Kisses for Amy

Blogging has changed my life.  I have met so many amazing men and women who share their lives through their blog.  Today my heart was touched by Amy Jackson.

This is Amy, a 36 year old mother of six.

On April 15th, 2010, she was diagnosed with a rare and terminal cancer: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.  Without treatment, she was given 1-3 weeks to live. 

Visit this amazing woman's blog, Kisses for Amy, to read about her journey as she makes preparations to leave this earth and her family for a season.  Surrounded by her family and friends, she is determined to face her future with faith, hope, courage and love.

She has shared some inspiring words of wisdom that are even more poignant coming from someone with her perspective.

"As I sit here in the early morning hours, I think of all the little things that I may have always taken for granted. These are things you never recognize until you come to the realization that the day may come soon that those little things may no longer be available to you to be a part of. This morning I spent almost an hour brushing and styling Lindsey's hair. I am sure that she probably hated almost every minute of it and the poor things hair really wasn't that fancy of a do, for having spent an hour being tortured. What she may never realize is how important that hour was to me and how much I appreciated being able to do that. It is incredible to me how important such a little task seems to me now as I am faced with the thoughts that I will not be here to do such simple tasks for my children in the future."  ~Amy

You can learn more about this amazing family at Kisses for Amy.  They were also featured on KSL television this week.

When I learn about trials like these, I'm so grateful for an eternal perspective.  It is such a blessing.

A Message from "The Universe"

I've been sick since Sunday. Not just a little--like 104 degree temp, can't get out of bed sick. My sweet husband has been taking great care of me, but I'm tired of feeling yucky. Today, I finally got up and showered and I'm almost feeling human again.

I got online, and checked my email.  I receive an email every day from "The Universe." Sounds strange, I know. But they are always really inspiring.

Here is the message that was in my inbox this morning:

What if I told you, Kimberly, that you couldn't have anymore of anything... No more friends, no more money, no more anything, until you first got happy with what you have?

Well, guess what I did with it?  I threw it in the trash folder--immediately, thinking, that doesn't apply to me--I'm happy with what I have.   But then I saw this video on Facebook.  It's been going around a while, so you've probably seen it, but watch it again.  It's worth it!



This man is so inspiring.  There are many things he says that strike a chord in my heart, but today, this is the one that stood out:

"If you keep on concentrating on the things you wish you had, or the things that you wish you didn't have, you sort of forget what you do have."

So, that's my message for you today.  Focus on what is good in your life, be thankful for those things, and then the bad, yucky, no-good things, won't seem so daunting after all.

Love ya!!

Bah Humbug!

This picture shows how I feel about the holidays this year. Although it is cute, and made me smile. I definitely have a shortage of the Christmas spirit. It's probably because my kids aren't going to be with me for Christmas. They are spending their vacation in Florida with their dad.

My husband and I are going to be in Idaho with his family for Christmas. I'm really looking forward to going, and hope the change of scenery will keep my mind off the fact that it's my first Christmas ever without my kids. Anyway, because nobody will be here, and honestly, because I'm just plain too tired, we haven't decorated for Christmas.

I've been wondering why, when I have so much to be grateful for, I'm feeling sorry for myself. Sunday I just didn't want to go to church. Do any of you ever feel like that? I know I need to go, and always feel better when I do, but I came home after Sacrament anyway.

Well, this is rambling without a point, so I'll just finish by including this song by Josh Groban. I found it yesterday on Laurie Lewis' blog and it gave me a small lift in spirits. I hope it does the same for you.