When things get tough...

Rob and I are going through a very stressful time: trying to provide for a child, trying to be as self-reliant as possible, trying to stay positive, all while staring at a future with no job prospects and no source of income...it sounds simple and straightforward to write and read about. But, the weight this presses onto you is indescribable. I lose sleep over this and it's now an undercurrent to my daily life.

On Sunday night, we had Tithing Settlement. It was difficult to write out our tithing check, knowing that it could pay for mine and Aaron's health insurance plus a few more bills for the next month. But, Rob and I took a deep breath and acted on faith. With a smile, we handed over the check to our bishop.

Inexplicably, as we declared ourselves full tithe payers, the weight lifted from my shoulders. I knew we'd done the right thing. It felt good, and I felt hopeful.

In reality, of course it was Heavenly Father comforting us with His Spirit. Of course it was. The Spirit was such a real presence that evening, and it's a moment I will never forget for as long as I live.

Our bishop, not knowing the full extent of our situation and need, quoted:

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)

Just further proof that Heavenly Father is aware of us--each of us. Because of this experience, I've been trying to be more observant of my attitude, to remain positive. Heavenly Father told me that we'll be okay...

...how can I doubt?

Simple Treasures

For a while now, I've wanted to start a new blog--one where I could post more from "Sara's Perspective" rather than just the "Mommy Perspective." The latter is what is now mainly portrayed on my original blog, Raising My Ebenezer.

So what makes this blog different from that one?

I wanted a place where I could write about the simple treasures in my life, someplace that, through the means of creating, I was discovering.

The older I get, the more I realize how essential the basics are in life and that just because something is basic, doesn't mean that it is sub-par or unimportant. How could Beethoven compose a symphony without an understanding of clefs or time signatures? How could Shakespeare write his plays without knowing how to write his letters? How could Einstein theorize about spacetime without first comprehending that 2 + 2 = 4?

And so life goes...

I see this evolution of knowledge and awareness in the ebb and flow of the day-to-day; not only in myself, but in those around me. And, as a new mom, this is highlighted in the development of my child.

It is humbling; it is awe-inspiring; but most of all, it changes me...you...all of us.

So, enough of my waxing didactic. I just hope you find some inspiration along the way with me, and that you enjoy the ride as well!