life's whirlwinds
four years
my grandpa was more than just a
grandfather to me. he was one of my
best friends. i loved spending time with him.
whether we were playing checkers, eating freshly
picked fruit or going to get ice cream we were
always having a grand time together.
some of my best memories are of the time i
spent with him and my grandma.
from family vacations to yellowstone or
family dinners on sundays.
it ripped me to pieces when the day came
for him to leave this earth and return home.
it was one of the hardest weeks of my life. and i
can remember it like it was yesterday.
even though it was one of the hardest times of
my life it also become one of the
strongest times. i learned a lot that week
about myself, my family and most
importantly my savior and heavenly father.
the lessons i learned that week and
the testimony i gained then has been what
has carried me through my challenges ever since.
while my sweet grandpa may not be
here physically he is always here in spirit, heart
and in the memories. i think of him often.
sometimes i miss him and wish he were here.
but i know that someday i'll be able to be with him again.
((you can read a memoir i wrote about him here))
finding joy in the journey
blessings and trials often come in the most
unexpected ways. in the past few months i have
seen this to be so true. life definitely isn't
perfect. when we finally feel like we have
everything together something seems to come along
and throw our lives into a whirlwind of disaster.
my own personal life has been quite
wonderful lately, but it is far from perfect.
the whirlwinds are stirring around me. and stronger
than ever. many of my friends and family are
struggling and i have been impacted by what
they are going through. as i've seen the trials that
they have to face i've cried out to my
heavenly father in confusion. i've questioned why
they have to go through these trials.
my heart breaks for each one of them. i've found
myself in prayer all through out the day. i have
pleaded with my heavenly father seeking for
comfort, peace and strength. through priesthood
blessings, scripture study, reading my patriarchal blessing
and prayer i have found those things and felt of
my heavenly fathers love. i have felt the strength
of my savior carrying me through it all.
through christ, my heavenly father and my amazing
friends and family i've been able to
find the little things to smile about. i've been able
to laugh a little and smile everyday.
i know that he will not leave me comfortless.
he is with me every step of the way.
carrying me when i can't seem to walk on my
own anymore. by his grace and atonement
i can and will make it through.
{joshua 1:9}
((lds.org))
