Life is beautiful, right?

So I've really been struggling lately with a lot of things (the length of time between posts is always a good indicator of how crazy life is at the moment).  I could probably write a very long post about things I'm really not happy about lately but that probably wouldn't do anything but bring everyone else down to my level and, unfortunately it wouldn't change any of those things either.  So I want to take some time to list some of the things I am grateful for lately . . .

My amazing best friend and husband, Daniel, who will always be number one on my list of things I am grateful for.  I don't know how I would have gotten through things that have happened in the last few years without him.  I'm so lucky to get to fall asleep next to him every night and wake up with him every morning.  It amazes me that after two and half years,  I still cannot get enough of him.  I would love to spend every second of every day with him, and the awesome part is - he wants to spend every second of every day with me.  I'm so blessed to have someone who values the time they get to spend with me, who knows and helps me to remember that I am that special.

The sunshine.  I was so afraid that the rain would start here and I would never see the sun again and be miserable and depressed within a week.  But there is still sunshine, a little bit each day! And so far I am liking the rain.  Its made everything green again and even though I miss east coast falls, I am getting to enjoy some beautiful scenery here.

My friend Jenna and my friends Kate and Katie.  Even though life is ridiculous and I don't even have time to even hang out with friends, these girls have been so accepting and loving after just barely meeting me.  I feel like I've been so consumed with my own stuff to be a great friend in return, but I'm so grateful for them for welcoming me and making me feel that someone cares during what has been a really rough and sometimes lonely transition in my life.

My mom.  For making me and Daniel dinner this week, for loving Daniel and welcoming him into our family so easily.  For her generosity and teaching me what it means to be a good wife and mother.

The gospel.  Today we sang "I Believe in Christ" in church - it was the first time in probably a few years that I've sung it all the way through without crying, only due to some good distraction from my friend's babies.  Every time I sing that song, I am reminded of the sacrifice He made for me, of the chance I have to try again and again, how I really can make it through everything because of Him.  I'm so grateful for this knowledge, these words express better than I ever could the tremendous love and joy I can feel even in the midst of suffering, and there are few things I could ever be more grateful for.

I believe in Christ; he is my King!

With all my heart to him I'll sing;

I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; he is God's Son.

On earth to dwell his soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead he raised.

Good works were his; his name be praised.

I believe in Christ-- my Lord, my God!

My feet he plants on gospel sod.

I'll worship him with all my might;

He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.

From Satan's grasp he sets me free,

And I shall live with joy and love

In his eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!

From him I'll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With him I'll stand in that great day

When on this earth he comes again

To rule among the sons of men.