Finding Joy In the Journey

This picture was taken at a family cabin in Colorado last summer.

A lot has happened in this past week. Some things good, some things difficult. A week ago I became very ill, my husband just happened to be out of town at the time, and I ended up being taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The medics from the Fire Department were absolutely wonderful. They were able to calm both my nerves as well as my two little girls who weren't sure what was going on, and why mommy was leaving in an ambulance.

Luckily, I had so many wonderful friends who stepped in and not only took care of my two little ones, but they also took care of me until my husband was able to catch a flight home. I can't tell you how much gratitude I have in my heart for those dear friends who showed so many kind acts of service for my family. They won't be forgotten. I know that my grandma is an angel up above and is constantly watching down upon myself and my family. I also know that there are "angels amongst us" as well. These angels I am talking about are our friends, neighbors, teachers, family members, etc. that watch out for us and take care of us.

My family is getting ready to move in a week and a half and leave a place where I have absolutely grown to love with all of my heart. When I leave, I know I will be leaving a bit of my heart behind.

Not only have I had some of my most precious and happy times here, but I have also gone through some of my most darkest times, as far as sadness and heartaches. Maybe that is why I feel so attached to where I am at. I know deep within my heart that this move is going to be wonderful for our family, I guess change can just be difficult at times.

I was sitting here packing tonight and thinking (I shouldn't think this late at night :0)) and I just felt like I needed to read something uplifting. So, I found this article, Finding Joy in the Journey, by Thomas S. Monson (the President of the church I belong to). Can I just tell you, it is just what I needed to read. So, if I seem to be missing in action the next couple of weeks, you will know why. However, once I do move my life will slow down drastically, therefore I will have a lot more time to share lots of wonderful teaching and educational ideas with you. That, I can't wait for.
So, I just would like to leave you with a few quotes that really touched me tonight from the "Finding Joy in the Journey" article I mentioned above. I am quoting directly from Thomas S. Monson, unless otherwise noted. If you have time, I highly recommending reading the entire article. What a calming peace I felt when I did.


*"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family."
* "Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes."
* "Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future."
* "Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family."
* "Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."
What does this mean to me?
My personal thoughts are that we need to find joy in each journey, cherish and love those around us and let me know how much you care about them, serve others, because when you lose yourself in service, your trials and difficult times seem more bearable, try not to focus too much on tomorrow, or you will end up with a bunch of empty yesterdays, and last but not least, realize that change is inevitable, however, you do have the power over how well you rise above changes.
Once again, thank you for letting me open my heart to you. I am so thankful for my family, friends, teachers, neighbors, and my Savior, for being there for me and for always brightening my days.