The greatest gift I have received

I couldn't find a more recent family photo. Sadly. it's missing the Mercers.

This time of year it is easy to get wrapped up in all the gift giving ( and receiving). Tom, Aileah, and I went to see the lights at Temple Square and I was struck with the feeling of being abundantly blessed! We have had our share of worries and struggles but what a great life I have. I am married to my best friend. I have an adorable, sweet, healthy baby girl. Tom and I have jobs. I have a family who loves and supports me through anything.
I have received so many wonderful gifts throughout my life. But by far the greatest was from my loving elder brother, who gave his life so I could repent of my sins and return to my Father in Heaven. He made it possible for me to be with those I love through eternity. I could not imagine a more wonderful gift!

Lesson from a sunflower

Recently I learned an interesting fact about sunflowers. Why are sunflowers called sunflowers? Is it because they look like the sun? Nope. It is due to the fact that they will follow the sun throughout the day. As the sun moves across the sky the head of the flower will turn to face the light. This little tidbit of info has me thinking. I want to be more like a sunflower!
How do I react to trials, disappointments, and frustrations? Do I dwell on all the negatives or do I look to all the blessings I have been given? Sadly, it is so easy to think about how bad things are or about how you wish things were. But from this day on I will become a sunflower. I will look for and follow the light in my life... because I have been truly blessed by a loving Heavenly Father. And that is what I will choose to search out from here on out, rainy days and all.