It's Been Far Too Long...

BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
Author Unknown

I was laying in my bed this morning all worked up about life, when the thought struck my mind that it's times like these that I need to stop focusing on the "what-if's" and the "what happens when" and start remembering the many blessings which are mine, right now.
Most everything I'm posting here has been said or written before, but serve as a way for me to refocus my thinking.
A few of the things which I have right now that I'm deeply and personally indebted to a loving Father in Heaven are...
A Family
Both the one I was born into and the one I have been privileged to help create! I truly believe that family is everything! I have at times felt deep sorrow over family, but it pails in comparison to the joy that comes from belonging to a family unit.
Good Health
Employment
I must admit most of my latest anxiety is tied to this very issue. As of now we aren't in any real danger of being laid off, but in times like these you never know. Being a one income family makes this a very real concern for me.
A Good Ward, Good Friends and Good Neighbors
Wow, even my poor neighbor's who we share walls with and annoy constantly, still find it in their hearts to shovel our drive way and serve our family.
I love the ladies in my ward and feel privileged to have known them.
I love my baby-sitting swapping pals, Derik and I have finally been able to get out and go on dates thanks to you guys!
I love that our ward is focusing on service this year, and I'm excited to participate.
Shelter
It might be cold in our house, but I'm grateful there are four walls and a sound roof above my head.
Children
Technically these little guys belong under the family heading, but I felt this subject deserved a little place of it's own. I do a lot of blog surfing and time after time I read about a couple's struggle with infertility and I cannot help but feel so privileged to know that I had the great blessing of carrying two beautiful and healthy babies. I love being pregnant (and no this isn't an announcement) I cannot imagine how destitute I'd feel to not have that privilege.
I will probably never be worthy of the title mother, my children deserve so much more, but I'm so glad they are here to try, enrich and bring joy to my life!
The Living Gospel
I feel like I'm three and I'm just graduating from Nursery school. Some many things about the gospel I didn't know and haven't done! I've let go of my mommies hand and I'm stumbling my way along. Ironically enough it's my struggles to understand and to grow in the Gospel that have deepened my love for it.
A Hot Bath
When all else fails, a hot bat always does wonders for me!