Words of Appreciation! Gratitude

The last several weeks have been very busy besides not the easiest to have to cope with the reality of my brother, David's passing. I have tried to keep focused but there were times I needed to grieve and embrace the love of the Savior for me in my life.

I made note of the expressions of concern and sympathy from each of my children. I was very touched and want each of you to know how much that means to me, as your mother.

Hank, thank you for the phone calls and contact you made to me and with my sister at that time and shortly after. Your love and condolences were helpful to me get through those first few days. I know how busy you are and your concern for me to see how I was doing was so sweet. Thank you too from my heart for the beautiful blessing you and Aaron gave me the Sunday after he passed. It was just what was needed at that moment.

Tanise, thank you for the phone calls and the time we spent visiting, and I want to express my gratitude for the praise and support. What a blessing it was for you to share some stories that I gleaned from you about Elder Richard G. Scott and how sometimes there is no veil.

Tara, I appreciate your time and support besides the contemplation and insight you had to share with me as we visited. You need to know how much that helped fill my cup spiritually. Your observations are so protective of and I love you for that quality in you. Thank you for your continued concern and expressions of condolences at this time.

Tracie, you have been so kind and there to listen to me and be a sounding board. I feel your love and concern for me as always and especially now; and I thank you again for it all. You having lost one of your own little ones, who knows the sorrow one feels when losing someone so close. I am grateful for the plan of salvation for all of us.

Tana, I learned how kind and caring my children are when I need your love and be sustained through all this. I appreciate the time we could talk about it and the encouragement you gave me. I love you.

Michael, you are a dear boy. Thank you for taking the time at the end of your long busy day to call me with your concerns for me and my well being and making sure I was okay. Thank you for your words of comfort and condolences. I am pleased you will get to be here for our family reunion this week and for David's Memorial with the rest of your siblings.

Aaron, I thank you and Candice again for being here for me as it made such a difference that first evening after I was told about David. I apologize for waking you up when I broke down so late that night. Thank you for holding me like one of the children and the comfort it gave to me as I let the tears flow. I needed that and was so glad someone was there for me when I needed it most. It becomes a greater burden as I walk through this almost all alone by knowing my parents are around me and as are the angels. The physical contact meant so much in the moment. Thank you for letting me cry it out. It was so healing too.

Matt, thank you for your several phone calls and words of comfort as we spoke. I could feel your love for me and interest in what was happening and about your Uncle David. Some of this is a blur now, but as I remember it I am so grateful for you and your siblings for the genuine concern for me. I love you and miss you and Beth and the boys. I look forward to you all coming from Seattle this week for our REUNION, and short tribute for David.

All of you have blessed my life in so many ways. You have all helped me be the best I can be and set an example to all of you and my posterity to draw closer to the Savior.

I have learned much this last thirty days and feel the refinement and closeness of the veil to my spiritual eyes. It is too bad we have to go through so much for that price to be paid for the Spirit to touch our lives. Ironically, I can say it is worth it, even though it hurts so bad at times to become closer to God.

I am reminded of Helaman 5:12:

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Tithing Settlement, Gratitude for Blessings

This morning I woke up late but was able to get some sleep after being out so late last night. I am grateful my church schedule starts at 1:00 p.m. Aaron reminded me we had signed up for Tithing settlement. I hurried and got dressed to go to my appointment for tithing settlement.

Our bishop is great. He is so present whenever I visit with him. Aaron even said he called to the house before I got there to see If I was coming. He asked if we could have a word of prayer after our brief meeting for tithing settlement and asked to give the prayer. I was so pleased and touched by his prayer. He prayed for me and asked for angels to be around me and watch over me in my life. I know he is a caring and loving bishop and watches over his flock. What a good shepherd and example he is. I feel blessed.

There were two returned missionary talks, brothers who are fraternal twins who spoke in sacrament meeting. The High Councilor spoke and gave a great talk and spoke about gratitude. He quoted President Henry B. Eyring and the message to take note each day of seeing the hand of God in our lives. I appreciated the support our leaders give to us in reminding us to recognize the blessings in our daily lives.

I bear witness that I know without a doubt when I am mindful of the blessings poured out upon me, it also keeps me in tune with the Spirit humbling me so that I may come unto Him. This must have a ripple effect wherewith we can be unified and become one with our Savior, which is a blessing in itself at these times of the world and the influences out there. God's arm is bare and never falls short to bless me, I Stand All Amazed.

Our choir sang a medley of songs of Thanksgiving. It was quite nice. I ended up not feeling well and had a terrible splitting (migraine) headache. I can't remember having such a bad one as this one.

After sacrament meeting I went home to take a nap and slept for three hours. It felt good. I stayed home the rest of the evening. I think I needed that extra rest and my headache went away. I am grateful for Sundays, the Sabbath and most of all my FAMILY! I love you all and am thankful for your love, support and prayers.