Simply BEAUTIFUL.

Driving down the freeway a few weeks ago, I suddenly felt overwhelmed by something to the point of tears. Sometimes change and life is just hard. We all know this. I said a silent prayer, asking for just a little more help...I feel like I'm always asking for just a little more...help, hope, faith...and then it happened. Everything felt warm and light. My tears began to dissipate, and I just soaked it in. The sun was setting, and I had just rounded the bend to be directly in its path. 

I don't know all the answers. In fact, sometimes the only thing I know is...that I know very little. :) But I do believe it's in the little moments that our prayers are answered; when our deepest heartaches and fears are calmed. The span between those moments can make it seem like they're almost insignificant. But I believe they are the ones that matter the very most. 

"We would do well to slow down a little...Focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Strength comes from...paying attention to the divine things that matter most..."

I am grateful for the rain in Nauvoo that early evening, when we just let the rain fall, and let our happiness grow right there in that moment. The smells, the sounds, the love, the sights of that moment will be with me forever.

For the actual golden note on my door that really hard day last fall...with words so inspired and kind, they literally dried my tears.

For the friend who took the time on gmail chat to talk me through what I needed most that day. 

For the true friend who just put his arm around me and told me everything was going to be okay. And I could see on his face and in his eyes that he really believed it and meant it.

For the girl who needed my help, and to whom I couldn't have been more grateful for the opportunity.

For the moment my little brother hugged me...whose strength amazes me...and who remains the sweetest, kindest boy I've ever known in spite of all he's been through.

For a sister who has always loved me no matter what; and to whom I look up to more than I can say. Who takes part in my moments and helps make them lighter by carrying them with me.

For that moment on my balcony, looking out over the lake, when I knew I was more important than that piece of paper.

For the girl who poured her heart out to a room full of people and said exactly what I needed to hear. 

For the guy who made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe in a moment when laughing was the last thing I wanted to do.

For the little boy who lit up as soon as he saw me, and ran to wrap his little arms around ME. 

For the girls who make me laugh, and dry my tears, and pick me up...in countless moments.

For the beautiful sun setting over all of Utah Valley last night as we stood at the top of the Y, erasing the frustrations of the day.

For a million other moments I remember whenever I need them most. 

For the ability to recognize them.

And for a loving Heavenly Father who gives them to me in the first place.