Hopeful Burdens :)

This last week I learned a lot about burdens.  I realized that most of the burdens I'd been having came from my attitude at the beginning of each day.  One thing I have learned from these dear southern people, is the value of each day.  They are constantly talking about how it is a blessing to wake up each morning, thanking God for another day.  I decided to start doing this in my life.  Each morning after I get out of bed, I kneel down and say a short, but hear-felt prayer, thanking my Heavenly Father for another day here on Earth.  I realized that each day is a blessing.

Yesterday in church it hit me pretty hard that I really don't know when my mission will be over.  The Lord is in control, and each day is a gift from Him.  Likewise, we don't know when our mission here on Earth will be done.  As I have started saying this prayer of gratitude every morning, I have found so much more joy in each of my days! :)  I have found more purpose, more desire, more joy, and more gratitude.  Life is good :)

Sister Keyes and I did have some fun in the rain this weekend!  We were teaching a young man in his garage when it started pouring.  Our car was parked down at the other end of the street, so we made a run for it!  We were really wet haha.  But it was totally worth it!  We were laughing the whole way and didn't regret it one bit.  We wouldn't have met this man if we had decided to go to our car before the rain hit.

I know that the Lord is with us.  He wants us to follow Him and take His yoke upon us.  As we do, we join a whole team - a whole family - of people who also have taken that yoke and decided to follow Christ by walking with Him.  I know that trials bring us closer to our Savior and make us more aware of our Heavenly Father and His eternal plan.  I love my Father in Heaven.  I know that He loves me and is helping me.  He is my guide and my comfort.  Christ is my strength and my support.  I know that with Him all things are possible.

I know that hope is a must to have joy.  With out hope there is no joy.  I hope ( I really do!)  that each of you will know of your Father in Heaven's love for you and those who you know.  He loves every one of them.  I know that He wants us to love them as He loves them.  Try to see them with His eyes and you will find miracles.  I know that.

I love you all!  May you have a wonderful, hopeful week!