Challenging times to say the least, but still so much to be thankful for. . .

Forgive me if I get a little personal in my post this time, but this fall has been a very difficult one for my family. So many things happening all at the same time that we wonder what will happen next: an uncle diagnosed with cancer, a cousin involved in a serious motorcycle accident, another cousin going through a sad divorce, and just this week a cousin losing her first baby at only 3 weeks old to a rare disease that affects only 1 in 1,000,000. Then there is my own family: my sister who is just 15 months older than me had emergency surgery this week to remove a flesh-eating bacteria from her abdomen that the surgeon explained could have taken her life if left untreated, and my younger brother who was involved in an accident on-site at work that severed a tendon in his right hand leaving him on disability for a full month.

All of these things could be overwhelming and all-consuming if I didn't understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that I know about our Savior and the love he has for us. I know that through his help and the help of our Heavenly Father, we can get through anything.

Now, to post my blessings: my family, my husband, my three sweet children (and a fourth on the way), the gospel of Jesus Christ, the scriptures, the power of prayer, my home, my country (a land of plenty), the freedoms we enjoy. The list could go on and on.

Sure, life is challenging, but the blessings definitely far outweigh the difficulties. And, it is so wonderful to know that there is One in charge who knows the whole picture, and He will give us peace and assurance in difficult times.