This is me

January 4th

I got to go to the recreation center today and work out this morning.  It is so refreshing to get up and exercise first thing in the morning.  I grateful to have a health body that I can use and exercise.

January 3rd

It was freezing cold today but it did not snow.  Hallelujah!   I am also feeling very blessed today because we spent the day at a car dealership and left with a leased car for Bub to drive safely in.  Now we just need to sell the Infiniti.  I will have peace of mind knowing that my hubby is in a safe car.  We are such a blessed family to even have a car.

January 2nd

I received this email from my Mom today.  I am so lucky to have her as my Mom.
See the Proof Below

Hello Everyone,


Here we are at the beginning of a new era, chapter, page, year - 2014.

I've thought what I could say that might be meaningful at this time. (Brandon...I can see your smile and the wheels in your head going - I love that about you) This is of course assuming that I have something meaningful to share.

Two years have passed since Dad graduated from his earthly school and much has happened in each one of us. There's no day that goes by that he's not a part of my mind and heart. The incredible void left cannot be filled by anything nor anyone. Heavenly Father is the only one that can help me and you with that. In reality the pain of Dad's loss is not as raw and debilitating as it used to be. Sadness exists every day a moment here or a moment there, but there is happiness and joy also. And I find that parts of the "happy me" are starting to show up.

Looking back at the passed 2 years, the cancer years and my whole life with Dad I see Heavenly Father's fingerprints all over. He has tutored me and has taken me by the hand many times, and even carried me on occasions. The strong relationship with my Savior and my Father has deepen. I have heard His voice, seen His hands and felt His love and mercy through those who are His "image bearers". How grateful I am for those men and women of all ages whose Gospel badge is worn on their heart. The Spirit has spoken truth, brought understanding and has comforted me in many ways. The word compassion has a richer meaning. The typical feeling of vulnerability that comes after losing "your half" has slowly been changed with increased faith, hope and courage. The "fog" or inability to focus is slowly dissipating bringing to my awareness that the chapter on "pain" is perhaps coming to an end.
I've always imagine my life like a series of books and in them chapters. Yes, I'm the main character and my story has to have a plot. I don't like to be the victim in my story. 2014 is the beginning of a chapter. And I'm feeling the need for "a plot twist". Events will happen, but everything learned needs to be put to work. I'd like to say..."You're going to hear me roar", but all that is coming out of my mouth right now is a loud "meow".

As I was watching what media chose to share as the "events" of 2013. The advances and discoveries in science and technology are fascinating! (Dan and I would have talked about these for days - a computer scientist has much to say about these kind of things). I couldn't help but think of how terribly spiritually lost people are, how more chaotic and crazy the world is becoming. In a way I have no worries for the future, for I know the Lord is with us and you and your children were born for these times. We just need to be found in His side. The trials that are to come and have come to people in the past will be painful. Not because we are endowed saints mean that we'll have only peace and solace, but that very endowment will be the strength and power needed to withstand and carry us in the new days. How exciting! "Our future is as bright as our faith." Pres. Monson
Thank you so much for attending the temple with me in December. Nelly, we missed you and Brandon, but know that you were in our hearts. I invite you to attend monthly if possible. Dan and I would challenge each other to bring questions as we attended to allow the Spirit to teach us. I miss Dan, but i do continue with the challenge.

I love you, thank you for all being awesome people, you are a great source of strength to me. Hope you can embrace where you are at and choose to live a complete life, the very life that Heavenly Father wanted you to have, to seize the moment. Don't let opportunities pass you by because of the distractions this world offers. Don't allow yourself to be deceived. Don't fall into the trap of been the victim of circumstance. Can the Lord trust us with the life He's provided for us, with His gospel, with His children?

I'm here for you and hope not to let you down.
Make 2014 count!
Love you!

xoxoxoxo

January 1st, 2014

Over the last 2 years I have kept a gratitude journal.  I was not fantastic about writing in it daily, however I loved writing in it.  It made me happy and content with my life.  I felt blessed and could see Heavenly Fathers love for me as I wrote in this journal.

This year I thought I would have my gratitude journal be on my page on our family blog.  In doing this, I will never misplace my journal.  I feel like this is a great way to count my blessings and I will be able to share it with my family for ever.  I hope they may always be able to see our Heavenly Father blessing their lives.

Entry 1

Hailey stayed up for New Year's Eve last night.  She could hardly wait to go out in our backyard and bang on some pots and pans at midnight.  Bub and I played a long game of Monopoly with her and made some yummy treats.  Mia fell asleep extra early around 6pm. When we had 10 seconds left of the 2013  year, we started our countdown to the new year and Mia woke up at 5 seconds to go.  We got family hugs and kisses in. I am grateful to be able to make great memories with my family.





I love my name. 
Danielle Teresa Longenecker.  
It comes from three very important people in my life, who I love so much.  

My Dad's name is Daniel Bruce Wilson.  Danielle is simply the girl version.  Every day I am reminded of who I am and most importantly where I came from.  My name reminds me of my Dad all of the time.  It brings me strength as I think of how blessed I am to have him as my Dad.  I know what an amazing person he was and all of his many strengths and talents. He is an awesome Dad and always will be.  I know because I came from him that I can be better.  I can be stronger.  And as bad or as amazing as life can get, I can do it.  I feel pretty special to get to carry on his name. 

My Mom's name is Maria Teresa Wilson.  As I said before, I am named after people who I love.  I am so lucky to have Teresa be my middle name just like my Mom.  My Mom is truly one of my greatest inspirations. I know, if I can be more like her I am likely to end up in a great place.  She is a saint and her example inspires me to be better every day.  Bub sometime calls her Mother Teresa-it is pretty fitting for her.

Longenecker came from an amazing day when I made the best decision of my life.  The day Bub and I were married and sealed in the temple was when I went from Danielle Teresa Wilson to Danielle Teresa Longenecker.  Like i said, I am named after three very important people in my life.  Since that awesome day I feel so blessed to have the great name that I do........

Danielle Teresa Longenecker

2 comments:

tere said...

It is an honor for me to be your mama. You have brought much joy into my life. I have learned so much from you and I continue to be amazed at the wonderful woman you have become.

hailey said...

Oh I love you Danielle.