Blessings

Today I want to write about the amazing power of blessings. I admit that sometimes I'm scared to or I forget to ask for them when I need it. Last night I was eating frozen yogurt with my good friend Natalie, and she asked me if her husband Trent could give me one. I said yes instantly. And the blessing he gave me was wonderful. He told me that Heavenly Father is acutely aware of me, and my desires, needs, and inner struggles. This was what I needed to hear. Since that blessing I've of course had a few hard minutes, but then I remember the blessing and it helps. I love knowing that, no matter who gives it, it is Heavenly Father speaking directly to us.

I'm also learning to move forward, as hard as it may be. I'm learning to really trust in Heavenly Father, and that He knows where I'm supposed to be. I told Natalie last night that right now it's hard for me to plan my future, but I'm going to go forward one day at a time, and I will tell Heavenly Father to put me where He wants me to be. Where that is I don't know. I have my own personal hopes as to where it will be, but whether those hopes align with Heavenly Father's plan, I'm not sure. I just have to be patient and find out.

This morning I listened to a Conference talk by President Monson titled, "Looking Back and Moving Forward." In it he said:

"Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order to be tested, we must sometimes face challenges and difficulties. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end—no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea 'Is there no balm in Gilead?' We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face."

I firmly believe that, even if it is sometimes hard. But again blessings are a wonderful thing if you feel doubt, alone, or heartbroken. Healing takes time, but knowing Heavenly Father is still there can help put the puzzle pieces back together.