am thankful.

Counting Blessings

Feeling the way I have been feeling lately causes me to not think about my blessings often enough. I have been dwelling on the negative things and worrying about things I don't have and stuff like that. So today's post is a list of my blessings that I can think of. Make your own list. I'm sure you'll feel better once you're done.

April's Blessings
June 3, 2008

~ The gospel of Jesus Christ
~ Jesus Christ, our Savior
~ The Atonement
~ Scriptures
~ The Temple
~ Journals
~ A strong body
~ A mind able to think
~ A family
~ A wonderful husband
~ sweet and beautiful children
~ A roof over my head (it's raining today)
~ Always having food to eat
~ The beautiful earth
~ All the colors I can see
~ My eyes - so that I can see the colors
~ My nose - I can smell so many wonderful things
~ Hugs
~ Kisses
~ Awesome friends
~ good books
~ Cartoons - a distraction for the kids and fun to watch too
~ Technology - so I can be close to friends and family even though they're really far away
~ Fuzzy slippers
~ chocolate :)
~ frogs that croak outside my house
~ birds
~ flowering trees
~ springtime
~ warm weather
~ visiting family
~ Prophets
~ Music
~ sleep
~ The Holy Ghost
~ choices
~ chances to do better
~ cameras - to catch special moments
~ a warm, soft bed to sleep in
~ good afternoon naps
~ shoes
~ peaceful moments
~ patience when I have some
~ forgiveness
~ tithing

My mind is now blank. I'm sure there are some things that I forgot or overlooked. But those are my blessings for today :)

My sweet children

I was worried they would turn into little monsters after Grandpa went home the other day. I have underestimated them. They were all a little crabby yesterday but they weren't monsters either. They are really so sweet and kind and loving. Today they were all awake before me. Kamaryn and Kyler were all dressed too. They have been pretty cheerful and playing together well today. So I am grateful for their sweetness today.

A Great Father-in-Law

Trev's dad has been here with us since last Tuesday. He is leaving tomorrow night and it's going to be hard for me. He's been so helpful with the kids. They have really enjoyed playing with him and going on walks and everything too. He's always so interesting in what they are doing and he loves to play with them. It's been nice to have another adult to watch the kids if I need to get something done. I'm really going to miss him. I'm grateful for him. He's always so easy to talk to and be around. So easy going and so accepting and appreciative. It's nice. I wish our family was closer so we could spend more time around all of them. But this week has been really great and special. And I feel more relaxed than I have in a while. Love ya Dad :) Thanks.

Forgiving Children

Today was not a good day. I've been feeling down in the dumps for a while now and today was the worst day. Trev and his Dad went out for the day and I just felt like I yelled at children for the entirety of the day. I felt so awful and guilty, like the most awful mother on earth. (Insert giant depressed frown/scowl here). But I am so grateful for my children. I was terrible to them all day and at one point Kamaryn just started hugging and kissing me. She wouldn't stop.. hee hee. It made me smile and relax a bit. She's usually not all that lovey with anyone so it was kinda unusual. But I couldn't help but feel that she was in tune with the spirit even after I had obviously lost it. I am grateful that they always know I love them even when I feel like I've been stretched to my absolute limits. I just hope I can feel better soon and not get so frustrated so easily. And I hope I can be as forgiving and show as much unconditional love to them as they do every day to me.

A thoughtful friend

I have been less than grateful for the past little while. I have been having a hard time focusing on those blessings that I do have and instead dwelling on negative things and it has been affecting my spirit. Today I went to read WOD like always and there was a post just for me from sweet Bela. It really touched my heart and so I will copy what she wrote here so I think to read it often...

Anyway, April, I remember one post of yours a loooooonnnng time ago that I never had a chance to reply. You may be feeling better now, but I want to share with you the lyrics of a song that always makes me think of you. It can go to every one of us too of course.

~

In her heart she holds the dreams

That she's carried since the day she turned 13

Of all that she would do when she was grown

Of all that she would do when she was finally on her own

She dreamed she'd fly

And she's still waiting for the chance to try

But in the meantime she's a mother and a daughter and a wife

Doing all she can to stay above the daily grind

And she wonders when she'll ever have more meaning in her life

She doesn't know she's molded and refined

In the meantime

Someday she'll go back to school

When the carpools and the soccer games are through

Cause deep inside she's still the girl

Who's always felt the fire to make a difference in the world

She dreams she'll soar

When she finally has the time to do more

But in the meantime she's a sister and a teacher and a friend

Hours turn into days that turn to years that never end

And she wonders when she'll ever really find herself again

But she's becoming one on whom God can depend

In the meantime

Heaven feels the joy of every victory in her life

And heaven hears her heart before she cries

Somewhere in the middle of the triumphs and the trials

She's becoming sanctified

But in the meantime she's an answer and a blessing and a gift

To every empty, aching heart that only she can lift

Still she wonders if she'll ever get to see where heaven is

If she could only see her mansion waiting there

If she could only feel how much her Father cares

She would know that she's being perfectly prepared

In the meantime

Thanks Bela. :)

A faith that keeps me going

Even when things continue to be hard. Sometimes faith is the only thing that helps me keep perspective and keep going even though things keep changing our "plans" in this life. It is the knowledge that we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows our strengths especially in times of trial that helps the most. It is the knowledge that we have a Savior who knows exactly how we feel when we are burdened with things in life and that He knows how to help us get through our trials and help us lift our burdens. I know that I'm not alone. And I am grateful.

People willing to serve

I've been trying really hard to pray before we go to church for help and guidance to get through the day without being frustrated and feeling lonely. It's been really hard for me to have a better attitude about this calling. I know that it's important to serve and that I need to have a better attitude about it. I just feel that at this time in my life I need to be able to attend Relief Society and get to know some ladies there and feel like I have people to talk to. Well, yesterday Sis. Rogers came in to help her little boy with a talk. She always asks me how I'm doing and that alone makes me smile and feel a bit better. I was honest with her and explained my struggles. She said that we should try to have a little get-together. She also said she was sure I'd be blessed for my service. (Lots of people say that.) Later the primary president came in and came over to talk to me. She said that Sister Rogers volunteered to teach my class once a month so that I could go to relief society. I was so surprised and overwhelmed. I talked to her after the meeting and thanked her. I hope she knows how grateful I truly am for her willingness to be of service to me and her kindness. And I hope that being able to attend RS once a month will allow me to make some friends and be able to uplift my spirit.

Some thoughts from the past few weeks

We left so quick to go to my mom's house and then it seemed like we were gone forever. Then when we got home it seemed like we were never really there and it was all a dream. My emotions have been playing some mean games since before my grandma passed. For a few weeks before I have been fighting with myself about whether or not to talk to a doctor about depression. I haven't felt like myself for a while and I'm rarely motivated to do anything more than crawl out of bed some days. I think of my Grandma's passing as a great blessing, not only for her, but for me because I had been so lonely and down for the past while. It made me so happy to see my family and loved ones.

I was great at home with family and the minute we walked in the door last thursday (have we been back a whole week already... geez) I felt like a palpable weight was placed onto my shoulders. I started bawling and had a really rough time for the rest of the day. The weekend was better because I was so busy. Then monday I woke up with a stomach bug and spent about 5 hours in bed that day. Not fun. My appetite has yet to fully return but I guess that's not a really bad thing, right? ;)

So on monday while I was sick I decided to call Kohls and find out what the deal was with them never calling me about my drug test results. If you'll remember I went to the group interview on March 21, a friday. Was called the following monday, march 24 and told that they needed me to go take a drug test within 24 hours. So I packed up the kids tuesday morning, the 25th, and drove in to take the drug test. They said they would call me and let me know when they got the results. So I never heard and I never heard. I called them the next monday to ask how long it usually takes and I was told 4 days at the most. So I expected a call by the next day but it never came. I decided to just be patient. Well, I still never heard from them. So fast forward to monday. I called them and finally got my results... negative (as if it would be any different... hee hee). So the guy tells me that I need to talk to this other person but she was at lunch so I needed to call back later. So being sick, I went to sleep for a couple hours. When I woke up I called back. Well.... today I go for orientation at 3:30. I have a lot of feelings. I am excited if you can believe it. I'm also a bit sad that I have to get a job but I'm grateful that it will be in the evenings when Trev can be home with the kids. I'm excited because I will get out of the house and hopefully make some friends. I know that some ladies from my ward work there in the evenings so hopefully I will get to know some of them better. I need that. It will also force me to be more outgoing and that's something I need as well.

I am also grateful to see Heavenly Father's hand in our lives. I firmly believe that I didn't hear from them about my drug test before because He knew that we would need to rush out of town because it was Grandma's time to return to Him. I also know that it's through faith and prayer that I was able to be hired so soon and with only really applying at one place. And that it's so close to home. There are so many blessings. We have also been blessed a bit in the financial sense. Trev's first paycheck of the month was over $2000 and I went shopping and paid bills as usual and we had extra left. And it's wonderful because since we had to leave and Trev didn't work for 4 days (he took 3 of them as sick days so only one was totally unpaid) this paycheck we got today was about $400-500 less than it usually is (he usually works 10 hour days or so and that gives us a lot of overtime pay). But because we were at my mom's for a week, I only have to buy one week's worth of groceries today instead of two and we will have an entire extra check next month because he gets paid every two weeks. AND (as if there could be more) I am grateful for out tax refund. We were able to pay off 3 whole credit cards and because of that we were able to use one for our gas and hotel rooms on our trip where we wouldn't have had enough of our limit left to afford it at all if we hadn't been able to pay it off. And because of people that love us so much we have an extra $200 to put towards that new balance. Trev's mom slipped a $100 check into his pocket when we stopped in Salt Lake to visit with them on our way to my mom's house. And my sweet Grandpa, who is nothing but generous and loving, sent us $100 in the mail to help us pay for our gas to get home.

I'm so grateful for the blessings that come from seemingly nowhere in our lives sometimes. I didn't think this post was going to be so long but I'm glad it is. I'm bawling and I feel so full inside right now with gratitude.

I am also grateful for all of you, my friends. I know I vent and complain to some of you quite often and I'm grateful that you are willing to listen and help me work through things. You all mean so much to me and I love you so very much.

A peaceful day

Yesterday I woke up sick to my stomach. It zapped my energy and I was exhausted. And anyone with children knows that it's not often that you can just lay around all day if you don't feel well. But yesterday my children were little angels. I spent about 5-6 hours of my day in bed (or in the bathroom) and the kids were great. They didn't fight. They didn't bother me. They just hung out and watched tv all day (thank heaven for cartoons). I am grateful for that peaceful rest they gave me so that I could feel better today.

And Treven got home and brought gatorade and 7up for me. He let me take a long bath/shower while he did the dishes, fed the kids dinner, cleaned them up, and put them to bed. I love him. He's awesome! :)

Eternal Life

With the passing of my grandmother, I have been reflecting often on the blessing of Eternal life. The knowledge that we have that our spirit lives on brings such wonderful peace. I am so grateful for our Savior who died for us and was Resurrected so that we all can live again. I'm grateful for the peace that it brings to my heart to know that I will see my loved ones again.

"Joyful Things"

This post is inspired by Kyler. I was listening to his prayers last night and toward the end he said, "we thank thee for all the joyful things". It made me smile and it really made me thing of so many joyful things that we have and don't always realize. The greatest joy in my life is probably my children. More often than not, they are the sweetest creations around me. They love each other and they love us and they show it unconditionally. It is amazing and they teach me so much about love and they see things so much differently than we do. So I am going to make a list of "joyful things"...

~~ The beautiful earth that was created for us to dwell in it.
~~ The sunshine and the moon and star light.
~~ The beautiful animals and plants that surround us.
~~ Rain.
~~ A loving husband who is appreciative and helpful.
~~ Music.
~~ Children.
~~ Children singing!
~~ Children sharing and playing together.
~~ Babies who nap.
~~ Chocolate!!
~~ Blue skies.
~~ Scriptures.
~~ Prophets.
~~ Disney movies.
~~ Balloons.
~~ Laughter!!!
~~ Smiling faces.
~~ Friends.
~~ Family.

Ok, I think my mind has gone blank. But there is a list of things that bring me joy. I need to think of these kinds of things more often and smile. :)

The Priesthood

I've always been one to ask for blessings (more so since I've been married and have children) and I love the peace that comes from a blessing given with the authority of Jesus Christ. Ashton had a pretty high fever starting on Saturday afternoon. Fevers always make me worry even though I know that technically, they are a good thing. But once that digital reading approaches 103 degrees I start to slightly freak out. Poor Ashton was just miserable most of the day yesterday. I asked Treven to call someone and see if they could give Ashton a blessing to help him feel better. So around 7:30 a member of our bishopric came over and assisted in giving my wiggly, hot baby a Priesthood blessing. I always feel peace what I hear the words said in any blessing. But the most important part being that it is authority from Jesus Christ and in His name that those blessings are given. Ashton slept pretty much all night from 8:30 until nearly 8 this morning. He woke up acting much more like himself and I am so grateful for worthy men who can exercise that holy power to bless the sick. My sweet little guy is playing peek-a-boo with me right now with his little cheesy grin and sweet, happy laugh. My gratitude is more abundant than words for that wonderful gift of the Priesthood authority on this earth.

Knowing That I'm Not In Charge

As I tend to stress out about everything in my life I should realize more often that I'm not really in charge. I wish I would remember that more and just give my burden to the Lord. I am nervous about something and I realized today that I really don't have much control at all over how this turns out. I have prepared all I can, I have prayed with as much faith as I can muster right now, I cannot control how other people will act, react, or view me or my potential. I can only trust that my Heavenly Father knows what is best for me and for my family right now. As hard as it is to give things to Him to carry for us, that is that I need to do in this instance. I can only do my best and rely on Him to help with the things that I cannot control. I have faith in Him. I trust Him. He loves me and my family and what's best for us will happen because He knows what is best much better than I.

An Angelic Friend

I have a friend that I think of as a sister. She has been there for me since we met nearly 3 years ago. No matter what I go through she always has love and advice for me. I know I would be lost without her, as well as completely insane. We have so much in common sometimes it's hard to believe that we haven't known each other forever. Whenever I think of her I have to smile because of the difference she makes in my life. I only wish we could be next door neighbors instead of hours apart. I appreciate her more than words and I hope she knows how much I love her.

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

~Author Unknown

Basic Needs

As I continue to look at our uncertain financial future I have been trying to be more grateful for the basic needs that we've always been blessed with.

~Home/Shelter~
No matter what, we've always had a roof over our heads and especially since moving here where it rains so much I have been more grateful for that!

~Family~
Wonderful, supportive, loving family members - though they are far away.

~Beautiful Children~
What a great blessing to have the privilege of raising children.

~Food to eat~
We never go hungry.

~Love~
One cannot survive without love.

~The Gospel of Jesus Christ~
The one thing that is always constant in our lives. The truths of the gospel. The blessings that come from obedience and trying your best. The atonement of Jesus Christ. The knowledge that we are children of God. It brings peace and it's never changing. It will always be there even though everything else might appear to be falling down around us.

Count your many blessings! I will try to remember those things which I take for granted.

Trust

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
~ Proverbs 3:5-6

This is going to be my motto. I have been struggling lately with feeling like I have enough faith to get through certain things. I too often fail to remember the fact that Heavenly Father has helped us get through everything we have gone through up to this point. We always have food to eat, clothes to wear and shelter over our heads. Those are the basic necessities of life. I tend to get too worked up about how we're going to have enough money for this or that and I forget that we have everything we honestly and truly need. There will always be struggle and trial and hardship, that I have come to understand. It is our choice how we will deal with that trial, whatever it may be. Sure, I can continue to dwell on the unknown and worry, after all it is human nature to worry about what we cannot see. I must remember though that if we could see everything in our future we would need no faith or trust. I must also remember that Heavenly Father will never leave us. He will never give us more than we can handle, no matter how heavy the burden may seem. He will always be there to comfort and strengthen us and that I must remember and rely on. So I will try to follow my motto especially through the trial and fear of the unknown.

As the quote on my calendar for this month says...
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."
--Frederick Douglas

A blessing Blog

I finally decided to make one of these. Thanks for the inspiration Hillary!

This will be a place mainly of reflection for me as I go through my daily trials and struggles. I find I need to count my blessings more often and thank my Heavenly Father more often for the many (too many to number) things that I and my family have been blessed with.

So I pray for inspiration and faith.