Annnndddd THE BLESSINGS POUR IN!!!!

Our latest letter from Jaden revealed to us how intricately the Lord knows us and sends his tenderest mercies upon us even when we don't always see how abundant they are.

In our fireside message last Sunday, I made the comment that if we are so hung up on the adversity in our lives, we will most likely miss seeing all the abundant blessings being poured out upon us.

Well, I have since repented. In my last post, I was counting all my problems and left no room to weigh them against the outpouring of blessings. So this morning I will share with you a few of the tender mercies that have way more than overcompensated for our little woes.

Jaden shared with us in his last letter his brush with guardian angels. As assistant to the President, his mission Pres. and his wife took the assistants out to dinner. Upon walking out of the restaraunt, Jaden came within a hair of being hit by a car speeding by. He said he felt hands on his chest shoving him backward, away from the speeding car and yet there was absolutely no one around him at the time. I couldn't help but think that the Lord is extra mindful of those who serve him. I started to think about all the other potentially unseen blessings that have poured over us lately and realized that it is SOOOO true that you can never out do the Lord.

You try to give to those in need, especially at this holiday season, and so much more comes back to you. You express your gratitude for what you have and so much more is added unto you. You serve him, testify of his truth, and engage in his work and he will pour out his blessings.......even more than you deserve.

Reagan gave his last talk in this ward before leaving for his mission to L.A. on Sunday and as I sat there and soaked in the support and the outpouring of love from friends and family who had traveled for days to get here, I felt more blessed than I deserve to be. When I looked up at my son sharing truth and baring a heartfelt testimony about service, I felt like the richest woman on the planet. I can vouch there IS no greater joy in this life than to see your children walk in light and truth. To see them gaining and growing in Godly attributes can never compare to any other gift.

Reagan was born into our family at the Christmas season during an especially trying time in our life. He will be leaving us for two years under similar circumstances. He knows a little bit about adversity of his own accord, and I have no question he is adequately prepared to serve the Lord for two years and give the best part of himself to the People of L.A. he will grow to love.

Answers to heartfelt prayers have poured in, blessings of health and strength have been abundant, love and support from family and friends is overwhelming, and to know that an added measure of protection and peace is with my two son's as they serve the Lord is a huge comfort.





And there are too many more to count.

I close with the words to one of my favorite hymns. So profound.....So true.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

And the counting continues. The scales are always tipped in our favor.