I have been neglecting this blog and I apologize. I have been busy lately.
I have been thinking a lot lately about service. I work with the youth in my church and I am so amazed at the time it takes. Sometimes it is hard for me to step outside my comfortable home and go to activities. But each time I do I feel so uplifted. It is almost unfair that I should get so much out of service. It undoubtedly is a blessing for doing the right thing.
I fear sometimes that I am not a help to those beautiful young women I have the honor of serving. I believe I get more from their association that they do from me. But I am loving it.
For so many years I kept to myself for...well I don't know why. Probably selfishness. Of course I am not perfect at it now. There are moments when it isn't convenient to serve others. But I have found that if I have a willing heart and I put myself out there to be an instrument to help others, that I am amazed what I am allowed to be apart of - friendships, smiles, and grateful recipients.
Lately I have been closer to the spirit than I ever have been in my life. Financially things have been extraordinarily tight lately and normally I get stressed out and I don't take a leap of faith that Heavenly Father will provide a way. But this month Christian and I decided to pay double fast offerings (In our church we take the first Sunday of each month and fast two meals. Then we take the money we would have spent on the food we did not eat and give it to our church to use for a fund for those who are in need). It was the hardest thing I have ever done. We're talking two weeks worth of groceries for our family! But I did it knowing that Heavenly Father would bless us. So far I don't know how we have survived to be honest. There's no way we should've made it this month. When we added the bills it was not supposed to add up and it has. I have never been so humbled by the tender mercies of my Father in Heaven. It is a small but powerful reminder that He does care about my little family. If we just believe in Him and take that leap of faith - even when we can't see the arms below to catch us - and we are so blessed it is almost baffling.
This Thanksgiving season I am most grateful for the knowledge of my Heavenly Father and that he in deed loves each of us. I am so grateful for a Savior that was willing to suffer pain, I will never understand, so that my shortcomings and pain could be removed from me. I am grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and that my sweet husband and beautiful children are mine forever if we do what we are required. I am grateful for food on the table, a roof over my head, and clothes for my family. I could go on forever.
Lastly, know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. That Joseph Smith really in fact was inspired of God to restore the church. That the Book of Mormon is a true. I am grateful for all this each and every day!
