It's all in the Details-Part 1

Happy New Year! 2015 is going to be another great year, I can feel it! My goals this year...

1. Beat cancer and go on a VACATION! 2. More yoga 3. Enjoy the outdoors with my family 4. Beat cancer

Realistic and attainable goals. I like it.

I am feeling really good today and I am looking forward to the next few days because I should keep feeling better and better. This is my 'good' week before I go back in for round 3, on the 6th. My levels are up so I don't have to give myself neupogen shots (the ones that cause the bone pain) anymore. Yes, you read that correctly!, I have been giving myself the shots! Are you so proud?! Who would have thought.

This time of year is special to me, not only for the obvious reasons, but also because of two experiences that have strengthened me and touched my life forever. And can I just say, thank heaven for journals. I am so glad that I can always remember these special moments in my life and be able to look back and read all of the details, because I wrote them down.

It was last November, 2014. We had a lot going on, we had just moved to a new area, Jake was in the process of finding a new job, our families were going through some hard things, and I was busy with the kids.

We all have ups and downs in our lives, especially spiritually and emotionally. Well, at this particular time, I felt like I was at a low. There was a lot to worry about, a lot of things we were waiting on to unfold, and I had a two year old who was giving me a run for my money. You think i'm kidding, see for yourself...

*Peanut. Butter. EV-ERR-YYY-WHERRRRE hahaha

During this time, I realized I needed to change. I had to stop being so self consumed. I knew what I had to do, and what would help me feel better...I needed to serve.

I started praying, asking for opportunities to help others. Asking that I could recognize when I am receiving promptings and then to have the courage to immediately act. I wanted to be a tool in His hands, to help others and be an answer to their prayers. I wanted Him to trust me, to lead me to someone who needs help, and know that I would follow through and be His earthly servant.

I had organized a girls night with some of my friends in the area that evening. At the very last minute, Marie had so cancel, she wasn't feeling well.

My prayer continued. The next morning as I passed Marie's house, I had an impression, 'text Marie and see how she's feeling.' Of course, I let myself get distracted and did not text her that day. Again, the next day, as I pulled into my driveway and saw Marie's house, 'text Marie, see how she's feeling.' This time, I listened. I parked right where I was and sent Marie a text.

"Hey Marie! We missed you the other night, how are you feeling?"

M- "I was so sad I couldn't make it! I am okay, still not feeling very well, but better."

"I am so sorry! Can I bring you dinner tonight, or does Millie want to come over and play so you can take a nap?"

As soon as I sent that text, a quote that I had heard during General Conferenece popped into my head

If you ask how you can help, you're no help at all.

I immediately sent another text...

"I'm bringing dinner over at 6."

Walking over to Marie's I thought I was just sharing a meal with my friend. I was wrong. I was going to be taught and strengthened.

Marie opened the door and invited me in. As soon as I stepped into her home, I saw bouquets of flowers everywhere. I looked at she and her husband and with big, worried eyes asked, "What's going on?"

With tears streaming down their faces, and mine, they told me of the miscarriage. Marie was now recovering from surgery that was performed two days ago, the night of our girls night. My heart was broken for them, but I was also feeling the spirit so strongly. We hugged and cried for a minute together, then I left them to eat.

I was so touched, because I knew what my prayers had been those last few days, and I just saw the Lord's plan come together. He knew Marie, He knew she was hurting, He knew he could send me to help her.

Later, she text me, thanking me for the meal. I felt prompted to text this back...

"I think you should know, for the last two days, I've been saying a specific prayer, asking to be lead to someone who I could help; to lift their burdens. Today I acted on the promptings Heavenly Father sent me, and what a great experience it was for me. Know that Heavenly Father is aware of you and wanted to help YOU, in that little way. Thank you for letting me serve you, and i'm so glad we're friends :)"

M- "You just made me cry! I have been praying just to know that Heavenly Father is there and this is such an answer to my prayers! Thank you so much for listening to those promptings and being there for us. I am sooo glad we're friends too!"

What a beautiful experience. You know, in those moments, when I think i'm doing something to serve someone else, I am the one who comes away feeling more blessed. Both of our prayers were answered. I saw and felt God's love for us, His daughters. I learned that Heavenly Father knows us. He cares about us. He cares so much, and about every detail, that He coordinated a friend texting her neighbor, bringing to remembrance a quote, mourning with those that mourn, inspiring yet another text to be sent, and then pouring out His love upon both of His daughters.

At this time in my life, I am the one being the recipient of all of your service, through word, thought, deed, donations, the list is endless. I am so overwhelmed by your goodness. Because I will never be able to thank you enough and let you know how much you have blessed my family and I, I ask for our Heavenly Father's help. I pray that He will bless you and your families for me. As you are serving and loving me, and others around you, I hope you are also seeing and feeling of your worth. I know that when we serve, we are blessed and will feel true happiness and our own burdens will be lightened.

I love you and hope that 2015 brings you lots of joy!

Cheers!

xoxo Jen

ps, No I do not know who gave that quote in General Conference. I have searched and searched. Maybe it was one of those times where the spirit spoke to me so clearly, that I thought it was an actual quote, when really it was just the Lord telling me what I needed to hear ha. Sorry! If you do find, or know, who that was, I'd love for you to share :)