What a year! I don't know if I should say this has been the worst, because I can look back and there have been some doozies(not sure if that's spelled right). But it is one year that won't be forgotten. It's a great time to reflect. January was pretty uneventful because I can't remember it, but then late February and March were two months of great sadness. Losing two dear friends. These losses have completely changed my life in so many ways. I look at our mortality in such a different way then ever before. I have never leaned on my faith as much as this year. I ask myself, are times and challenges coming as much or more? and so close together as before? Because it sure seems this way. On the other hand there have been many highlights and precious moments too. I was talking to someone about challenges and trials, and I said, you'll know when you no longer have them, because you will be dead. Be glad you have them because that means you are alive, you are truly experiencing life. I've always heard the saying, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. It's how you get through those trials and how you handle it. It is the refiners fire. We just can't give up especially on our Heavenly Father. This life is not and will never be easy. But if we are obedient and keep a hold of the iron rod, it will be okay, no matter what happens it will be okay. So there are many things to be grateful for. We could lose everything, I mean everything, home, job, loved ones, but as long as we stay valiant we will see our loved ones once again. The other things will be insignificant. So this is the conversation I had today. I have to remind myself of this too. Family is really what matters! So as I reflect this past year I have come to appreciate my loved ones so much more. I love them very much! 2010 here We come!