Practice What You Preach

     So sorry I seemed to disappear last week, but in many ways I was practicing what I have been preaching!(Not technically by choice though!!) The last two blogs have been on working to overcome our difficult times with gratitude!! I know it works, sometimes it just takes more effort and work and faith than other times and that was the case last week. Well, actually it has been a rough patch in my life the last month or so and some of my days I did  not try as hard as others. A totally human part of our life experiences here on earth! See!!1 I am just another human being on earth trying to learn and grow and progress! And sometimes I do it better than other times! Sound familiar? I won't go into detail about all my little difficulties that added up the weight trying to pull me down, but I will say that I spent much time pleading with the Lord to just keep me going and not let me give up. I DID count my blessings and even sang the song from the last blog as well as others. It was just one of those times when I wondered if I would ever see the light or feel the spirit confirming the Lord's love for me again. But then little by little I started seeing small miracles that started building the steps forward once again. Miracles? Yup! And, no, not the blinding see God type nor the being shaken to the core type, but those little quiet moments that you feel an overwhelming peace, like you know everything will be all right. Or how the gospel plan just seems so logical when you ponder it!! Or the special posts on facebook that have been shared and remind you of who you are and why you are here. Or leaders inspired to call and check on you! Or bumping into someone totally unexpectedly who listens and acts upon inspiration to bring others into your band of supporters! Joyful laughing of children! Hugs from loved ones! And I could go on and on, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that when we focus on the good things in our lives with gratitude in our hearts we begin to see the miracles they are. And that pulls us out of the hole we somehow find ourselves in!! So, please, dear friends, never quit believing that you, His special son or daughter, is ever forgotten. He is near us always, but sometimes we just need to put more effort into reaching out for Him and then with our hearts and minds open to Him, we will see those little special miracles He places in our lives!!!