There was this one year...oh wait...it was more like five years, when almost every week something would happen that would feel like this!  It's that 'oh my word - are you kidding me?' feeling!   (by the way, isn't she adorable)?

Why is it that we often can't see the blessings that come from walking through trials until we are through the trial - or at the least - towards the end of it?  It was five years of employment frustrations, health frustrations, worrying over many things.  It was HARD!  But these are some of the things that as we reflected back over that time that we learned.  These things that have become part of who we are.

• No matter what we have to do, we can't do it alone!
• Prayer works.  Our personal prayers and the prayers of others in our behalf.
• Faith is sustaining.
• God loves us, knows us and wants what is best for us.
• There is great power in priesthood blessings.
• Having righteous priesthood leaders is a strength - a bishop, a ministering teacher, etc.
• Personal revelation is real and necessary.
• The importance of relying on our family members and close friends.
• Forgiving is vital to moving forward.
• Recognizing that there is evil around us - the adversary won't stop at trying to get to us.
• It's ok to ask others for help.
• Our prayers - for ourselves and for others - need to be very specific and heartfelt.
• Those that be with us are greater than those that be with 'them'.  
• Ways are provided for our escape.
• Our burdens have been made light, and our ability to bear them has increased.
• Don't hold on to what is holding you back. Don't look back.  Move forward.
• Don't let how others treat us affect who we are.
• Let go and let God....  there are some things that we just need to turn over to Him.
• Don't let our doubts and fears block the blessings that our Father in Heaven desires to give to us.
• Look for and appreciate the blessings that we have.  Enjoy the vistas even when the journey is difficult.
• Fasting brings spiritual strength.
• The temple can bring peace and strength - answers and confirmation of answers often come while in the temple.    

What are some lessons learned or blessings you have received because of trials in your life?

Trials

I've been studying a lot lately about trials and enduring as I've been asked on several occasions lately to make a presentation about such.  As I read this post today from Emily Freeman - it touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you.  Read her post: "Herein Is A Marvelous Thing" and reflect on this wonderful painting by Simon Dewey.

In your darkest hours - may you be blessed with the hope that will bring light to your eyes and a vision of where your path will take you.  Trust in His words:  "I will be your light in the wilderness." (1 Nephi 17:13).  Believe that He will not forsake you or leave you alone.  Continue on, in faith, seeking for the blessings that you desire. 

Something Extraordinary

We had our Stake Women's Conference today - and I have to say - something extraordinary happened. I was asked somewhat last minute to present a workshop. I had 4 days to prepare - and you know how us women are - typically 4 weeks would have been about right! But - 4 days! The workshop was on trials - surviving them - and learning from them. I totally stole some thoughts from Emily Freeman from here, (I totally LOVE her blog) and also from President Eyring from the October 2007 General Conference - 'Remember, Remember' - (sorry - I couldn't get it to link) ....and somewhere in the midst of the presentation - the words came that I was supposed to say. I had wonderful priesthood help to get a projector and screen set up and my computer connected to the wi-fi so we were able to end with Hilary Weeks' music video for Beautiful Heartbreak here. I believe hearts were touched as we could all relate to heartfelt struggles and the desire to rise above them and not look back. I am thankful that for maybe just a small moment in time I was able to be an instrument in His hands. I am grateful for the tender mercies that were extended to so many on this day.