Goodbye 2011 and hello 2012

In my attempt to begin one of my New Year's resolutions, it is 12:07 am on Jan. 2nd and I can't seem to get to sleep. I am hoping that this post will set the tone for many more this year. I am simply writing on this blog for my posterity. I want them to see evidences not only of my love for them but also of my love for my Savior and my deep desire for them to find that same love in their lives. It is in the little things that we find evidences of his love for us. It is in the everyday "coincidences" that if we stop and listen with a grateful heart, we find him lovingly and gently leading us on in His tender care. Yet, it is also in the grandiose of His crowning moment as our Savior and Redeemer when He completed the Father's will and finished the atonement. He paid the price for our happiness and we but have to believe Him and follow in his footsteps back to Him to receive this great gift. Three months before my father's passing, he came to visit Jacob in the hospital. Jacob was just a few days old and was in the NICU for 2 weeks following his birth. My dad's health at the time was very poor, but he wanted to meet Jacob. He wasn't sure he would be able to stand the whole time, so we wheeled him into the NICU. He became overwhelmed by the situation after about 5 minutes. We wheeled him out and I sat with him for a moment in the waiting room. He was emotional at the time, but insistent that I listen to him as he bore a sweet testimony to me of his Savior. He then proceeded to tell me that his greatest desire for his children was that they each have a knowledge and a testimony of the Savior. I echo this sweet sentiment. My greatest desire in this life is to know that my children know to what source they can turn for peace, love, understanding and hope. It is my life's work that they might know to what source they can find the lasting happiness that only the Redeemer of mankind can offer...their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My Dad once passed on some sacred advice. "The object of our existence is love Brooke." May this blog communicate to those I care the most about, my family, evidences of His perfect love and mine that is always striving.