Another day, another engagement

I have a love-hate relationship with facebook. Some days it brings me so much joy to communicate with and celebrate the good news of friends.  But sometimes I find out things that break my heart, or just distract and depress me.

And nearly every day, there is another status change, or "We're getting married" group. My reactions to these vary. Sometimes it's a "Good for them!" or "Cute!!" or "So happy!"
Other times I think, "There really is someone for everyone..."

But every once in a while the dreary thought that drags across my mind is, "He/she has found someone to love them for forever, what's wrong with me?!?" What does it feel like to actually have a ring on your finger and know you are going to be with this person forever? You have chosen him and he has chosen you. Although I have come close in a few relationships, and I've been ready more than once, I've never felt that mutual affirmation of an official engagement. And sometimes I wonder if I ever will.

I know that's not healthy. I know the Lord has a plan for me, and He keeps telling me that it includes marriage and motherhood, but sometimes it's just hard to remember that.

Someday my relationship status will change and I'll get to make my own address collection! In the meantime, I'm getting a lot of practice writing the word "congratulations" in all sorts of languages:)

Simply grateful

I am so blessed! I live a wonderful life. Occasionally reality sinks in, quickly and deeply, and the stress gets to be a little much to deal with. So I count my blessings, one by one, and suddenly it is so easy to be happy :)

I have an awesome family! They support me, counsel me, laugh with me, love me, and keep me in line. They are unique, intelligent, funny, spiritual, and simply wonderful people who are examples to me in so many ways. They have helped me become the person I am. And I miss them like crazy!

I have so many fabulous friends, all over the world. They make me smile and keep life interesting and exciting. They give me great excuses to travel :) In the midst of these, I have a few sincere and remarkably loyal friends who keep me afloat when the storms of life get a little intense.

I have a strong, healthy body. I have energy, I can run and dance and play! I am stronger than most girls and I have the self-discipline to train and tone my body. I am not a supermodel or a twig, but I am curvy, feminine, and comfortable with myself. Plus, I'm a redhead. What more can I say?

I live in a happy, classy little apartment with a free gym and a swimming pool. I live with one of my very best friends. I also have my own room. It's my little haven from the world.

I have a bed :)

I am part of the greatest singles ward in Utah, where I feel loved, included, and appreciated. They are my surrogate family and wonderful friends.

My life is filled with good music and entertainment that uplifts, inspires, and helps me forget about my worries for a moment.

I have a shiny black laptop named Chuck and free wireless Internet connection almost everywhere I go.

I have access to 7 temples within an hour driving radius.

Every challenge, struggle, depression, loss, betrayal, pain, or rejection I have ever experienced has been followed by an outpouring of love, success, encouragement, healing, improvement, strength, or joy. Not immediately, mind you, but it comes.
My car may just be a Ford Focus, but it has power windows and locks, functional a/c, and a sunroof :)

I love my classes. I am dancing again. I go on dates fairly often. I am not allergic to chocolate!

But most importantly, I am a daughter of God with divine beauty and potential in my soul. I am a member of the true, restored church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. I have felt the Holy Ghost witness this truth and I have had so many other experiences to remind me of what I know. I have made promises to my God that will bless and exalt me, all I have to do is keep my end. I know there are prophets on the earth again and I am led by revelation, both general and personal. Isn't all that simply awesome!?!

I am so, so blessed!!!
What are you thankful for...?