Jun 22, 2016

Happy Through Trials: How This Woman Finds Happiness Despite Tragedy Striking

car accident, gratitude, service

This next woman in this series is amazing.  She seriously amazes me everyday.  I went to high school with her husband and I never really knew her, but since I really met her at a blog conference in February I feel like she has been my friend forever.  She is an inspiration to me and I know she will be an inspiration to you as well.  You can follow Alyssa on her blog, After the Victory

service, wife, mother, daughters

Hi! My name is Alyssa Chambers. I’m a wife and the mother of two daughters. I love anything outdoors…hiking, biking, camping, and running…just to name a few. I love being a mom…there is no better job in this world in my opinion! I enjoy reading, writing and learning. Life is pretty good…and even though life is hard…I’ve learned over this last year that we can still find happiness in our trials.

Happy Through Trials: How This Woman Finds Happiness Despite Tragedy Striking

On August 23rd 2015 my life changed forever…my family and I were in a tragic car accident. I lost my husband and four year old daughter. My other six year old daughter and I were hospitalized for several days. It was the most horrible experience of my life and now almost a year later we continue our daily struggles without half of our family. The last year has been extremely difficult, yet it has also shown me the goodness of others and has built and strengthened my faith. I have a stronger faith in God, forever families, and a loving Savior.

Although the last year has been the hardest year of my life…I’ve been able to notice the beauty in life and strive to appreciate the smallest of blessings. Trying to have a heart of gratitude has helped me to 
see the joy in life…even amid sorrow, pain, and grief. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, said this…

“Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift. It can happen to anyone. No one is immune…There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.

gratitude, service


We can be grateful!

It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.”

Happy Through Trials: How This Woman Finds Happiness Despite Tragedy Striking

Even though I may be separated from half of my family now, I’m grateful for the knowledge I have of life after death. I’m grateful to know my sweet husband and daughter are happy and are in the arms of a loving Savior. I’m grateful for the smiles, hugs, and prayers of family, friends, and neighbors. I’m grateful for the ability our hearts have to heal and our bodies to mend. I know the road ahead will continue to be rocky and difficult…but rather than become angry and turn away from God and those I love…I’ve chosen to face them. I’ve chosen to endure. I’ve chosen to trust in a beautiful plan of happiness and to seek for strength… to be the best wife, mother, and friend I can be. I’ve chosen to have gratitude.

Happy Through Trials: How This Woman Finds Happiness Despite Tragedy Striking

When life seems unbearable…I get on my knees and pour out my whole soul to my Heavenly Father.   I pray for comfort…I pray for understanding…I pray for help…I pray for others. It’s so easy for me to get caught up in my own trials, life, and daily struggles that often I forget others may not have it so easy.  Serving others is another way I’ve been able to find joy in my trials.

I’ve learned…over this last year especially…that when we take time to forget ourselves and serve others we can feel peace, comfort, and strength. Serving and reaching out to someone else who is stricken with grief and who has suffered the loss of a loved one, has allowed my heart to heal. Looking for ways to serve others…gives my life more purpose. My husband was a great example of serving and loving others…when I serve others it’s in honor of him and my daughter…I want to make them proud.

Happy Through Trials: How This Woman Finds Happiness Despite Tragedy Striking

I know that one day I’ll have my ‘happily ever after’…and having faith and looking forward to that day is what makes life worth living…I strive to find joy in the journey. President Uchtdorf also said this…

“…We are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless and who promises eternal blessings without number. Endings are not our destiny.

The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions-temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful.

How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings.”

Like President Uchtdorf…I too, am also very grateful to know that there are no ‘true endings, only everlasting beginnings.’ I look forward to the glorious day when I’ll be reunited with my husband and daughter. And until then…I’m going to find joy in the journey to eternity…

Happy Through Trials: How This Woman Finds Happiness Despite Tragedy Striking
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