a {NEW} look on life

We just recently attended a baptism this past Saturday and it was such a spiritual experience. Even with our kids going semi-crazy during the program it was so neat to look at the young man and see his glowing countenance. He looked so at peace with his decision and couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. I am always amazed at the happiness that the Gospel brings someone. It is that literal "change of heart" that we read about in the Book of Mormon. Seeing this gave me a renewed urgency to also continue to do all I can to also experience a change of heart each and every day. Even though my time is sparse, I still have the power to take the time out in my day to reflect upon my own actions and keep that renewed sense of urgency alive to change and be a better person.



I want you all to know that I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know that Christ did live and continues to live today. I know that he died for my sins so that as imperfect as I am, I can continue to repent and wipe my slate clean. I know that the plan of salvation offeres a way for us to all return home to our Heavenly Father and be a family FOREVER! I know that the book of Mormon is a true book and that we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father by studying and following the teachings that are contained within it's pages. I know that Joseph Smith DID restore the true Gospel to this earth, I know that he translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God, I know that he was a true prophet just like Prophet Thomas S Monson is also. And even though the last few years have been REALLY hard, I know that I have been pressed & molded {and continue to be}, even by a refiners fire, so that I will be fit to someday enter the Lord's presence. I have learned that the love that Jesse & I share, and the commitment we have to each other CANNOT be broken. I have learned that we can draw close to one another and be one even through the hardest circumstance we have had to face thus far in our existence. And I know that the Lord is with each and every one of us...even in our lowest and darkest moments. I have felt the crushing force of disappointment and discouragement many times over the last few years, and at these moments when I have felt like I can no longer press forward and when I'm ready to completely give up, I have felt a strong reassurance that my Heavenly Father loves me and is watching over me. I have felt a spirit of peace wrap me up like a blanket, and the words "peace be unto you" have entered my mind and my heart over & over. I know there is truth in the words spoken that "these things shall be but a small moment". And I know that I would have never known I could have grown this way, if I had not gone through these challenges.






So because of that, I feel peace in my trials. Often times another phrase runs through my head: "there is a time and season for all things". Obviously this is the time and season for me to work hard for my family, it is my turn to support my little family financially, and that it is time for me to be strong and STOP complaining about things that I have no control over. I have faith that if we work hard together, that the Lord WILL bless us. Maybe not in same time-frame that I think it should be, but I know that we will not be forsaken.






Just the other day my big sister forwarded me a Mother's Day e-mail with some fabulous quotes by one of the most inspirational woman that has lived in these modern days {in my opinion}.  Here are my favorite ones:




#1: Be Kind.  Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

#2: There are some years in our lives that we would not want to live again.  But even these years will pass away, and the lessons learned will be a future blessing.

#3: Try a little harder to be a little better.

#4: The trick is to enjoy life.  Don't wish away your days, waiting for better one's ahead.

{All of these come from one smart lady: Marjorie Pay Hinckley}