Come out, come out, wherever you are…!
I know.
I haven’t blogged for a while.
You know how your mom always said, “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all?” That is sort of why I haven’t had much to say lately. Except I would need to tweak the quote a bit…”If you can’t say anything positive and uplifting, don’t say anything at all.”
The last three months have been really difficult. I faced a challenge that required all my emotional energy and I didn’t have much left over for blogging, Facebook messages or monthly website messages…or making dinner for that matter. I kept thinking to myself, “I need to write a blog,” but everytime I would try to think of what to say, I came up blank.
Until last Thursday night.
We were at Zion’s Ponderosa in Southern Utah – one of my favorite places on the planet. I had about an hour to myself, so I took an iPod and went out on the deck hoping to connect with Heavenly Father as I listened to music and marveled at the beauty of the trees, mountains, clouds, skyline – everything He created. I like being in nature. I can feel Him. I can feel His love. I can hear a little more clearly and see a little bit further, deeper. It helps me reconnect with who I am and who He wants me to be.
I was sitting in a chair with my feet up on the railing of the deck listening to “You Give.” I closed my eyes for a few minutes and when I opened them I saw this…
The prettiest little rainbow had appeared during the thirty seconds I had closed my eyes and then opened them. It lasted for maybe 2 or 3 minutes and then it was gone.
I love moments like that.
Moments that feel like they are sent just for us. Moments when we know Heavenly Father is near. Aware. Close.
I’d like to think that rainbow was made just for me.
After the time spent listening to music and praying and thinking…I felt good. I was glad I had taken the time and opportunity to be in a place where Heaven could find me.
And so I do have something to say…Heavenly Father loves us. He is keenly aware of our struggles – knowing they will make us wiser, stronger, more fit for the kingdom. And in the middle of them, He knows exactly what will keep us going. He sends messages of hope in all different forms - kind words, thoughtful actions, timely phone calls, perfect quotes…rainbows. He knows how to reach us.
Thank you for your kind words through the years. For your notes. For sharing your stories of struggle and success with me. For listening and appreciating music. For being my friends in the Gospel.
Blog to you soon,
Hilary
July 12th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I’ve missed you Hil. Sorry things have been rough. Hang in there. The Lord IS aware of your needs!!
July 12th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
I have had you on the brain lately so when I saw that you posted I had to leave you a little note telling you how much I love and appreciate you!
July 12th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Glad you found a little peace. I’ve been looking for that a lot lately. I’ve lost 2 brothers to suicide, and rainbows have seemed to play an interesting place in our lives after they were gone. Thanks for sharing.
July 12th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Beautiful. I am glad you took the time to share.
July 12th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Thank you for sharing this. Sometimes the Lord sends “messages of hope” in the form of a blog post…kinda like this one.
July 13th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Sorry to hear your have some dark days. Thanks for sharing. Good thing for you is that you have dedicated SO MUCH time to lifting us all back up, that you count on a few prayers and blessings heading your way from your little “groupies”. We love you!!
July 13th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
WOW!!!!! That is amazing. Sorry to hear things have been rough, that is never fun. I have had my own struggles going on as well but many times been reminded with simple things that He is there and He knows. Hope things are getting better. Your the best, thanks for the inspiration!
July 15th, 2010 at 11:02 am
I have often wondered what kind of music you listen to. What would be on your ipod to cheer you up? I never thought that it would be the same thing that cheers me up…..your music. I guess it makes sense.
Sending prayers and rainbows your way
July 15th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Hi Hillary! I am sorry to hear you have been having a hard time. Thank you for this blog post. I needed to hear it….now I need to change my attitude and start praying again.
Love to you and yours.
P.S. In April I met Aunt M and Uncle B (On your hubby’s side) Loved them both!!!
July 16th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
that rainbow WAS just for you.
I would know…I ordered it.
xoxo
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:56 am
Was thinking of you this morning & going to send you a note–then I saw you had posted. Glad to hear you had a few moments to reflect & that Heavenly Father sent you a beautiful rainbow–a symbol of covenant. Sending love & prayers to you.
PS–Hope on the Horizon has gotten me through some challenges as of late…thank you for your music!
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:13 am
Thanks for sharing. I’ve seen you many times at TOFW conferences. Your life seems so perfect from where I set and listen to you sing. Sometimes I get discouraged thinking that I’m not good enough, and then you share something personal that reminds me of the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us no matter our talents, appearance, or where we are on our journey. The example you set makes me want to strive harder to be better. Thank you.
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:24 am
Sorry to hear you’ve been having a rough time. I’ve sure been missing you. I think for me it’s difficult to realize that someone as fun and as funny as you could have a rough time… I hope you’re doing better now!
The rainbow is gorgeous! Especially for you, I’d say! When I see something like, of course I never have my camera with me. I need to get better about that…
July 24th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Amazing post. Hang in there. I get asked some often how I do things and I always respond with the same anwser, “one day at a time”. Take the day that God has granted you and do the very best with it. Sometimes that day may required hardships and struggles but the nice thing is a new day will start the next. That seems to be what have helped me on many accounts. My husband told me long agao as we struggled with fertility “Our life is good and God gave this trial to us to make it count” Trials and struggles are meant to count so that we can gain something from them. You have such a great spirit about you. Hang in there and take care.