When life throws you curve balls....

The last month in the Bowles home has been filled with a bit of uncertainty as to what the new year would bring. Actually, it seems like the last year and a half has been plagued by this same uncertainty. Of course none of us can ever know what our future holds, however we can attempt to plan to the best of our knowledge...and life always throws us curve balls. It is when we are thrown these curve balls that we need to drop to our knees and ask for help. There is a saying that goes "Man never stands taller then when on his knees," and I firmly believe that HE is always listening (even when you don't get the answer you were hoping for.)

I was pondering our situation this last week and having a hard time working through some feelings..mainly the WHY ME? pity feelings people often have when faced with trials. I sat down to read the Ensign and I said a little prayer...Lord help me find something...anything...

I opened the pages of the magazine with my eyes closed(I know it sounds silly...) I landed on a page but felt the need to turn one more page before I settled and opened my eyes. There I saw my answer, an article entitled "Gather to the Temple". Of course!! That is exactly what I needed to do...go to the house of the Lord and take it up with him. Just one minor issue...the only temple close to me is in St. Louis about 4 hours away and when would I be able to get away to take a day trip like that?! As I read the article I read about this family in Brazil who traveled for nearly 7 days and over 2,000 miles by boat, bus....surely I could make quick 4 hour trip to St. Louis (which after reading that article now seemed like a 15 minute trip down the street).

We were blessed to have my parents here and they were very willing to allow us the time on Tuesday morning to head to the temple. My only worry was Liam...having a nursing baby and being away from him for so long can cause issues. I prayed that he would be good for my parents and he was....he was completely content to eat his solids and take his naps and didn't give them any trouble.

Jeremiah and I woke up at 4am and head out to St. Louis. We had a lovely and highly insightful morning in the temple. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to attend the temple (even if it is farther then I am used too). The St. Louis Temple was much smaller than I thought it would be, but then again maybe I am just used to massive west coast temples...

We stayed for lunch, checked out the St. Louis Arch and then made our way home...exhausted but spiritually uplifted and prepared for any more curve balls that may come our way.