Ups and Downs

A song I heard several years ago has the following lyrics, "You can never know the good if you've never known the bad. You can never be happy if you've never been sad... It's called opposition,,," (My Turn on Earth)

In these past few years, I am sure many of you have experienced opposition, and so have I. As stressing as these moments are, they are also learning experiences. Some of these experiences might not be a big deal and we let them roll off our backs. Others, however, might have turned our lives upside down. These are the ones that leave deep marks on our souls and make us wonder if we will ever recover from them.

The answer is "Yes, we will recover from them." For some it will be a longer journey than for others; nevertheless, we will recover and we don't have to do it alone. There are people around you who care for you and your wellbeing. And should you feel you are alone, I am only one message away. You are not alone.

A Tribute to My Dad

I started this post a couple of years back to help me overcome the sadness I felt after the passing of one of my most favorite people on earth, my great aunt Paola.

Today, I want to post to fight against the sadness I feel because of the loss my mom and I suffered over the summer: my dad, the wonderful person my Heavenly Father assigned to me as my Earthly Father.

He apologized in his own unique way. I will always remember when he got onto me for something I said over the phone to a friend. He only heard part of the conversation, but that was enough for him to pass judgment. After a while, and after my mom explained to him the part of the conversation he had missed, he brought me some milk and cookies. That was his way to say he was sorry. I love him for it.

He was a great provider. He worked hard on his job and around the house to always make sure my mom and I had all we needed. He was never idle. Even when he sat down, he was busy doing something.

He had hands of gold. Everything he touched turned into something beautiful. He knew how to fix everything around the house, our house, my grandparents' house, and my house.

He was ambitious but only enough to take him where he needed to be to provide for us. I remember him going to night school to get his high school degree. We shared the same table as we did homework. That degree allowed him to move up the ladder at his company until he became the right hand of the owner.

He loved us. He showed us his love by the little things he did for us. He and my mom made sacrifices so that I and my children could have what we needed.

He was a great teacher. He taught me to be frugal yet enjoy life. He taught me about the important things to look for in life. He shared his wisdom as a driver.
My most favorite quote of his: "Chi ha piu' giudizio lo usi" - he who has the most wisdom, let him use it. He always said it when we would happen to be in a situation where he might have had the right of way but the other driver was determined to go first. Wisdom trumped the rules of the road.

He was and still is a great man. I miss him terribly but I know I will see him again. Just like I will see my grandparents, my great aunts and great uncles that have passed on before me.

If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, take time to write down all the good things you remember about this person. Cherish the memories and look forward to the day you will meet again.

Live by Faith

I have to admit. I have been bogged down lately... more than lately.....

The affairs of the world do not help either. Every time you turn on the TV (which I do not have, but other places I attend do), you search the Internet, you access Facebook, etc. you hear or read of murders, riots, violence, corruption, ...

I started to be fearful of just existing. Yes, I chose the word existing because I was not living. It is no life one that is lived in fear. I so wanted to buy an island, transfer all my family there (my animals included, because they are part of my family) and forget about the rest of the world.

There are a few problems with this idea. For starters, I do not have the money to buy an island. I do not even have the money to just buy the pier to attach my boat once I reach the island! For that matter, I don't even have money for a small canoe to reach the pier at the island....Next problem is that I don't think my family would want to follow; this means that I would be there by myself with my furry friends and, as great as they are, they cannot replace human interaction... I am sure that there would be other issues I have not even began to analyze.

After I scratched off the island option, I stumbled across an article about faith: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The caption right below the title reads, "In a household of faith, there is no need to fear or doubt. Choose to live by faith and not fear."

It struck me. May be this is what I am missing: FAITH!

Oh sure, I have the basic faith I display by simply going to church, reading the scriptures, helping others, etc. etc. etc.
But true faith, the one that can move mountains...that one I have yet to develop.

Now, another thing I learned while reading the scriptures is that faith is not just believing and than sitting back... No...faith is action!
Saint Augustine said: "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."

I have then decided that I need to pray for safety and protection and then I need to make sure I take the necessary steps for such safety and protection to come to pass. If I pray to be safe on the road and then I drive (or walk) like a maniac and do not pay attention to my surroundings, I am bound to get hurt, in spite of my prayer for safety.

With this in mind, I have resolved to follow St. Augustine's advice. I will then need to keep in mind that Heavenly Father knows all and I need to trust Him. What will come my way, if I do all that I am supposed to do, it will be for my benefit and He will take care of everything!

We are all given a certain amount of time here on earth. For some the time is short, too short (but I have my belief about this); for others, the time is longer. I need to make the best of the time that has been allotted to me and not worry about anything else. I do need to be concerned about my actions and I need to make sure that these actions are a reflection of my thoughts, prayers, and talk!

My hope, and challenge, to anyone who reads this is to walk by faith and not fear. Trust in the Supreme Being Who created you! Live life to its fullest. "...men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25)

One Step at the Time

The following quote sort of goes hand in hand with the one I shared under the post "Timing Is Everything"

"Go as far as you can see: when you get there you'll be able to see further." 

-- Zig Ziglar

If you think about it, Zig Ziglar is telling us to take it one step at the time. After we are there, we take the next step, and then the next, ... until we reach our final destination.

This reminds me of another quote that explained about life being a journey and not a destination.

When we try to look at the final step (which we can't see) we are thinking about our destination. There is nothing wrong with having the destination in mind, as that is how we can find out how to get there. However, it is important that we enjoy the journey, that we take that one step at the time one day at a time. Life becomes a lot more manageable and enjoyable this way.

And, as in any journey, there will be stops, there will be stumbling blocks, there will be delays; but, overall, there will be beautiful scenery, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, wonderful people, and great memories.

I hope all of you are taking the time to enjoy your journey through life.

Taken for Granted

Today's quote is from an unknown author. Even so, it is a quote that makes one think:

"The things you take for granted, someone else is praying for." 

When we feel down in the dumps; when all the negative forces of the universe seem to be hovering over us; when we think that all is lost; when we think we are all alone, we need to remember this quote and start thinking, writing, even saying out loud all the things that we take for granted, yet others are praying for. 

If we have...

a home

clothes

a vehicle

access to clean water

food

a family

friends

access to education

access to health care

eyesight

hearing

voice

...

If we can...

breathe on our own

walk on our own

do things for ourselves

do things for others

read

eat

enjoy a sunset or sunrise

feel the breeze or rain

watch a movie

...

then we have and can do things others are praying for. Even if we don't meet all the items on the list, we still have things that others are praying for.

When we keep things in perspective, then we might realize that our life is not that dark after all.

I have to keep reminding myself of the daily blessings I receive. It is very easy for me to complain about a situation and think that all is lost. However, after reading this quote, I realize that my trials are very small compared to some of the problems others are facing.

I want to resolve to never take things for granted again but to be grateful for all I am given. Every breath I take is a gift and everything I have is a gift. All could be taken away in the next second.

 

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

I scoured the multitude of jokes I receive to find one that I could share.

There were animal jokes, work jokes, police jokes, etc...

I finally settled for the following joke. It is simple and short. I liked it:

"A vertically challenged psychic was arrested one day. He escaped from jail and the newspaper headline read, "SMALL MEDIUM AT-LARGE."
 

The author is unknown, but it was found on the website called "A Joke a Day"

Since the last few posts were of inspirational nature, I figured it was time for a post that would bring laughter. It is a play on words joke and I hope it will bring a chuckle into your life, even if for a brief moment.

Sometimes, the only way to overcome a tough time is to laugh. It is better when we can laugh with friends as more laughter might generate because of the company we keep. But we can still enjoy a good joke even when we are by ourselves.

Whatever circumstance you are experiencing, I hope this joke will brighten your day.

Remember... Keep up your chin!

Timing Is Everything

If you have ever felt overwhelmed by things in your life, this quote might help ease your feelings:

"I learned that we can do anything, but we can't do everything... at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything." 

-- Dan Millman

Sometimes, we put on our plate more than we can handle. Sometimes, we are not the ones filling our plate. 

In either circumstance, if we stop for a moment and think, we will realize that even at the table, we don't eat the whole plate at once, but take bites. 

Some of us eat one thing at the time and some of us eat a smaller piece of two things together. Either way, we break it down in manageable portions. 

Why should we not do the same with other things in life? 

Whether we feel burdened with tasks or are living through a tragedy, we need to tackle one thing at the time. 

Above all, seek the guidance of the Spirit in all things. Seek Heavenly Father's help in all things. Whatever name you know Him by, He is willing to help you.

This reminds me of a story I heard long, long time ago. I am paraphrasing it but the morale is the same:

A young boy was asked by his father to move a large stone in the yard.

He tried everything he could to move it at no avail.

He called his friends and asked them to come and help. Even with their help, he was unable to move that stone. 

After trying the whole day and not succeeding, he went back to his father and told him that he had tried everything in his power to move that stone but was unable to do so. He had even asked his friends, and they were not able to help. The stone was still there.

At this point the father replied that the boy had not done everything in his power to move the stone as he had neglected to ask his own father for help.

Let's not forget to ask for help to Him who loves us, who is willing and able to help us manage all things life brings our way.

I would give credit to the story to the rightful owner, but I cannot find it and, therefore, it will remain nameless.

I can give credit, however, to Audri and Jim Lanford for providing me with the quote. The quotes they find come straight to my inbox and they make my day a little better.

Hum Your Favorite Hymn

There is a song I know that suggests to hum a favorite hymn when we find ourselves thinking thoughts or words that are not in harmony with the Savior's teachings.

I would like to give it a slight spin to it by saying to hum your favorite hymn when you find yourself taking the sad, depressed, or lonely road.

Many times, I find that hymns bring words of comfort, peace, and reassurance that Heavenly Father and the Savior love us. Music is very powerful. And words accompanied by music have a way to stick with us more than words alone.

I have several hymns I love and that bring me peace, comfort, and reassurance of Their love.

May be you have your favorite as well, but in case you don't, here are just a few of my favorites. I hope that one of these hymns will bring you the support and comfort you need.

1. I Feel My Savior's Love
2. The Lord Is My Light
3. I Am a Child of God
4. I Will Follow God's Plan for Me

So, whether you already have a favorite hymn or you are going to find one soon, make it a commitment to hum it to yourself every time you need to lift your spirit. It works!

Never Quit

Today's quote comes from an individual I never thought I would quote: William J. Clinton.

"If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit." 

 

How many times have you thought about quitting your job, quitting a project, even quitting life because of mistakes, disappointments, heartaches....

The former president of the U.S. says it well... 

- Mistakes are part of life. Learning from them is what will help us improve as individuals.

- Adversity is part of life. How we handle it is what defines us.

- Since we cannot escape mistakes and adversity it is imperative that we keep on going, keep on trying, keep on moving forward.

If we quit, we will never know what the outcome might have been had we persevered. Even in the darkest of moments and in the hardest of hardships, we can hold on and see it through the end. 

If you feel life is still very hard, find someone you can share your thoughts, your worries, and your fears with. Talk it out with them. Reach out. There is always someone who is willing to lend a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a hand to hold, and a heart to love. You are never alone!

There Is a Reason for Everything

How many times have you wondered why certain things happen to you?
I know I have. But then I learned that there is a reason for everything that happens.

Sometimes, that reasons manifests itself pretty quickly; however, majority of times it takes a while, if ever, for that reason to become evident. And this is when we need to rely on our faith on a loving Father in Heaven. He knows everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING!

I know that, when in the middle of the struggle, it is hard to step back, take a deep breath, and leave it in His hands. I also know that it is possible to do so, and the more we do it, the easier it will become.

The poem "Footprints in the Sand" comes to mind. I think I already shared it once, but it will not hurt to share it again:

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

"You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,

"The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints,

is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson

Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved

The poem tells us we are not left alone in our struggles. The following story shows us He is in charge and there is a reason for everything that happens.

Conversation with God

Me: (in a tizzy) : God, can I ask you something?

GOD: Sure.

Me: Promise you won't get mad?

GOD: I promise.

Me: (frustrated): Why did you let so much stuff happen to me today?

GOD: What do you mean?

Me: Well I woke up late,

GOD: Yes

Me: My car took forever to start,

GOD: Okay....

Me:(growling): At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.

GOD: Hmmmm..

Me: On the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call

GOD: All right

Me: (loudly): And to top it all off, when I got home, I just wanted to soak
my feet in my foot massager and relax, but it wouldn't work. Nothing went
right today! Why did you do that?

GOD: Well let me see..... the death angel was at your bed this morning and
I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you
sleep through that.

Me: (humbled): Oh...

GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your
route that might have hit you if you were on the road

Me: (ashamed): ............

GOD: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn't
want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work

Me: (embarrassed): Oh.....

GOD: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to
give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let
you talk to them so you would be covered

Me: (softly): I see God

GOD: Oh and that foot massager, it had a short that was going to throw out
all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in
the dark.

Me: I'm sorry God.

GOD: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me..........in all things, the good
and the bad

Me: I WILL trust you God

GOD: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your
plan

Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything
today.

GOD: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I
love looking after my children.

Scriptural References: II Samuel 22:31, Proverbs 3:5, Hebrews 2:13

Sometimes, really devastating things happen and it is hard to see through them. But just remember that He is over all things and He will come through for you, if you will let Him.

Dissection

Today, I would like to talk about dissection.

No, no... I am not talking about the medical dissection of a body. Although, it is highly fascinating. If I could go back in time, I would go to medical school. I think the body is amazing on how it works and it heals on its own.

Anyway, I am referring to the dissection of a situation.

Last time I mentioned that we need to keep up our chin because life is still worth while. We need to smile in spite of our heartaches...

How is it possible? Well, first and foremost, rely on Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Second, dissect the situation. Shred it to pieces and once it is cut to bits, analyze each part and make an effort to find one positive thing about each part of that situation.

I am not trying to make light of a hardship, but I am trying to help you find the rainbow in the storm. The rainbow is there, we just cannot see it because of the clouds. We need to part those clouds to appreciate the beauty of the rainbow.

Let's see if I can come up with an example. I know that my example will probably not even come close to your experience, but, perhaps, it will start you in the right direction.

Last year, I was told that my services were no longer needed. They were reducing the work force and, being one of the last ones hired, I received the pink slip.

It was not fun. I was a single parent and the sole provider. What to do?

What did I do?

I dissected my situation:

1. lost my job
2. bills needed to be paid
3. my resume' was not up to date
4. I hated, and still do, interviews
5. I needed to go buy interview clothes

Then I looked at whatever good parts I could find for each section:

1. because of the type of layoff, I qualified for unemployment as I looked for another job. Because my children were grown, I could now look for any type of job schedule, I was no longer tied to the "school day" kind of schedule. That was a rainbow in the storm.

2. unemployment helped pay for the bills I had. I did have to make sacrifices, but, at least, lights could still come on at home. Also, because I had no extra money, I picked up cooking again. The healthier meals were a rainbow in the storm.

3. I never liked writing resumes. Trying to remember dates and places and job descriptions. Besides, there is always so much more you do on the job than what fits on one page. The rainbow here? I had to stretch this a bit, but I got to learn the new types of resumes that employers like.

4. Interviews are awful! What might work with one employer, might not work with another. And each employer has a different set of questions, so when you think you have a perfect answer, that question is no longer asked! My rainbow: I got to meet new people and learn about a whole new battery of questions!

5. Clothes... I am not one to follow trends. If I like something, I buy it and wear it.
The problem with job interviews is that you need to dress professionally, even if you will end up wearing jeans because of the job. I did not, and still do not, have any money to buy something new so I looked around my local Goodwill for some good finds.... those finds eluded me. I left empty handed. My final rainbow was that I took another look at my wardrobe and decided that I had simple but still good items that, correctly paired up, could still give a professional look.

Accentuate the positive. There is always a positive to every situation.

You may need to dig deep, but it is there. Take time to mourn your situation and then dissect it. Write it down, share it with someone who cares; share it with me, if you feel you don't have anyone close you can trust. I care.

Sorridi

Sorridi.... it means "smile" in Italian.

It is my daughter's motto. When she had her own vehicle, her tag was "SORRIDI"

In the  movie Modern Times, the them song was "Smile"

You may ask why you have to smile when you feel down, alone, and forgotten. Or when you are hurting, struggling, and have been betrayed. Or when you have lost a loved one.

The answer is in the lyrics of the song:

Smile

 Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.

Songwriters
CHARLES CHAPLIN, JOHN TURNER, GEOFFREY PARSONS

Published by
Lyrics © BOURNE CO.

As I wrote above, the answer is in the lyrics of the song: life is still worthwhile.

I know that we see and feel our pain and believe that what we are going through is hard and no one else has experienced it. However, there are people that have experienced it, they are still experiencing it, and they may even be worse off that we are. 

And above all, Christ our Savior has experienced every bit of what we go through, He knows our pains, He knows how to help us because He went through it all before us. We need to rely on Him. We need to bring Him our broken hearts and spirits and He will comfort us, lift us, carry us through it all.

It is my belief and prayer that each of us will remember to smile and to rely on our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

 

Wow!

It has been almost six months ago since the last post.

I am sorry for those who were and possibly still are following this blog to receive some comfort and hope. I have left you alone these past six months.

I am back now though and I hope to make a more frequent appearance than I have been.

What words of comfort can I offer you today?

I can tell you without a doubt that miracles still exist!
My son was in a roll over accident a little over two weeks ago. When the claim adjuster saw the car, she was amazed that my son walked away from it. He fractured a vertebra in the neck, but 6 weeks of neck brace will put him back as good as new! So I testify to you that miracles still happen today.

Sometimes we don't recognize them as such.

I ask that you stop and think for a moment. Think back at a miracle that has happened in your life. Think of how you felt and recall that feeling every time you feel like you have been left alone with no help, love, or support.

You can make it through. Hang on to that miracle and watch other miracles work in your life!

His Name Shall Be Called

Christians just celebrated Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.
I found this picture online and I decided to share it because it expresses who He is for me:


 

He is my Wonderful Counselor as He guides me and directs me in the paths I should take.
He is my mighty God because with Him nothing is impossible.
He is my everlasting Father because He is the one Who has taken upon Himself my mistakes and my sorrows that I might be made whole again.
He is my Prince of Peace because it is through Him that I can find the peace at all moments in my life, even when it seems that all the forces in the universe are against me.   


As the New Year is about to begin, I know that if I focus on the Savior, my life will take a new direction, new meaning, and a new purpose.

I know that I will have great moments and struggles as well. Life has to have opposites for us to appreciate the good and spiritually grow as we overcome the bad. But I also know that He will be with me every step of the way.

I know that He can be there for you as well, every step of the way. He brings love, He brings comfort, He brings peace, and He brings us home when our time comes. He never leaves us alone.

So, for all those times that we feel down, let us get down on our knees, open our hearts to Him and He will be there.

Fear Is a Thief

I have been watching the TV series "Touched by an Angel."

I love this series as it has so many great and profound quotes. I have decided to use one of those quotes for today's post. It is a quote on fear.

How many times have you been fearful of something that might happen? I know I have been there plenty of times. I play out scenarios of things to come based on my very limited knowledge of the present. I then get all worked up and feel miserable the rest of the day.

I try to tell myself to stop this habit of mine as it is not very productive. Sometimes I am successful and at other times... let's say that I am still a work in progress.

When I looked through the quotes, I found this one to be particularly touching and I hope that it will be as enlightening to you as it was to me.

"Fear is a thief.  It steals all your todays by making ya dread tomorrow.  But today is all you have.  It's all anyone has and there's no reason to worry about tomorrow.  God is already there." ~~Monica, The Wind Beneath My Wings

Keep Your Faith

I subscribe to inspirational nuggets and I decided to share with you the one I received a couple of days ago.

I hope that it will bring you peace, no matter where you are and what your circumstances.
It is from last year's message; however, Christmas repeats every year and I can guarantee you that these words are as true today as they were a year ago. And I also testify to you that when we serve others, our problems seems to be easier to bear.

"On this Christmas I send my love to every missionary, every man or woman in the military, every student, and every employee and traveler who won't 'be home for Christmas,' as the carol says. Keep your faith. Look for the good in your situation. Do something kind for someone. Seek Christ devoid of wrapping and tinsel. You will find that despite external circumstances, Christmas, like the kingdom of God, is 'within you.'"

--Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Christmas within You", December 2012 Ensign

Psalms 95:6-7

Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful, 202 Listen | Text | Interactive | About

Christmas Devotional

Tonight, I watched the Christmas Devotional.

Speakers shared of the sacred story of the birth of our Savior. They spoke of His love and His service.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir graced us with its beautiful sounds.
The message was awesome and it was like a balm to a weary soul.

As I looked at the pictures of the Savior, as I heard of His birth and His ministry, as I listened to the messages contained in the songs, I longed to be there with Him.

For a moment, I wished I could have been the humble shepherd in the field. I wished I could have been there with the Wise Men. I wish I could have walked along side of Him who gave His all that we might live.

I know the Savior came to Earth that we might be able to return to our Father in Heaven. I know that we can find comfort, peace, and guidance in our Savior. He loves us. He knows our troubles. He knows our weaknesses. He can heal us all.

May you be able to find your way to Him. When you do, you will find healing, comfort, love, and all that you need to live your life at its fullness.

Amid difficulties

Before I get to my post, I have decided to share something I saw today.
I came across this from a friend of mine and I think it is awesome information. Here is what he has to say:

Did you know that every 30 days it is necessary to clean the computer screen from the inside? Many people ignore this fact and do not know how. Manufacturers take advantage of this ignorance to increase their sales. My IT guy shared this and said feel free to share it with all of you! To clean the screen from the inside, just click this link:

http://www.lingdao.fr/outils/nettoyeurecran/cleanscreen.swf

Did you clean your screen? Awesome, now you can see much better and we can continue with the post.

We are all faced with things that don't quite go our way. They could be financial trials, they could be emotional, physical, on the job trials... you name it and, chances are, someone else can explain it for you as he/she is going through something similar.

Why do we have trials? Because it is only through these challenges that we become strong and become the person we are meant to be.

Would the diamond look the way it does if it would have not been put under pressure when it was coal?
Would a tree be your beautiful bed frame if it would have not been cut and chiseled?
Would you have learned to walk if you had not taken those first steps and fallen many times over?

What is important is that we remember that the Savior went through it all. He suffered for our mistakes, but He also suffered for those challenges that we are now facing. He knows what we are going through. He can help us. He can comfort us. All we need to do is to reach out to Him and let Him lighten our load. He lovingly told us, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

So, when you find yourself discouraged and heavy with burdens open your heart to the One who can understand you and He will comfort you. I know this to be true. I have been there and done that. I felt peace and I felt love, His love.

You are not alone and you never will be.

Gratitude

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I think gratitude should be in the spotlight.

I found this picture and I thought it would be a great for this post:

I would like to add that we should also be grateful for the challenges placed on our way.

You may ask why give thanks for challenges.
Without challenges, we cannot learn about our strengths.
Without challenges, we cannot appreciate the daily blessings.
Without challenges, we cannot learn empathy and support those around us who are struggling.

So, as we get ready to sit around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving by also making and sharing a lists of blessings, how about including our trials as well?

The Story of Two Traveling Angels

As I look around and see friends struggle, or as I see my own problems, I try to remember a story I read long time ago.

I searched for it, so I could share it with you today:

The Story of Two Traveling Angels:
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. 
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem." 
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. 
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. 
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel, "How could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die." 
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it." 
"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem." 

As we go about our lives, with its ups and downs, let us remember that "Things aren't always what they seem."

A loss of a job or a home, may be a way to help us think outside the box and allow us to do greater things with our lives than if we had not suffered those losses.

A fender bender on the road may have been what saved us from the far more dangerous situation a few miles down the road.

May you see the silver lining in all the trials that come your way. By doing so, you will find peace, comfort, and the assurance that when we have faith, all things will work out for our benefit.