Finally

So, I was finally able to post Jackson's most recent photos. He was so fascinated with that feather during the photo shoot. We call that middle picture his "bucket lip" cuz you could hang a bucket from that lip! And the last is just his perfect, sweet little smile. It's so hard for me to believe that he is already two! My, how time flies!

On another note... I have been thinking lately. Now, I know, I know, that could be dangerous! But, in all seriousness, I look around me and I see so many sad things happening. I know men who have lost their jobs and now their family is scraping to get by. I have a friend in the ICU who has 5 small children at home, one who is just a baby, who was still nursing until this. I have another friend who was just diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to cut it out and now she gets to look forward to chemo therapy. I have prayed with all my heart for these people, I have sought opportunities to serve them, and the Lord has given me that chance. My heart aches for them. These are difficult experiences, and especially this time of year.

How grateful I am for my health, for my prosperity, for my family, and for my loving, tender husband. I have been pondering on the blessings I receive daily and my heart is full of gratitude to our loving Father in Heaven. I know He lives and He watches us. I know He is fully aware of the heartache and grief these people are feeling. I know He sends angels to watch over them. I am grateful for a compassionate Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, who has felt all the pain and suffering each of us has felt, that He may know how to comfort each of us individually. How marvelous and wonderful the Atonement is! He lives! And I love Him with all my heart and soul.

So, I am counting my blessings, and they are endless! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I am grateful to those who have served me during the great trials of my life (and I know I will experience more). But how wonderful it is that we are here to serve and love one another. It is my prayer that we can all seek opportunities to serve and love one another. Could you imagine what kind of world this would be if that is what everybody did? That is what I would call heaven on earth!