It turned out Okay

November was full of things and people to be grateful for. The Prophet asked us to show gratitude and we were already counting our blessings. I did participate in the social media 7 days of #givethanks and so did Brian and Emmy.  We loved having Emmy come visit and during our Thanksgiving Dinner and while black friday shopping and running around in the van, we did give thanks.  Celia was complaining of a sore throat so we decided to warn the grandparents of that and they chose not to come to Thanksgiving dinner. It was a good call, Brian and Joseph fells sick the day after thanksgiving which we later found out was Covid 19. It felt a little scary and surreal to think we would have it in our family. 

We tested and the wait to find out was long. I had felt much better when I received my positive result.  We did do good to social distance and not gather for Thanksgiving. Its so hard to break outour routines for prevention's sake, but it proved to be the right idea. It was sunny and clear and beautiful weather all the time we were home. The car was a refuge to keep us away from others, yet able to see outside. We weren't able to see Spencer for two Sundays, but he did well and seemed pleased to see us again when we visited last.  Celia didn't get to go to school for 5 full days, but we managed and it seemed more about family and chilling which is always nice.  Brian did some Zoom and took some calls, but mainly it felt like an extended Thanksgiving break. Joe is getting back into Door dashing again and with more restricitons for staying at home, maybe business will pick up.

It seems like it would be a terrible things to experience all we have these past few weeks, but we are fine and we are blessed. I've been decorating. nesting and wrapping presents. Also, sending Christmas cards and its a nice outlet for me. I love color and creativity and I love to express it. I've done yard work as well, raking leaves with the kids, planting a Blue Spruce tree and some fun grasses. It makes me excited about being in my yard and being home, which is what I need right now. I'm looking for the beauty and greatness of where I am planted and so far, it is going well. Christmas will be great with Emmy visiting once again and spending time with immediate family.

 

November's Testimony

 Hindsight is 20/20, but we must look and see first. How can we look on what has just happened to us if we don't make an effort to see, I often am amazed at how the Lord's timing works out perfectly. I love to see the tender mercies that he bestows on my life. Even when I feel a twinge that difficulty maybe approaching, it is nice to know I have a helping hand in my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Uncertanty abounds, but knowing I have a loving Heavenly Father helps me to conjure up some faith and it helps me to try to be calm and know there is peace. I love that I booked two differnet hotels for our stay in Idaho, I love that the second one was so comforting because if was by the river and had a great view of the Idaho Falls temple. There really is opposition in all htings, right when I feel the most blest, the hardest things seem to come. I can then choose how to act, think or feel on the subject.

 So far, today, I am feeling grateful. I love that there is a Holy Ghost to guide me daily as I strive to let God prevail in my life. The beauty of the earth lifts me up and time with the family is of most importance to me. I have traveled a lot lately, but I feel the time spent with family is what is specical about those moments and I can build those memories around where I live as well. Date nights, car rides, gardening,watching sunsets, working in the kitchen and in the garage. These strenghten bonds and teach so many lessons.

Its amazing how life unfolds and we chose our path It is writtten as we move along. We are helped and cared for and thought of along the way, It becomes a beautiful picture filled in with color, of our own making There are dark colors and contrasts and the saturation is real. There are ugly parts and there is symmetry and beauty.

On my hike with Emmy, I realized the brown trees looked beautiful when seen from higher up. There were till some green pieces and the contrast of the whole landscape wasnt as dreary as it seemed on the ground. The templed lifts us to a high place to see sweeping views, so does prayer and active supplication. I am hopeful as I go through the unknown, 

My heavenly father knows my name and what I am trying to be and how I can grow the most. He knows my strengths and how I can lift others. He knows if I pass throough sorrow and trial, I would be so commited to helping others through those same sorrows and trials, or that my empathy in that area would increase exponetially. No one likes to suffer and we all cry out for deliverance, but I hope the peace the Savior brings will be enough to see me through any diffifult times ahead. I will hold on and stay the course, make it through the turbulences of life and see the shining sun at the end. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.