Blessed

At the Redlands Temple last Saturday

Every now and then something wonderful happens in our family that changes the course of our lives drastically for good. It's in these moments that I know God lives and loves us. These miracles in our life come as blessings from a loving Father in Heaven and testify to me that He has a divine plan for each of us. Over the past 9 years we have witnessed the hand of the Lord guiding our lives. Some of our blessings include:
1. Darin's choice to become a teacher at Magnolia Jr. High.
The possibilities for him to run extra programs, teach instead of taking a prep-period, be department chair and earn the extra money we need to live on one income have been a blessing.
2. The timing in which the Lord blessed us with our first child.
Trying to get pregnant for 1 1/2 years, finally getting pregnant, then welcoming Trent into our lives the same month Darin received his first career paycheck was a blessing.
3. The prompting to purchase our first condo.
The money we made off of this purchase blessed us to be able to buy a home for our children.
4. The decision to have our second, third and fourth child.
Each as come at the right time and blessed us with happiness beyond our imagination.
5. The determination to read the Book of Mormon as a family last year.
Something amazing happened when we took on this challenge and completed it. We grew super close as a family and learned that together we could achieve anything! We learned to lift ourselves above the things of the world, and to enjoy the things of the Lord. There came into our lives and into our home an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.
And most recently...
6. Darin's call to serve as 2nd Counselor in the Bishopbric.
Receiving the call from President Remington was a beautiful, spiritual experience that I will never forget. The spirit testified to me that this call came from the Lord, that he knew us individually, and had prepared each of us to accept it. It has been a week full of reflection, appreciation and love. There are so many small and simple blessings that have come into our lives recently that have prepared us as a couple and as a family for Darin to serve in the Bishopbric. It is a testimony to me that my Heavenly Father lives, that he is mindful of each of us and will bless us when we choose to follow him. I am so grateful for a righteous husband who honors his priesthood and the covenants he has made with the Lord and am excited for this opportunity he has to serve in this calling.