Tender Mercies

I have so very much to be grateful for. Lately it has seemed like things have been so crazy, and I'm never sure what is going to happen next. There is so much going on and I have so many obligations, and yet things fall into place, and even the things that go wrong work out. It's amazing how every day things just happen, I figure out a solution to a problem, or something works out in some way, many times in a way I never would have thought. I feel so very blessed.

A few weeks ago LaMont recieved a promotion - he was given the title of "Mechanic". He still does custodial work 2 days a week, and maintenance 3 days a week. The promotion came with a small raise, not a lot, but every little bit counts. We felt very blessed with this, not realizing the greater blessing that would come. Last week he recieved a letter - there are changes being made and if he were still a "custodian", he would be out of work. Because he is a "mechanic", his job is secure. A small tender mercy, which is a major blessing in our lives.

Right now the Open House is going on for The Gila Valley Temple. Yesterday I went to do my shift as security. I got there and was informed that they had overscheduled people and I was not really needed. I was told that I could go on the tour instead if I would like. I had not been inside yet, so I decided to go on the tour. Words cannot descibe how beautiful the temple is, and especially the feeling that was there. As I stood in the Brides room I couldn't help but think what a wonderful day it will be to stand next to my daughters in that room as they prepare for their wedding. As I stood in the Celestial room I thought how wonderful it will be to some day be in there with all of my children. I also loved walking through and seeing people that I know. To see a smile and shake a hand. That is what heaven will be like, being with people that you care about.

Tonight 2 of my children were able to do a shift helping at the Open House. They worked from 3 - 9, and were tired when they came home. At the end of their shift they were given a tour by President Keith Crockett - the temple president, who told them a lot of the details of the construction of the temple. When they came in, Anthony had tears in his eyes. As I asked him about the temple all he could say was "it was so beautiful". As we talked and he shared his feelings and the spirit that he had felt there I felt so grateful that he was able to have the oppotunity. That is a prayer of my heart that my children will have a testimony of the temple, that they will have a desire to be there, to feel the spirit that is there, and to live in a way that they can always return.

I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and my family, that he is watching out for us and blessing us every day, with the tender mercies of his spirit.