Feeling blessed

Lately, I have been feeling very blessed. I have a wonderful husband that loves me and takes care of our family. I have a son who lights up my world everyday. He is the most precious gift from my Heavenly Father and I am so grateful that he has been placed in my care here on earth. It's very hard to put into words the feelings a mother has for her child. He teaches me to be patient and kind. He teaches me how to love unconditionally. He helps me realize how important the Plan of Salvation is. He makes me want to be a better mother, sister, wife, friend and church member. I have so much to be thankful for.

 Asleep in his car seat

With the tragedy that happened last week, I cannot help but cry every time I think about those poor innocent children taken too quickly from this earth.  I know there is a special purpose for these children in heaven but it is hard for me to see and understand WHY. So many cruel things are happening today...it makes me want to protect my little baby and stop him from growing up! My heart aches for those parents who lost their children. A friend posted this poem on Facebook and I really appreciated reading this as gives a little perspective and comfort for this awful event:

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
written by Cameo Smith of Mt. Wolf, PA.

I don't usually post religious things on my blog but I want to share how grateful I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have a testimony of Christ and his Atonement. I know that he has a plan for each of us. It may not be what we want or like but it is a plan that will strengthen us, help us grown and learn about what our purpose is here on earth. I am so grateful for this time of year that we have to reflect on the birth of the Savior. What an amazing story it is. What faith Mary and Joseph had to bring Jesus into the world. I cannot imagine what Mary went through but how grateful I am for her example as a mother. I know that through the Atonement, we are able to be healed, forgive and be forgiven, and return to live with Him someday. May God be with those who have lost much this last week.