Abundant Happiness is to be Enjoyed

"An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body but and evil friend will wound your mind." -Buddha

                    It has been an emotional few days for me but tonight although I am feeling wrung out I feel a little more free.  We didn't make it to church today because this woman (aka me) couldn't get herself out of bed until 11:41 am.  It was a very emotional night and I was spent.  It's so funny how fast things can change in our lives.  We are ever evolving and although sometimes that can be a painful process, it is most likely for the best.  We have had so many changes in our lives recently and it has been painful but I see the positive things that are coming from these changes and I realize that it is the refiners fire at work. 
In our house church has and always will be a priority but I will say that since Matt's stroke and the other emotional and physical burdens that we have had to bare, it has become increasingly hard to get to church without missing a week or two here and there.  Honestly the biggest trial is getting everyone ready and there.  That is a big task and it shouldn't be.  So from now on whether we look like we've just stepped of the Island of Misfits (thank you Jill!) or not, we are going to be consistent about making it to church because "Every person can fail to attend his meetings, fail to pay his tithing, fail to fill a mission, Ignore his temple obligations and privileges, but if he is smart, he must know that he is the deprived one." (Spencer W. Kimball) 
I have realized lately that there are people and things in my life that have not been uplifting.  I have not realized how destructive these forces have been but I have decided to make changes.  I have decided that I will not allow people or other things stand in the way of my happiness or the happiness of my family.  I have tried so hard to help others that I have not realized that I have been neglecting my health, my emotional well being and the emotional well being of my family "When you look at your life, the greatest happiness's are family happiness's." (Joyce Brothers)  I love my little family.  I love the people that have become our family.  I am sad that not all of these people can stay a part of our family but as a good friend once said "I do not keep negative people in my life." (thank you Emily!)
There are adjustments to be made and tears to shed but there is also new friends to meet and old friends to catch up with.  My life is abundantly filled with happiness ready to be enjoyed.