Cheers to Friendship

Carla hosted a Christmas Luncheon for the sista's and it was so much fun.  Her house was decked out for Christmas and very beautiful.  I love these women.  Today I can't remember for sure the things that came out of my mouth but I was referred to as blond a few times.  Pretty sure that wasn't a compliment (wink) but funny nonetheless.

I'm amazed at these women and all that they do.  Lisa is like Martha Stewart.....always doing something cute and creative.  She even got credit for bringing the pot luck dish that I brought.  (palm trees out of fruit which I copied from Loretta)  She did however bring some cute little crystal mugs with white chocolate melted around the rim topped with smashed up candy canes and filled with hot chocolate.  Those are the mugs we "toasted" with. Such a cute idea ..... Lisa is just that kind of gal.  She even makes her own lovely caramel apples that look and taste wonderful.  Three lucky ladies got those today....I wasn't one of them.

 Instead of White Elephants we each brought three gifts. The gifts were things that we really like.  It helps the others learn a little more about us.  It was fun seeing what the others thought of and it took quite a bit of time because we all commented after each gift was opened.  Lisa had a caramel apple in each of her gifts that she gave along with other fun stuff.  All the gifts I gave included something with chocolate and the one's I received did too.  It was a blast.

I love these crazy ladies.  They enrich and brighten my life.  I am so thankful for them and so thankful for the internet and Face Book since that is how I became involved with them.  Each and everyone of these ladies inspire me to be better! (all my friends everywhere do and for that I am thankful)

God Knows.....

Satan has been working on me lately and I'm pretty sick of it.  I have had a little war going on inside of me....so many questions.  I don't understand why at this point in my life I even let him influence me but I do feel myself being pulled at times and honestly it ticks me off.  The other day I had a few "messages" hit me smack in the face.  One was this scripture: "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say but when ye do not what I say you have no promise."  I know that but it came at me like a bundle of bricks.

I love having the Spirit of the Lord with me.....it's my favorite feeling and pure happiness to my soul.  So why the distractions?  Then someone posted a picture with the Devil and an Angel.....(not this one, the other was scary & harsh).  That's when it all made sense to me.  Satan knows whats ahead for me and doesn't want me to have it...he wants me to be unworthy of Gods blessings.  I love knowing when Satan is behind something because it makes me stronger and I will fight and I will win!  (I hate him....I know that is harsh and I have been taught not to hate but I do hate him!)  He's mean, cunning, a liar, deceiving, and heartless.  He doesn't care about anyone and wants to see us all miserable like him....he's the biggest jerk of all time.  So, knowing and realizing that I feel much better.  I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for me.  Usually when I recognize Satan is behind something I know what's in store.....a temple marriage, and new baby...etc. This time I don't know and it doesn't matter......I will NOT let the big jerk win!  Oh and then I saw this quote today: "The Devil only has power when we give it to him!  James 4:7-8..."Resist the Devil and he will flee from you, draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." 

My favorite place to go when I am struggling is the Temple.  I love going there and feeling GOD's unconditional love for me. (I love Him drawing nigh to me) Today Larry and I went in the morning and did some initiatory and the very first  booth I was consumed with the Spirit and felt HIS love!  I love hearing the words: "and your sins are forgiven...."  I shed a few tears of joy.  I am so thankful for a loving Father in Heaven and for Jesus for loving me and being with me.  I am thankful for the Atonement.  The Atonement is for everything....even our dumb mistakes.  I feel bad for making dumb mistakes but I know that it is just part of this lives experience. (dang it)

Riding home I was just looking out towards the mountain but for some reason (I don't think it was a coincident) I turned my head and looked up just as we came to an overpass with red cups spelling out "Dawn Rocks".  It wasn't big but there it was.  I told Larry that was for me......again I shed a few silent tears.  I know the message wasn't put there for me by anyone that I know but I believe with all my heart that I was suppose to see it.  I thank God for His tender mercies!  I love HIM with all my heart.  I want to be like Jesus and over come Satan's temptations.  I know I can do it too because there are many Angels with me all the time.  I feel them and for that alone I am thankful for my struggles.  I use to believe that they would leave if you weren't perfect and doing everything right.  That is not the truth.....they are there during the hardest of times and probably even call on more help when needed. (when we feel unworthy)  I know I have been carried and protected many times the last little while.  I appreciate all the Angels watching over me. (both in Heaven and on Earth)

I know God knows us and He loves us and He will always be with us!