Oh, ye of little faith...

What a year it has been. With all the trials and tribulations, blessings and beginnings. We have had so much and done so much this year. It's been a year of aches and pains, heart felt hurts and warmth. A year of doubt and assertion, diversion and togetherness. A blessed year and a cursed year as well.

Though we have had our roughest year financially and physically. Our spirituality has grown in leaps and bounds. We struggled from paycheck to paycheck and wondered where the next meal money would come from. We started a new plan of financial attack only to have it dashed time and again to the derision of my sanity. We've even had division of family unity at one point. 

Heavenly Father is there again to help us by leaps and bounds to overcome these issues and others. This year, we fought as a family and because of it, we grew closer together. We've started a bonding process of trust and love that had we not discussed the differences, we never would have been able to repair most of the damage that was caused. I know without a doubt that we needed to move here to the coast if only to gain the understanding and patience we needed in each other. Our family is truly blessed and I love each and every one of the members here and all around.

We lost Dad Whitehead this year as well. What a wonderful person he was/ is. The perfect example he and mom were to their six wonderful sons. I can only hope to proved even a small unit of their value in my life. I only can hope at my last days that I can even be slightly appreciated and loved in comparison to what they are. I love this Whitehead clan to the strength of my heart and depth. I can't express it enough how thankful I am for my husband and children and grandchildren. Each member has their love and strengths in things I can't begin to compare to. I am ever grateful for the love I feel for them. They mean so much to me. I am truly blessed.

We also received blessings from the Church this year as well. Though we struggle to maintain a membership of activity, the ward here continues to help us in ways I sometimes feel we don't deserve. They are special people, having to deal with so much more than over the years. I know that Heavenly Father guided us here for a reason and as we continue to be here, I learn more and more why. Our ability to get out and explore our surroundings with a minimums financial challenges is only the best reason to be here. That, and the fact that I see so much beauty that my heart can't begin to hold it all. Again, I am truly blessed. Our health issues are being maintained thanks to the doctors and such we have through Pismo and also for Gary, the VA. The local system exceeds the capabilities of where we lived before and I am truly grateful that he will be receiving the care he has needed for so long. As we try once again to update his Compensation and Pension status, I can only hope and pray he will be able to get what he needs and deserves. As for me, I've found that I am able to get better service here and will only see success of my physical and hopefully, emotional needs as well... Next? It's time for dental and optical care for both of us..

I guess what I mean to say is that we should as a people, have faith and understanding in the Lord. He provides all our needs and wants as we should obtain them. He is the only means by which we can obtain blessings in Heaven. He is the real reason we are here. I can only hope to impulse his path and share my love for him at all times. Love to you and yours... See ya in 2014.

Groggy day and nights

Feeling kind a Punky today. My FMS is acting up and I'm just too tired to do much. It's been a wonderful Christmas time for me. My family is so special and I love them so much. We had a nice breakfast yesterday at one of my grandson's apartments. He and his mom prepared it and I enjoyed the meal and especially the time together with all the kids. My girls are so special to me and sometimes I fail to share that with them. 

Heavenly Father blesses me with so much. My husband and I really appreciate where we are. Even the struggles aren't so bad that we can't find a solution for them. We both have health issues and we know the responsibilities we have to take to solve them. I'm grateful for him and his never ending love for me. I even told him one day last week that I was basically shocked that he hadn't left me. I'm a melodramatic person at times and I know some of the things I've done and said could warrant a late night run for the border, so to speak. He has stood by my side and endured the craziness that I've thrown at him. I just love him to bits...thanks baby.

I'm looking forward to the next year. As each year comes along, I look into how I've learned and grown from the previous year. All I can say is I get more excited each year as I learn and grow. God loves me and all I can do is return that love.

Blessings continue...

I love my Heavenly Father. He always knows when we need things even when we are to stubborn to ask for them. Yesterday, a member of our church showed up at our door with an envelope. I was surprised at what I found in there as it was a set of gift cards at various denominations of cash. My first thought was how wonderful. I can sure spend these quickly enough. I planned last night what I would spend them on and got up today to fully intend to go out on a spree... After taking our little dog out for a run on the beach and checking out some never before seen sights, we headed home to drop off the dog. As we traveled homeward, I had an epiphany of thought. Knowing that we didn't have even two cents to rub together for Christmas gifts, I told Gary that it would be better that we share the gift cards. So instead of spending them, we divided them up among our family members so they could get something from mom and dad, and gramma and grandpa. I felt so good after making that decision. I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father prompted me to think of others besides myself. It takes time to share the gospel and today, I wanted to thank you all for reading my thoughts and ideas. Love it so much. Keep up the spirit of Christmas... Christ is the true meaning of this time... Blessings await us when we remember this.