So Thankful...

Well....as usual, it's few and far between my blog posts, and I really haven't taken any pictures lately, so sorry! BUT....I just wanted to write a few of my thoughts these past few days.

As many of you have heard, a dear high school friend of mine was killed in a caving accident this past week. We haven't really spent much time since high school, but I have always appreciated what a kind, fun, and good friend he was in high school. His memorial service was on Saturday, they couldn't recover the body, and will be buried within the cave. John was in his second year of medical school; he left behind a wife, 13 mo old girl, and a baby on the way. It was so tragic, and yet his memorial service was full of love and hope and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. His sweet widow bore her testimony of the gospel as she mourned his death, and I was left so comforted in the fact that the Savior will take care of her and her little family, and she will rise above this tragedy. It was so comforting to hear of what a good life he lived, what an exemplary husband, father, and member of the church he was. I left with much hope and peace, even in the midst of such a tragic loss.

It was wonderful to see my friends from high school. I can't believe how much we have all changed, and yet are all the same. I miss many of them, and am sad I haven't stayed in better contact.

And....last of all....or first of all, but I'll address it last....

Thinking of Emily losing her husband at such a young age, made me just take a closer look at how grateful I am and how blessed I am in my life to be married to such a wonderful person. And I realized I need to have and express my gratitude much more, and never take for granted the wonderful blessing he is in my life.

I am so grateful for my husband. Jason is so sweet and wonderful to me. He is such a good man, who leads and helps me to strive to be better everyday. He is such a strength and example in my life. As John's family, and especially his wife Emily, described the type of man John was, I just couldn't help thinking over and over again how my feelings and impressions of Jason's character echoed those said of John. Jason is full of integrity and honesty, he serves so diligently in his church callings and serves so many people around him on a daily basis. He is such an example to me in reading the scriptures, in praying daily, and seeking the Lord's will everyday. I am so blessed to have married such an amazing man. He is so accepting and loving of me, and I feel so appreciated and cherished every day. This experience of John's death has really led me to re-evaluate how much I show my love and appreciation, and have resolved to do better and have more gratitude for how blessed I am. I am so grateful to the Lord for leading me to Jason.

That's about it...one of these days I'll get some pictures up :)