Family Love

This IS a great day! I just found out that one of my daughters, and her family, are planning to come out for a visit in June. I have been missing them so much. It's been nearly a year since I've seen them. I am more excited about this visit than I would be if we were going on a cruise or to Hawaii. The love I have for each one of my children goes so deep that I cannot adequately express how much I feel for them. And the love just continues to grow as our family increases in size by adding sons-in-laws and grandchildren. It makes me truly appreciate the wonderful plan of happiness that Heavenly Father has for us. I can't imagine what it would be like if I didn't know that I would be with my family after I died. To be capable of this much love in this life, and then to not have it continue after death makes no sense and would be unbearable if it were true. Having a family has far and away been my greatest joy in life, and that joy just continues to grow. My husband and my children are my best friends, and the most incredible people I have ever met. My cup runneth over.

Snowflake Stars

As I was driving to work a few days ago, I noticed that the snowflakes that were landing on my windshield were perfect little stars. When it's really cold here, the snowflakes don't melt immediately upon landing and you can see the detail on each one. They are absolutely beautiful and each a tiny, intricate star. The first time I noticed this after moving here, I was moved to tears. That may sound silly, but I am awed by the beauty that God has created all around me. There are billions of snowflakes that make up the snow banks, but each one is beautiful in its own way. There are billions of people in the world, and its easy to feel lost and like nobody special at times. Then I remember the snowflakes. Among so many billions of people in the world, I know that I am beautiful and have a purpose and that God knows me and has created me to be someone special. If God took the time to create each snowflake with so much intricate detail, I know that He knows me as His daughter, He knows my name, and He has great things in store for me.

Sharing the gospel

My son, Cody, is serving a full time mission for two years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is currently in Maine. I am very proud of him that he would be willing to sacrifice so much to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with the people in New England. It's hard to imagine how I would feel or how I would be living if I had never heard about the gospel. I have so much peace of mind knowing what my purpose in life is, where I came from, and what is in store for me after I die. This knowledge guides each every day action in my life. There is so much to be happy about when I think of what the Lord has done for me and what He offers me if I choose to accept His gift of Eternal life. I know that because I am His daughter, Heavenly Father wants me to inherit all He has. And the Lord has made it possible, through repentance, for this to happen. Not very many people know these truths. So I am grateful that Cody has the chance to share this message with others.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness

A great thing that happened today was a service done for me. My husband gave me a ride to work, put gas in my car, did a little shopping for me, brought me dinner at work, and then picked me up in a warm car after work. He continually does many kind acts of service so that I won't be uncomfortable. Last night after a meeting at the church, I came out to find my car running and all nice and warm for the 2 1/2 block ride home. It was totally unnecessary, but so thoughtful. I had a delicious lasagna for lunch today that he made last night, as well. And all this was after caring for his invalid mother all day. She has dementia, and can't do anything for herself. I am grateful for such a thoughtful man in my life. He makes me want to do more to serve others.

She met the Savior

Today I met someone who has seen the Savior. Kim Rives came and spoke at our church to the young women about how to come closer to Jesus Christ. She is a cancer survivor, and had a near death experience 12 years ago. She wrote a book titled, "My Walk Through Heaven". I read it a few months ago and found it to be one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. When she met the Savior in Paradise, she was surprised that He didn't ask anything from her. He asked, "How can I serve you?" How amazing that God, the creator of worlds wants to serve us. This made me realize that if I want to become like Christ, I need to always be looking for ways to serve others.

I was thrilled that she agreed to come and speak to the young women in our ward. I felt the spirit very strong as she shared her message through word and through song. You can tell by the peace and love that radiate from Kim that she lives a Christlike life. I also have felt the unconditional love of my Savior. I know He lives. I love Him more than I know how to express. It is worth any sacrifice to live so that I can return and live in His presence.

Looking for the Positive

In a world where it is far to easy to focus on the negative we see around us and constantly hear about, I have chosen to look each day for the positive and good that is also happening around us, and rejoice in the happiness that comes from trying to follow the example of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Each day I will share my experiences as I try to follow Christ and the things I learn from others who are positive examples to me, either in the scriptures, or in my daily life. I invite anyone who may be interested to join me in finding the joy that comes from more diligently living the gospel of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. I would love to read your comments and uplifting stories.