It's a wonderful life...

Do you know how the best Christmas stories, the ones that really get to your heart, are the stories where people can't afford to buy gifts for each other or someone is struggling and then somehow things just work out because of the selfless hero? Well, I lived one of those stories this year.
Money is something very nessecary in this life. They say money can't buy happiness, well that may very well be true but I know that this is true, too... if you don't have any life can really suck! One of the best parts of Christmas is giving and getting presents, and as a parent there is nothing better than watching your kids open presents on Christmas morning. What if there is no money to buy presents? What then? Well, that's when Heavenly Father decides to remind you of the true meaning of Chirstmas.
I was given a great gift this year. It's not something I can return or exchange for something I like better. It's not something that I can wear. It didn't cost a lot of money. It didn't come in a box or with a reciept. It came from all over. It came in small gestures. It came from the heart. It came with love. It came in disguise. It came from Heavenly Father.
He knew that Chance and I weren't going to be able to get Carlie any birthday presents and that "Santa" wasn't coming to our house this year. But he didn't magically make money appear in our bank account. He didn't make all of our bills disappear either. Instead he did something better. He sent us angels. People in our life that have made this Christmas probably the best our kids will ever have. In a world where you rarely see true charity, service, and love, we were slammed with all 3. It's an amazing thing when you see the pure love of Christ in action. A police department that does a sub for Santa, bishop who offers help without judgment, a relief soceity president who loves you like her own daughter, a sister who gives advice, listens, and gives of what little she has, a family who shows love and support when you need it the most, a child that is so unspoiled that she is so appreciative of the smallest things, a baby that can make your problems melt away with a smile, a husband that works so hard to provide for you and your kids. These are just a few of my angels. So here's the lesson that I've learned.
When you feel like things can't get worse, they can. If you feel like your life sucks, guess what! It probably does!! If you think life isn't fair, you're right. If you make a plan for your life most likely the opposite will happen. Bad things can happen to good people. There are all sorts of trials in this life and nobody experiences the exact same things as someone else. If you can get though life and become a better person you've succeeded. Be someone's angel. Be grateful for what you have even if others don't think it's so great. Pay it forward. If you have a lot, give a lot. And last but not least, Heavenly Father always wins, so don't fight it.
We've been through a lot these last 4 years and now all we have left to say is...
BRING IT ON!!!