After viewing images of what is going on in other parts of the world, I realized there is nothing like a little change in perspective to make one understand their problems really are not all that big. A short time ago it was the people of Japan with the tsunami, and the ensuing issues of the nuclear power plant disaster. Today I learned of over 200 killed, in the south, from Tornadoes. 

There are bumps in the road and there are catastrophes and most of our problems land some where in between those two, generally on the speed bump side. I'd venture to guess most of the issues we face are speed bumps, however, I know I am guilty of allowing these to really boil my blood. Yes, I have been guilty of allowing many relatively small issues effect me in a manner which should be reserved for bigger events. I have had what many consider to be catastrophes in my life, and I am no stranger to pain and the sharp sting of loss. I have lost loved ones unexpectedly (my young brother and father); I have lost my home to fire (at the age of 12) ; I have had my life and plans uprooted through no fault of my own. I survived those. I am here to be able to be thankful. 

How many families tonight are dealing with some or all of those losses? I want to reach out across the miles and give them something which will soothe without offering the platitudes which made me cringe when I suffered great despair. It leaves me with a hollow sense, filled only with the slight understanding of the path they will begin to travel. I can only offer my prayers.I can only trust in my faith which believes this world is only our temporary home, and we can expect something greater when we pass from here.  

Reading through some of the news stories, and looking at the photos really brought to my awareness how small my frustrations this week really are. Yes, it has been a week where my feelings have been hurt, things have been said, choices have been made which have caused no small amount of tears, however, my life right now is safe. My children are safe. My home is intact. I am not holding hands with my neighbors looking through rubble for loved ones, searching faces for some sense of understanding. Think about those you are frustrated or angry with today, what if tomorrow they are no longer here? Will you regret the things you said? Are there things you wish you would have spoken or done? Is there a mole hill you made into a mountain. Who do you need to make it right with? 

Today,  I was able to go down to get my hair done,  buy groceries, take my children to school, and return home to make dinner because all those buildings are still standing. Tonight, no one will be missing at my table, and that change in perspective is all I needed to be thankful for each and every day, moment by moment, because we never know when life may change. 

Dear Blog Readers,I am afraid Mono and Strep throat have gotten the best of me over the last few weeks. I have not had the energy to sit down and write a blog. I have a whole list of things I cannot wait to share with you. So, please bear with me as I recover and I promise some hilarious tales! Hope everyone's Easter was as beautiful and blessed as mine! Kimber

A very popular event here in North Western Montana is always an auction. I have been to quite a few of these things, and yawn.....they are usually all about the farm/ranch  equipment. My husband usually grumbles about how much the prices of things go for, and we walk away with a few items. In the last few years I have attended as few of these things as possible, however with Seth's work schedule I felt I needed time with him, so off we went to the auction. 

The directions we were given led us through some beautiful country but I felt a little jostled from the state of the road by the time we arrived. After a bit of a walk, as there were a trucks and cars and trailers parked a ways down the dirt road, we made it to the auction site. One man even brought his four wheeler to drive back and forth with. My first thoughts were the auction was going to be my day from the underworld watching people get all sorts of excited over the trucks, tractors, lawn mowers, saddles, gates, pens, and all manner of things you find on a working ranch. Just as we were about to leave, yes there is a God, because Seth said there was nothing of interest to him, he heard there was a whole other section. Low and behold there was a covered area full of household and garden items. 

Whoever this woman was who owned this farm, she had taste. I walked up and down the rows of items, collecting a list in my head. Low and behold there it was. THE TV stand. The EXACT match to my set we had chosen not to purchase when we bought our furniture. My husband is a frugal one and wanted to wait and see if it went on sale, it did and they sold out. It has always been a little of a sore subject. I looked at him with big eyes and said "I'm bidding on that and Ill go to this amount expecting a resounding "Excuse me?" I was very matter of fact, which I am so proud of myself for. He must have understood the gravity of the situation, and agreed. However, the equipment he wanted to bid on was being auctioned off at the same time, so I suddenly found I was going to have to do this myself. However, thankfully, my mother in law decided to stay with me. 

Two minutes into the thing and I had bought a chair for a $1! Woohoo...nice little wood thing will look great on the porch! It never ceases to surprise me how people will pay almost retail for used items and spent a lot of my time shaking my head that EVERYTHING sells at an auction. It took hours to circle around to the side of the structure I had been waiting for. After a few successful bids, I was ready for the TV cabinet! I waited for the auctioneer to start with a decent price and off we went. I had been discussing the cabinet with a few friends and they were all crowded around in hopeful anticipation for me...low and behold I won! Woohoo!!!! For half of what I was willing to pay. I could not wait to tell Seth, but that would have to wait until I found a few more treasures to bid on, such as the lovely set of top of the line baking items, two Pier One mirrors, a set of Pier one dishes, and a Frigidaire mini refrigerator. This could become addicting!

After loading all of our treasures, I commented on my state of tiredness. A friend of mine asked if my arm was tired from bidding and I just grinned. I do not think I'll be dragging my feet anymore when Seth says there is another auction...I think I have caught the fever! Look out!

I had my feelings hurt this week from a comment someone made. I am not extremely sensitive but I am not a tough nut either. Often times, when this type of thing occurs, I am over it in a heart beat and am able to just ...let it go.  I am not even sure the person made the comment out of an intent to hurt, or maybe she did..it really does not matter. I thought about it, prayed about it, talked with a few close people, without naming names, about my feelings regarding it, and then tried to let it go...to no avail.

I used to play a game with the children when they were little called "Turn it Around." If they had a bad day or were grumpy about something, I would ask them to turn it around to something positive.  One of my children reminded me of it today and her reminder came at just the right moment of feeling really sorry for myself! I can turn these feelings around to a wise caution for myself. I wonder how many times I have been guilty of wounding someone, and not being aware...or wounding them and believing they deserved it because of their actions? I can turn this around to guard my lips and actions so as not to cause undue harm. Turning this from a hurt  to a lesson has lessened the sting and taught me a valuable lesson.