Unexpected Blessings

This last month seems to have been one the biggest battles of my life. With some unexpected news in regards to my health and some frustrating circumstances, it seems to all just come down. "When it rains, it pours." However, I am constantly reminded that this is all part of our Heavenly Father's plan. And yesterday, I was reminded several times. I am in awe constantly how Heavenly Father presents things to me. Sometimes it makes me laugh and other times, it makes me cry. God is simply amazing!

Yesterday, after battling with being sick for most of the week, I went sailing. It was a gorgeous day, the sun was shining, the breeze was gentle, and the water was soft. I watched the water and watched others pass by. I relaxed and took in the salty air and my whole body just melted with happiness and joy. My mind was clear of all of the drama, worries, stresses that life has caused. It was as if it was just God and me on this boat (other people were there obviously), but in this moment, it was just us. We were going 7.9 knots (and that is pretty fast--- some would say we were screaming across the bay). The sails were full of wind. My hair blew in the wind, my face felt chilly, my hands were holding on tightly, and the ocean spit in my face, surprising me. It has seemed to refresh my heart, mind, body and soul. I was inspired.









After that, I came home and decided to open up my scriptures. Tom had received some sad news that an older co-worker had passed away yesterday on our way home from our day and was feeling quite bummed that he was so upset after a glorious day. I needed inspiration. So I was searching through the topical guide for marriage, I stumbled upon mourning and it was such a fitting process. I think both Tom and I are mourning. Tom for his co-worker and me for my old self. I am letting that person go. The one who hangs onto the past and never forgives herself for her wrong doings. I am simply ready to move on now. Anyways, it took me to 2 Nephi Chapter 8. I get to verse 16-19 and am totally lost and have to get someone to help me (so thankful that my grandparents have such an amazing grasp of the Gospel). And it talks about the second coming and Jerusalem falling. Then Chapter 9 talks about the atonement, and the sacrifice that was made for us so that we can be with our Heavenly Father again. I often forget about that. We are sinners... but as this scripture says, "O, my beloved brethern, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation." ~2 Nephi 9:45
I have to let go. And come unto God. It felt so good to hear this... to know it. To feel it. My heart felt glad for the first time in weeks. My cup overfloweth. I then went to my Patriarchal Blessing and re-read it. It was just a year ago that I received it and it is still one of my fondest memories. It tells me to seek through prayer and be an example as I will shine bright. I forget that too. I am a Child of God. And I will shine with His love. It also reminded me that each time I take the sacrament I am just as clean as the day I was baptized. What a wonderful gift that is! I always think I am unworthy of His love, but yet He gives us the amazing opportunity every week to be clean again. I am so very blessed for His love.

I am happy.
Today.
And that is all that matters.
Today is all that matters.


Thanks Rene, for the sailing... it opened my heart and mind unexpectedly and brought me back to where I need to be. <3

Time for quick update

It has been quite a long time since I have updated this thing, and I feel like there are few minutes in the day that I have time, or the energy to sit down and write and let everyone knows what is going on.
A lot has happened. Too much in just the last month.
I am working out on a regular basis now and have lost almost 15 pounds now. My appitite has shrunken and I love how I feel after a good workout even though I whine through the whole thing! I finally got through my first workout last week and LOVED it. I love how sore I feel after words. I love that my body feels good and that my pants and shirts are fitting more loose. I just love it all.
Tom is working out as well and is feeling good. He made a comment that he used to use his tummy for his mouse pad and because it is going away he will have to soon find another mouse pad :)
Tonight we are going to try and make brownies with almond flour and am excited to see how this will turn out as it will be something I can eat now that I am eating strictly PALEO (or at least trying to). I am basically eating as a cave man would have- meat, veggies, fruits, nuts, water. No sugar, no bread, no pasta. And most days, I do great with it. But there are some days (and those are usually the "I had a bad day" days) where ice cream or a cookie or some form of comfort food comes into play. But it really has made a difference in how I eat and what I look at eating. And how I look :)

Work is good. It is a relief coming to work and getting away from the stresses of life. How funny is that? Normally my job is my stresser, but it is now where I want to go when I am having a rough day.

Tom is finally getting more hours... picking up shifts whenever he can, which means we are not spending quite as much time together which makes me miss him, but that makes our time together that much more special.

We celebrated Tom's birthday on the 12th of Febuary by going to a movie and getting him an external hard drive so we can back up the computer.

And then for Valentine's Day, since we didn't need to get new brakes, Tom went out and bought me a cute new netbook that is red. I love it. It is perfect for me and I have now learned how to Skype which is allowed me to see my best friend and my dad both whom I haven't seen since my wedding. It has been wonderful!!!!

We are busy planning trips for this summer... one to Colorado to see my aunt get married to the man of her dreams Mike- and we simply can't wait to meet Mike. It took what seemed like years for them to get his visa from Nigeria so that he could come to the United States. They will be married in Colorado on June 12th.

Then my sister Jenn will be married in Wyoming on the 14th of August (which also happens to be my brother's birthday)so we will be heading to Wyoming for that.

I am excited for both of those trips and to be apart of both of thier days. I am sure Tom is excited too :)

We are also expecting out first newphew in just a few short weeks and are so excited for Logan to enter the world!!! Hopefully it will be an quick and easier delivery for Stacy and everything will go smoothly.

As for everything else, it has been a tough month. A lot is goig on in my life. I was released as the primary teacher from church which broke my heart. I understand though, being that I have been going through a lot that I couldn't committ to the kids like I should have, but it doesn't hurt any less. I just wish someone would have called and checked up on me before I released. I think that would have made the blow a bit easier to deal with, but I also understand that people have a lot on thier plate, so calling may not have been feasible.

Well, that's it for now. I'll post pictures soon, as we have a bunch from the last few months and I have just not gotten around to updating it. Hope all is well with you and yours.

XO
Cass