Blessed Beyond Measure

My heart is so full right now. The title of this post pretty much sums it up. With Thanksgiving and the end of the year approaching I've just been doing a lot of reflecting lately (Which I do all the time, actually. I'm a thinker.). And, I feel incredibly blessed.

In Relief Society today we talked about some of the "small and subtle" blessings we receive from the Lord. Also, this week I had the opportunity to talk with a friend who has many trials. I just walked away from that conversation realizing how blessed I am and how I take so many things for granted. So many little things that are actually huge blessings.

It's so easy to focus on everything we don't have. But, when we focus on everything we do have, we realize we are so blessed.

I could probably write for hours about my many blessings. But, I won't. I'll just a highlight a few things.

1. The Gospel. How in the world have I been so blessed to have it in my life my entire life? I don't know why, but I am so glad. The Gospel means so much to me and I can't imagine not knowing what I know.

2. Friends. Friends make life so much better. I've lived in a lot of different places and have made many friends in each of those places. Such a blessing in my life. It makes my heart so happy when I get a random text or call from a friend - just because they were thinking of me.

3. Family. Specifically, the nine nieces and nephews that call me aunt. They have been a huge blessing in my life. They've brought me so much joy and happiness. I don't have children of my own right now, but I feel like Heavenly Father has given me these kids to somewhat fill that void in my life.

4. Earth. It is so gorgeous. I'm grateful I have eyes to see it. I was thinking about that the other day. I love photography - a lot. But, I wouldn't be able to take pictures if I couldn't see.

5. My Body. I am so grateful I have the ability to see, hear, walk, run, talk, laugh, etc. Too often I get caught up in the fact that my body does not look the way I'd like it to. When really, I should be grateful I even have one and that it functions fully.

Like I said, I could go on and on, but I won't. As the Josh Groban song says, "There's so much to be Thankful for." It's true. And gratitude brings happiness.

Families Are Forever

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am really looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. I don't live near most of my family, so it'll be really good to be with them. I also get to meet my new nephew.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the phrase, "What matters the most lasts the longest." It's true. Family is the constant thing. Friends can come and go, but family will be there forever.

I'm grateful to know that families can be together forever.

Let Go and Let God

I saw this phrase on Pinterest a while back. It has been my mantra lately. It needs to be a permanent part of my life. It's a hard thing to "Let Go and Let God," but I know it's necessary. We are not in complete control of our lives. There's a lot that's out of our control. 

I've also really liked the song below. I need to "let go" of the life I've planned for me. Nothing ever goes the way we want to, but whatever direction the Lord allows our lives to go in is for the best. 

"I'm Letting Go" by Francesca Battistelli

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There's no turning back

[Chorus]
I'm letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So I'm letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace

The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

[Chorus]
I'm letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So I'm letting go

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I'm not afraid

Feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
Feels like I'm falling and this is the life for me

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ"

Let me tell you a story. I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Back in June I decided this was it- I decided I'm going to lose the weight once and for all! So, I signed up for a gym membership. And I started going. And I've seen some results. (side note- I've also started using the MyFitnessPal app) I still have a long way to go, but I'm getting there. And I'm learning and growing spiritually in the process as well, which has been an unexpected blessing.

I've come to realize I need The Lord's help so much. There are days when I am simply tired and worn out from working all day and I just don't want to go to the gym. But, I pray for help and somehow I find myself in the car on my way.

I have experienced several spiritual moments when I've been running on the treadmill, as odd as that may be. I honestly have felt like at times there have been angels around me - cheering me on and giving me the strength to just go a little longer. I know The Lord knows this is something I want so much, so He's helping me.

Guess what? I'm not perfect. I sometimes fall (not literally, thankfully!). Like last week when I didn't make it to the gym at all and I actually gained two pounds. But, I'm learning that that's ok. This week is a new week and a new chance to do better. 

I felt impressed to share this. I know I am not alone in these struggles. But, I wanted to let everyone know if I can do this, anyone can do this. But, only with The Lord's help.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "We don't have to be fast; we simply have to be steady and move in the right direction. We have to do the best we can, one step after another. The only thing you need to worry about is striving to be the best you can be. And how do you do that? You keep your eye on the goals that matter most in life, and you move towards them step by step. That is easy enough. We don't have to be better than someone else. All we have to do is to be the very best we can." ("One Step After Another, Ensign, Nov. 2001, 26.)

I know that's true.

Happy

I love it when I am lying in bed, contemplating life and I realize I am happy. I am really happy.

I'm not happy because my life is perfect- because it's definitely not. I'm happy because I have the Gospel in my life.

It's amazing how the world can be in such turmoil, yet I can be ok. Lately I've thought a lot about the scripture that says, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) I love that.

The Gospel brings peace and happiness. And I am SO grateful for it in my life! 

Trust the Lord

I have been asked to speak in church this coming Sunday and came across this quote while I was preparing. This quote is so powerful! 

"To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love." -Richard G. Scott

Lord, I Need You

Some of my most spiritual moments lately have come when I've been running my little heart out on the treadmill at the gym. True story.

Tonight I was running and listening to this beautiful song. Sometimes I run to spiritual songs to help motivate me. This one really touched me tonight. I know I need the Lord. I can't do it on my own. I need His help SO much. How grateful I am that He is there for me and will help carry my burdens.