2014...

At the start of this New Year, I've thought a lot about my thoughts and feelings concerning 2014. It was without a doubt the most difficult year of my life.  It was trying from the start and brought with it physical and very emotional experiences, (not only for me but for many dear friends as well.) There were thankfully bright moments along the way: I have an adorable new nephew and a sweet new niece, we had some family who had been living in California move back this way which we are very excited about, and I'm blessed with a sweet little family and wonderful family and friends who all keep me going. I've been the recipient and observer to wonderful acts of service, but most of all, I want to testify of my Savior who carries us through all our hard times (and often that happens through some of the very ways I mentioned already, through those who surround us!) As I watched Ansel, shortly after the start of the New Year, snuggled up in this incredibly soft red blanket we have, I thought of the comfort that blanket had brought through the year. I pretty much stayed wrapped up in it for about 3 weeks following my tonsillectomy when I just tried to exist though that fun experience. I wrapped Mr. Eli up in it after his tonsillectomy as well (thankfully he recovered MUCH quicker than I did!) It was also the very blanket that comforted my Mom through her final weeks of life.  I have again, since then, wrapped up in it many times and find it to be comforting when I miss my Mom. My kids have also cuddled in it a lot too and often they will talk to me about their feelings and memories of Grandma as well.  As I thought about the physical comfort that red blanket has brought, I reflect even more on another Comforter that truly can get us through every experience we face. I'm so grateful to know that we have a Savior who loves each of us and wants us to feel of His love for us. I know He knows each one of us individually and I have seen far too many "coincidences" in my life to know that truly many things in life aren't coincidences. They are rather evidences that we have a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to know He is there and that He wants the best for us just like we do for our own families here. I have the privilege of working with the Young Women at church right now, and the theme for this past year was "Come Unto Christ". The accompanying song has really touched my heart and I wanted to share it:

http://youtu.be/ubIP8R5-6Tw