Sunday, February 1, 2015

Cuties

Can you tell that Jake and I are home sick this weekend?

I am so grateful for family. They are my treasure. Here are two of the four cuties that make my world go round (in addition to other family members who aren't so apt to take selfies during snuggle time). Meagan and Dustin, I hope you don't mind my posting pics of your kids.




Happiness. Pure happiness.

Finding Joy in the Journey

This is one of those things that I feel like I need to talk about, but I never really want to bring up because, well, it would likely be awkward and might also give people the wrong idea. Not looking for a pity party here. More looking to explain something that other people might question about my life. Not that I care (or should care) too much about what others think, but, let's be real... I do.

I'm also posting this as a bit of a self-help/therapy because this is something that Jake and I work every day to not only accept but also to embrace as "the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."

Here is what I thought my family would look like as I approached my 27th birthday...


Ya, so they're Asian and the photo was taken in the 90s but you get the idea :)

Here is what my family actually looks like:


Here is what I thought my full-time job would look like:


(That is supposed to represent me playing with my child). Here is what it actually looks like:


Not too different, huh?!? Just a matter of who the kids belong to, and in the end, they're all Heavenly Father's, and I love them dearly.

I have written in my journal before that looking back in life, I am often awed by the beautifully orchestrated plan of Heavenly Father. At the time, line by line, instrument by instrument, the piece may not "make sense." However, when it all comes together, it sounds and feels more beautiful than anyone, especially myself, could have imagined.

In the meantime, our work is to "find joy in the journey."

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Child of Light

This song came into my life when I was 16 years old, attending Especially For Youth in Provo, Utah. It has been a guide for my life ever since.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOM_85ffd6A

Whenever I feel that I'm getting lost in the "fluff" of the world, this song takes me back to the basics.

I am a child of God.
I will never stand alone.
I was never asked to bear the burden alone.
I was meant to be happy, to shine His light,
so that others might know they are His children as well.

The words to this song make me pause to count my MANY blessings. Most of them involve family...

 ... and doggies...
 and the zoo pass the Hancocks got so you could enjoy escapades with them...
 and a cute little house that's just perfect for you...


 and terrific friends...
 and loving role models...

 and the most studly nephews ever...
 and silliness...
 and sisters...
 and snuggles...

 and everyday joys...

 and men who have stayed young at heart...
 and righteous (and yummy) traditions...


 ...and new family members...
 and beautiful scenery (courtesy of Uncle Stan Kartchner)...
 and new traditions...
 and yummy food....




... and Christlike love that enters my life every day.