No Matter What the Trial

I had an unexpected occurrence tonight.  Natty was on the phone with her mom and Rachel actually had to discuss a couple of things with me.  We discussed a few things relating to the kids and then out of the blue Rachel tells me how sorry she is for how she treated me.  Tells me that I am a very good person and that I didn't deserve to be treated that way.  I was somewhat speechless, truly I didn't know what to say.  About all I could say was thank you.  It was a little awkward, like I said unexpected. 

Sometimes life can be hard.  There is just no other way to say it.  Circumstances that we find ourselves in can weigh us down and there are times when it is difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel.  We start to think that the balance of our lives will be spent in the turmoil we are wading through at the moment.  I believe that the adversary exercises all at his disposal to destroy our hope. 

So what do we do to combat this?  How do we strengthen our resolve to press on?  How do we overcome the adversary?  I have found strength in daily reading of the scriptures.  There is power there.  Prayer is also key, specific prayer for strength to conquer Satan.  Prayer to have hope.  There is power in the Prophets.  I spent long hours commuting to and from work when living in Florida and many times I filled those hours listening to conference addresses.  The positive messages of hope will lift your spirit and strengthen you in hard times.  One last thought is to serve.  As we lose ourselves in the service of others we will find that suddenly things are not so bad and that we have much to be grateful for. 

I said one last thought there but I am going to share my opinion on one more thing.  Keep a record of your life.   Time spent reflecting on your day and considering blessings that have been received can bring to the front of your mind the blessings that the Lord bestows upon you.  As I have consistently done this I have seen miracles occur in my life.  I have been blessed many times through the actions of others.  As I count those blessings I recognize the hand of Heavenly Father in my life.  I feel his love for me and I know that he knows who I am.  No matter what the trial is, when you feel the love of Heavenly Father for you hope is strengthened.  I am grateful for those blessings and for the love of my Heavenly Father for me.