On Tuesday, a fire started in the basement of Phil's ex-wife, Nicole's apartment. All three of the girls were there at the time. Alishea acted quickly and safely got all three of them out. Due to the smoke damage they've basically lost everything.
We're all so incredibly grateful that our 3 beautiful girls are safe and sound. As Phil says, everything else can be replaced but his girls can't.
As hard a trial as it must be to face losing everything this way, I've been so impressed by Nicole and the positive attitude she's had. I can't imagine facing this sort of trial. So many friends and family have come together to help though. The help and donations they've received have been so generous and we're all very grateful for all of it. Again, our family is being watched over and blessed.
A month or so ago, our truck was damaged and it was determined that it wasn't going to be repaired. Today we were finally able to pick up our new van. Its so good to have and we're very grateful that we were able to find a good vehicle from a good dealer for a good price we could afford.
Due to the fire, we've been busy rearranging things around the house and putting things we don't need into storage to make room for the girls and Nicole so they have the option to stay here as needed. Its been a lot of work but its also a blessing to be getting it all done. While its a terrible reason to have to get things done, it is good to finally be doing it. In the end, I hope our home will have much more order and be a much more relaxing and enjoyable place for all of us.
The next few weeks are a bit of a mystery as we're figuring out logistics and plans for what all happens next. But I know the blessings of our loving Heavenly Father have been pouring out on us through these trials and I know that He will continue to bless us and help us get through it all.
As we've been busy organizing things we've been listening to General Conference and the church programs that have aired between sessions. I've been overcome by the Spirit today as I've listened to the messages and the words of the church leaders. Surrounded by boxes and dust, sorting through chaos, I keep hearing messages that touch my soul and leave me with tears streaming down my face. Messages of hope, messages of truth, messages of love from our Heavenly Father. Messages telling me to hold on, as life feels overwhelming, as our house feels too small, as our life feels unstructured and uncertain and as fears of trials to come swirl through my mind seemingly never-ending....at those moments when I have no idea how we'll handle it all, my loving Father sends His spirit of love and support and comfort to me. I've felt it so strongly today and as I've prayed for help, help has come.
I'm so grateful for my Heavenly Father's support and love. I'm so grateful for my husband's love and patience and support of me. I'm so grateful for the girls who bring such joy to our lives. I'm so grateful for my family and friends here and my family and friends far away. We are so blessed. I am so blessed.
Wonderful blog today. I felt the same way listening to General Conference and then watching the segments in between the morning and afternoon sessions. The Spirit was just felt so strongly within the four walls of my room. Tears down my face. I'm so happy to see how you all have dealt with these problems. Thanks for the great example to follow :)
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<3 Vera
It seems conference couldn't have come at a better time for you and your family. Listening to our leaders helps me reground myself and remember what's really important in life. I'm sure it's a lot of work organizing things in your home to make more room for the girls, but it definitely will be worth it in the end.
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