A few years ago life was crazy stressful and I was having a pretty hard time. One day I was talking with one of my friends on the phone who happened to be dealing with almost identical problems and worries. Our conversation turned spiritual and we were both trying to buoy one another up. Life had not taken the course that either of us thought it should have. Sound familiar? I don't mean to minimize this because the trials we were both experiencing were very significant and we were both completely exhausted. At times, it seemed there was no light to be seen. No hope. We were both striving to be faithful and remained close to the Lord. We talked often. Each time we spoke, we supported and laughed with each other and tried our best to press forward with faith but the trials remained.
In all that another constant remained, phone call after phone call. Both of us, although we wanted more than anything for these trials to be removed, could feel our Saviors love stronger than we ever had before in our lives. His tender mercies were abundant and we both felt a strong sense of peace and spiritual alignment with what God wanted for us. The bitter truly was made sweet. Not after the trial but in the midst of it.
Even though I could see the tender mercies and was full of gratitude overflowing for His love , from time to time, I still found myself questioning and even whining again for my will to be fulfilled. My faith would slip for a moment and therefore so did my perspective. I knew right when it happened because I didn't feel as close to the Savior and peace would vanish.
A few days later, I was in Hallmark looking for a fun pick me up for another friend when I spotted it. At first it caught my eye because it reminded me of a strikingly similar picture of myself when I was little. Cute little girl, brown hair and round sunglasses. A little less dramatic as my glasses were not quite as oversized and I definitely did not have a convertible with white leather seats to roll around town in (EVER in my life). I pulled the card out to read the caption and instantly started laughing. Yes. Out Loud. In the store.
I thought....so this is how Heavenly Father sends an "instant message" to me on earth! Just like my friend and I would laugh at ourselves.... I really felt like Heavenly Father gave me the humorous nudge I needed that day to remind me what I actually look like when I start to be less grateful for all that he has already given me.
Suprisingly, I have not mastered this concept yet (cue sarcasm) as the "heavenly messenger" has chimed once again.
I can hardly believe it has been a year but last Saturday we celebrated Benjamin's 1st Birthday! Words cannot express how much joy this happy little boy brings into our lives. We love him so!
You must watch the birthday cake video below to get the full effect but this little guy gave this cake quite the run for its icing! He licked, then sucked, the picked the entire piece up and tried to swallow it entirely and then squished it and continued to scarf it and smash it all over his face. Afterwards, he exhibited signs of a serious chocolate buzz! It was hilarious!
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