Hope

"Before faith or knowledge is found, before joy or happiness is experienced, before the healing begin, one emotion starts to stir from deep within the depths of despair. It is hope." - Emily Freeman

The last few months I have had many many opportunities to reflect on hope, to evaluate what I hope for, and to realize what I hope in.  I was able to attend Time Out for Women twice this year, the theme this year was infinite hope.  One of my favorite things that I took away from the meeting was this - The things I find Hope in will sustain me while I wait for the things on my hope for list to happen.  How great is that!  I love it when a simple truth hits me on the head and just make since but brings me comfort and peace and clarity.  

This Christmas season I have had many opportunities to recognize HOPE in my life.  I have hope in the atonement of Jesus Christ, I have hope in the Lords plan of happiness, I find hope in a knowledge that my Savior and Father in Heaven know me personally.  I find HOPE in the knowledge that my Savior does not make up the differences in my life, but that He makes all the difference.  I find HOPE in knowing that He will be with me in my darkest hours, to help me and comfort me, to give me strength and help me see JOY!  

This weekend my hope increased... I was so blessed to spend one last weekend with two of the cutest kids in the world.   After spending about 3 hours of trying to keep Mason asleep and finally figuring out He would stay asleep if he could feel my hand My HOPE was strengthened and increased.  I find HOPE in knowing that someday I will be able to be a mother.  My hope was increased again when I read the blog of a sweet example in my life who was able to take her 2nd little adopted angel to the Temple to be sealed to their Family.  Hope is alive in me, and I know it is because I have a Father who loves me.  

I love the following clip from Elder Holland.  Someday's it is hard for me to realize that I am not in charge, and than all of my blessings won't come when I demand them, but I have HOPE that they will come! 

May you all find hope in this Christmas season.