November 2006

As I was browsing through the hundreds of  files, pictures and documents I have saved on my computer over the years, I came across something I had written back in November of 2006 and thought it would be worth sharing.

My Life Has Been Blessed!!

I just have a few thoughts that I have wanted to share, thus I will write them down so I don't forget. 

The blessings of tithing.  As we continue to pay a full tithe, despite the occasional difficulty, I see how it blesses our lives.  We are not more wealthy, as one might say, but financial burdens have been lightened and other opportunities have come forth. I had been feeling a little down that we didn't have extra money to take the kids to Lagoon this year, and Ashley had been talking all summer about wanting to attend the circus when it was in town, which I thought would be another impossibility.   Ryan had been off work for four weeks because of surgery and we were barely keeping up with bills as it was.  However, when he returned to work in August he found out that his company would be having a Lagoon Day in which our whole family could go to Lagoon for free!!  Included in this day was also a delicious free lunch of barbecue chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, along with salads, chips, drinks and even dessert.   Soon after this fun day the Carpenters Union had a fun day as well, where the kids each got to choose a free toy and got their faces painted.  Then we all enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by Famous Dave's barbecue.   The last opportunity I want to mention is about the circus.  I don't know why Ashley had gotten it into her head that she really wanted to attend a circus, but she had been talking about it even before we knew the circus was coming to town.  Just over a month before the time of the circus we heard of a great opportunity, they were offering up to four free circus tickets per family for opening night in exchange for donating canned foods to the Food Bank.  Austyn, Adalyn and I picked up Clayton and took our canned food down and were able to get three free tickets to the circus.  In combination with the free tickets, we needed only purchase two more tickets and were able to get better seats then we have ever had in the past.  The kids had a wonderful time. 

Blessings of Health.  As I work daily on reports from Primary Children's Medical Center I am so thankful for the health and strength and safety that we and our children have been blessed with.  Though Alexia struggles with some occasional asthma symptoms and reactive airways, her struggles are minimal compared to many who make frequent trips to the emergency room in respiratory distress.  As I look at my childrens' faces I feel so blessed that they are all whole, that they have not had to suffer from birth defects or serious scarring injuries.  As they run and dance and play, I feel so blessed that they can do so without limitation of defect or disease.

General Conference.  I love to look through the conference issue of the Ensign at all the pictures taken during conference of the many faithful Latter Day Saints throughout the world.  There are so many happy faces.  Everyone is dressed so nice, young women are beautifully and modestly dressed, smiling families sitting together, it is easy to see the love on their faces.   Then to read the messages from those who spoke during the conference, reminds me of what is important and what is true.  As I listen to and read the conference talks I find many subjects that relate to me personally, which also leads me to believe they must relate to many others as well, thus I am not alone in my life struggles. 

Blessings of sisters.  I am so thankful to have three wonderful sisters.  We have grown so close over the years and they are my best friends.  They are the first I call when I am struggling with my trials or feeling down and overwhelmed.  They are my favorite people to have over for a visit and it is never a burden to have them here.

Blessings of the Gospel.  I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It has brought much joy and peace into my life knowing that my family can be together forever, knowing that there is more than just the here and now, being able to see things with the eternal prospective.   I am thankful to have friends in the church that share our goals and standards, that our children can associate with each other and have positive influences on one another.   I am grateful that no matter where I go, the gospel is the same and will continue to bless our lives. 

Blessings of Family.  I have been so blessed to have grown up in a home with loving parents, knowing loving grandparents and other extended family members.   I feel their love now and I am comforted in knowing that they are always there for me and praying for me and my family.