Glorious Easter Morn

When we think it's all about us, it's really all about HIM!
http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/none-were-with-him?lang=eng


Remember...
http://lds.org/pages/his-sacred-name-an-easter-declaration?lang=eng



"But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ". Mosiah 16:8

Memorabilia, Memories, Molding

So today I've been doing a "Spring" cleaning project with my cramped, unorganized closet. I came across a box full of memorabilia. In this box there were missionary journals, lots of photos from high school and young adult days, my days as a youth in the church, and photos from all the military friends I've made, etc. Looking through some of the photos made me sad, others made me laugh out loud, and most offered sweet fond memories. There are just some years in my life I would never, ever want to live over. Other years that were sweet and brought much joy and happiness. All in all, walking down memory lane has made my heart tender to know that all the time I was being "molded" into who I am today. I love who I am today. I am not perfect, but I have peace, joy, and love in my life. I wouldn't want it any other way. I finally know who I am, and am becoming a better person with each passing day. I'm grateful for all of life's experiences that have been molding me, and the ones that will continue... it's a life long process. When it's all over I hope we can all look back on our beautiful, wonderful lives and feel like we made a difference. Feel like we came, did, and learned what we were supposed to learn. It will be worth every heartache, every stumbling block, every "cross" we are called to carry because we will have become like HIM. "Walk" down memory lane some time, see how far you've come and the priceless wisdom you've gained through life's experiences. The phrase older and wiser makes so much sense. If we knew the things we know now, maybe we wouldn't have been such idiotic teenagers, or made such foolish youthful choices, but it's all part of the learning process. My wish is that my children will be better than I was. I think we all wish for that. What are we being "molded" into...I believe it is something divine.

Memories, Mom, Mexican Food

Today would have been my mom's 60th birthday! Who knew that her 59th birthday would be her last. We certainly had no inkling, but maybe she did. We never truly know the exact hour we will be taken from this life, hence we should make the most of every day. We should love with all our hearts everyday. We should express that love loud and clear.

I remember the very day, March 3, 2010, that everything would change for my mom and us. I was sitting at the table(in our apartment in Orem) reading one of my homework assignments, and Josh was playing with toys. I can distinctly remember the impressions that my life was going to be changing soon. Naturally I thought it had to do with me remarrying, since I look forward to that and hope for it. I then received a phone call from my dad. He sounded distressed. He was driving my mother to a doctor's appointment heading towards PG. As I was on the phone with him he abruptly said I think your mother is dying. She had just dropped the small trash can she had in her hand. She needed that because she was always nauseated, and throwing up. He said he was going to stop at the PG fire department for help. I quickly scooped up Josh and ran to the van. I started crying, and called my sisters. When I got to the PG fire department the ambulance was already leaving the fire station. They had resuscitated my mother. Over the next few days, lots of family came to visit my mother. It was a blessing that she came back, even if it was only for 5 days, because it gave us all an opportunity to share with her how we felt. I remember on March 8, 2010 when we took the tubing out of her throat, her face lit up and a peaceful countenance blanketed her being. She was so happy that we had made that decision for her. She was now ready to go. We brought her home on Hospice care and she passed away 2-1/2 hours later amongst family and friends.

She might be gone from this mortal sphere, but I feel her spirit near. She is aware of us, and is watching over us. She is HAPPY! She can see now, she can LIVE again. I pay a special tribute to my dad for caring for her, especially the last year of her life when her health was disintegrating. He served her for 40 years, and I know she is forever grateful.

Today my sisters, dad, and I will celebrate by going to eat Mexican food at Rubio's (one of her fave places). We are also going to put flowers on her grave site in Lindon. So here's to memories, Mom, and Mexican food...

Trials, Tragedies, Truly Blessed

I am one lucky girl. How many single moms have the love and support of family, like I do? How many single moms have ex-husbands who faithfully pay child support and alimony every month, like I do? How many single moms don't have to work outside the home? How many single moms can attend college, while their own children are at school, and then be able to be a full-time mom when they're home? How many single moms live in a great ward where they feel valued, accepted, and needed, like I do? How many single moms get to attend the temple every week because the temple is only 15 minutes away? How many single moms...the list could go on and on about how truly blessed I am in my present circumstances. I'm not trying to boast at all, I'm just amazed at how good the Lord is to me. He makes my burden light! He sends peace to my heart and soul. I don't ever want to do anything that would take away that peace. I am grateful  for my trials, I wouldn't want anyone elses. I was privileged to attend a fireside tonight of a remarkable woman who survived an airplane crash, but was badly burned over 70% of her body. She is a living testament that miracles still exist today, and that God helps us overcome tragedy. Through the tragedies of life we get to learn things about ourselves that are crucial for our eternal progression. The Lord knows just the tragedies we need in our lives to help us rediscover the spiritual beings we've always been. We did live before we were born. There was a pre-earth life. I believe as we overcome our trials and tragedies, with the Lord's help, we get heavenly reminders of how wonderful we really are. We can make it, we are wonderful, if we have the Lord first and foremost in our lives.