Some Thoughts...

Life is hard. Life is exciting. Life is a roller-coaster. Life is a blessing

There are a lot of different things that keep me busy in a day. Am I focusing on what is most important? Am I teaching my children enough? Am I loving them enough? Am I keeping the proper balance in my life?

I've been "tearing up" a lot lately. Not really sure why. Some are happy tears, some are grateful tears, some are from feeling the spirit. Some are sad tears.

Experiences happen for a reason. Things happen that I have no control over...good or bad. Although, the "bad" things aren't necessarily bad, but are given to us to teach us. Sometimes it takes me longer than I'd like to learn or understand the "whys", but they will come. I know that.

My girls are beautiful and precious. I love watching them. They are sweet, special, and happy. They have changed me. They are such a blessing to me. I am honoured to be their mother.

My husband is amazing. He is so wise, so insightful, so stalwart in his testimony. He is confident and sure of who he is. He leads our family with love and righteousness. I admire him.

I've been thinking about the atonement. I am working on understanding it better, so that I can use it more effectively...so that I can become a better person. I thought about when I have a headache...and, how awful that is (I am a wimp! ha!). I thought about giving birth...that is even more painful than a headache! I thought about when my feelings have been hurt; when I have felt alone; when i have felt rejected. I thought about the pain I have felt when losing a loved-one, when I watch someone who is suffering, when my children are suffering....You get the idea...the list goes on and on. Our Savior knows just how we feel. He knows exactly how to succor us, He can relate to us. My knowledge and understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ merely scratches the surface of all that it is. What I do know is that it is real, He is real, and with Him I can do all things. A friend of ours invited us to learn more about the Atonement (via a certain way). We are excited about this journey, excited to come to know our Savior more and to understand His love more.

That is all. :)

It's only just begun...

To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of Winter, but seeing as how I live in Canada there is no escaping it! So, before Winter began this year I told myself that I would embrace the icy roads, cold weather, and dark, snowy days because there is nothing I can do about it...complaining about it or being annoyed won't change it, so just embrace it!

So, I did. I embraced the -45 degree temperatures while I was walking to and from the train each day, I embraced the snow blowing in my face and freezing my eyelashes to my skin, and I embraced my cheeks feeling like they are literally being burnt off my face by the freezing cold wind.

Lately the temperatures have been a bit warmer and I am grateful for that. But, I will admit that today I really didn't feel like embracing the cold snow blowing in my face and no matter how badly I want the sun and heat to be here, this cold and snowy season has only just begun!

On a brighter note....I really do love the beauty of fresh fallen snow, I love feeling cozy on a cold evening under a blanket with hot chocolate, and I love looking forward to SPRING!

Now, back to embracing....

Christmas thoughts

Well, it's Christmas Eve! What an exciting day! And, here I am....sitting alone in my office at work. I think I'm the only one here in the entire building....on the train there were probably only myself and 3 other people. Anyways, I thought I would take a short break from my "hectic" work day and write a few things that have been on my mind.

I really do love so many things about Christmas...I love the giving spirit people have, how so many people take time out of their busy Christmas schedule to make things for others, bake goodies for others, to find gifts for their loved ones, visit their family and friends, and help out those in need. I think many people around the holiday-season are acting more Christ-like and may not even realize it. That is what I love about Christmas.

I also find this time of year one of personal reflection (especially this year for some reason). I feel so grateful for the countless ways my life has been blessed: I have a wonderful family on both sides who I admire and look up to in so many ways, I have a job that I really love and where I feel appreciated at, a warm place to live, I am married to my best-friend....someone I can talk to, confide in, trust, count on, look up to and just be myself with, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know my Savior lives, that He loves me and will give me strength, courage, and comfort when I need it most. I am grateful for these things and for so many more.

I have been thinking lately about my life and specific ways in which I need to improve (there are so many!). I know that this life truly is a gift...and I feel that I take it for granted all too often. I am definitely going to do better at making the most of every day, always stretching myself and stepping outside of my comfort zone, serving those around me, looking for the good in all people and situations, and not allow myself to become complacent in any area of my life.

Now, only a couple more hours of work, and I'm off to finish presents, wrap presents, clean the house, and pack our bags! Then, off to Coaldale we go!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!