Being Grateful, in challenges

Sometimes this blog is my emotional outlet..... today is one of those. The last 3 weeks have basically been the most challenging of our married life. One of those times, that I think defines you. Someone once said, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." And so it has been for me, opportunity to grow, opportunity to reassess, opportunity to focus on what really matters. I am trying to remain positive and optimistic, and find strength in "simplifying" my life, and focusing on the "important" stuff. I've started reading a great book, Simplify, by Carolyn J. Rasmus. It is enlightening and impowering me right now.
I also find great strength in reading the Book of Mormon. I just finished 2 Nephi Chpt 5 where Nephi talks about all the things the people are doing, ...first there is so much adversity, his brethren are even going to kill him, so the Lord provides a way... he leaves, and Nephi's people are blessed and they prosper, they keep the commandments, they and build buildings, they work, they build temples, and then in verse 27 he says, "they lived after the manner of happiness." So following the "adversity" they did get to a state of happiness.

Alexandar Graham Bell wrote,

"When one door closes, another opens.

But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door

that we don't see the one that has opened for us."

Derek and I are looking for the opened door. I am sure that we soon will find it, I am confident that as we do all that we can that we will get to that "happiness."

Martha Washington said,

" I am determined to be cheerful and happy

in whatever situation I may find myself.

For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness

is determined not by our circumstances but by our disposition."

So we plug along, determined to stay optimistic,and we know that after the "storm" comes the "rainbow." I am mindful of my blessings, especially a wonderful husband,and great kids, who I adore! I find strength in family and wonderful friends. And I know, this too shall pass...... But I sure wish that it would hurry!! UG! love to you all!