Life as we know it

I'm sitting here while I should be in bed and pondering life. Or rather the gift of life. As I'm suffering from a bad case of heartburn and drinking some milk (my hubby suggested it) a million thoughts are racing through my brain. I'm creating a new life within me right now while I watch two dear friends struggle with their own lives and one struggle with losing a close family member. In a way, I feel as though this baby is a tiny miracle granted to give me some peace in the midst of the sadness. I know for one of my friends my baby is helping her to think about other things besides her own chemotherapy and the possible consequences. They say bad things happen in threes. Well, I'm hoping my baby is the start of good things happening. It amazes me the strength some people have when facing trials. I know Heavenly Father gives us trials to make us stronger, but I can't help but think sometimes those trials are to help others grow as well. I see so many people affected right now by recent events and yes it does make me cry but I know in my heart that somehow things will turn out the way they need to. We're given what we need, when we need it. To hear my friend whom I've only just met this year say she may not have March come up in her life pained me. More than that; it cut deep into me. She's been a strength to me, and I continue to pray she'll make it through. Only time will tell. Then I look at this other person in the same battle with cancer of a different kind face his adversities with a smile even though I know it's got to be painful. And I watch another lose her dear family member and wonder how she's managing. So many blows all at once. I know there has to be a reason for it just like there's a reason we were blessed to be pregnant now in the midst of all this sadness. I'm sending lots of prayers for peace comfort and understanding right now. A wonderful mission companion used to share a scripture with me in the New Testament in John about us being purged so that something better can come along. I've seen that come true again and again. And everytime I'm reminded of the conversations we had. Life isn't always easy that's true. But we're given what Heavenly Father knows we need. And I know I need to watch this sadness to help me appreciate the good I have right now. Also, to reach out and help them the best that I can. Only one of these dear friends has the blessings of the temple. How wonderful it is to know that even though we might be separated for a brief time, through the power of the priesthood we can be brought back together with the ones we love. I am so incredibly grateful for the Atonement in my life and all of our lives. The opportunity we have to grow each day and become a little better. And when we do fall or have bad times, Christ truly knows and understands because He suffered it for us so He is the only one who can help us. I leave with the scripture from John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
We are the branch and when we bear fruit, we are purged so that more goodness can come from us. 


Have a good evening everyone!