I just came across this quote from David A. Bednar, and I love it: "The tender mercies of the Lord are real and they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

I have been thinking lately how incredibly well our Heavenly Father knows us. I mean, yeah of course He knows us --> He created us! But, just the things that we go through in our lives, there just doesn't seem possible to get out of certain situations sometimes, either by our own doing or by someone else's doing. I know without a doubt that by being obedient and following His laws and commandments there is just no way for us to fail. I have such a testimony about tithing. I don't see it as my money or as something that I have to do - it really is a privilege to be able to give that back to Him. After all we are NOTHING, absolutely, positively, nothing without Him. The tender mercies of the Lord are also something I am extremely grateful for. He knows us, wants what is best for us, He rejoices with us, cries and mourns with us. I can't even start to understand what He goes through as He watches us humans do the foolish things we do each day, and all the justification we do as we do some stupid thing(s). I don't think that there is a day that goes by without me wondering how in the world people are so dumb as to think that they can get through this life without Him. It was never meant to be that way, we are totally dependent upon Him, and that is how it should be. Life is not easy, but boy is it worth it! I am so grateful for the joy that I get from my family. I get annoyed with them at times, but there is no one either that has my back as I know that they do. I am also extremely grateful to live on the earth in this day and age - I doubt that I could have made it as a pioneer woman, talk about amazing people! Changes are in the air I believe, and for good or evil, it is an exciting time to be alive! Oh yeah, how could I forget to mention this? DUH!!! My nephew Nik, has been called to serve a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he is going to the South Carolina, Columbia Mission, and he leaves 6 days after his birthday, on December 12th! I am so excited for him, I know he will be a great missionary! So proud of him and I love him sooooo much!

Jake has been on my mind a lot lately. I so miss that boy and his kisses and hugs. I think it's because I have heard about 3 different kids close to his age that have passed away too. There was a girl in California in August that drowned in a swimming pool, her grandparents live in Heber. It broke my heart to hear about that. Then there was a girl that had a heart transplant as a baby, she was 4 this year, and the Make A Wish Foundation sent her to Florida to go to Disney World. Well, on her way there she got sick, her body rejected her heart and she passed away. And then just a couple of weeks ago, there was a 4 year old boy that drowned in the swimming pool at Derick's work. I guess they were there for a family reunion and there were a bunch of people in the water, so he got lost in the crowd and drowned. My heart goes out to all these people, especially to the parents and siblings. It really and truly is something that you never plan for, or even want to think about that might happen to you. But, I do know without a doubt that EVERYTHING happens for a reason, and that there is no use in blaming anyone. Little children are perfect in God, and if they were meant to live, they would have. They were just too pure and innocent to live here any longer. It's hard to think that as a parent, but if they can't be here with us, at least we know where they are and that they are safe, surrounded by people that love them and are watching over them until we can be with them again. And they are also watching over us and encouraging us from the other side to be a better person. 

Who knows when I'll get around to writing here again... so I just wanted to mention that on Friday, it has been 9 years since my little sister died. I can't believe how long it's been since I've seen her or talked with her! I miss her a lot too, and I love her so much! Marita, you are my sweet angel too:)