Year End Thoughts

I know there are not many people following this blog and that is okay.  I am doing it for myself more than anything. So as I am sitting here thinking about the year 2011, I wanted to share some thoughts.
    2011 was not any easy year.  We had many challenges, as most people do.  The thought that keeps coming to me this week, however, isn't about our difficulties.  It is about our blessings. In Psalm 145:9, it says: "Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."  In LDS General Conference in April 2005, Elder David A. Bednar gave a talk about the Lord's tender mercies and he defined it as “The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ”  As I look back on 2011, I am more able to see the Lord's tender mercies in my behalf.   We received help in so many ways.  Our major difficulties have been because of medical bills, so our finances are not what we would like.  Yet, we always seem to find a way through and I know the Lord has touched the hearts of wonderful people in our behalf.  Two such examples this year happened in the last week.  We found a $100 Visa gift card taped to our back door. Then we received a $50 gift card to Dillon's in the mail. I don't know who gave us these gifts but I pray that God will bless them for their generosity.  Someday I hope that we can be in a better position and return the loving kindnesses to someone else in need. 
   I know that God is aware of each one of us and demonstrates it through His bountiful tender mercies. Another example of tender mercies in my life are the wonderful people God has put in my life.  I have a wonderful family, i.e., a loving husband, beautiful children, caring parents and in-laws, and the most wonderful friends.  God bless you all!!