Here's a quick post about what happened today.  I took an Ativan tonight, so I'm relaxed and ready for bed!

I went to the Atonement class we have going on in our ward this morning.  Today we talked about Trials / Adversities and Hope.  I felt like the elephant in the room!  Annette asked each one of us to be thinking of a difficult trial we or someone else has had, and the blessings that have come from it.  It got me thinking back to the first time in my life when I really felt that Heavenly Father knew who I was.  1989-90 were really hard years for me, a lot was going on, my dad became paralyzed, I was trying desperately to figure out who I was.  I needed some direction and strength FAST, and I got it.  I remember vividly what a struggle that was for me at 19.  I also really knew for the first time in my life that Heavenly Father loved me.  I've had other struggles since then that have just worked to refine me more and more, so that I can manage the stuggle I have today.  Annette compared adversities to dumb bells or free weights.  When you work your muscles with a 5 pound weight, the muscle gets torn down and needs a day to repair itself, but it is stronger than when you started.  Gradually, you work up to heavier weights, the muscle gets torn down, repairs itself with a day of rest, and it gets stronger and stronger.  That is kind-of how I've seen my life up to this point.  Things have happened along the way that have made me the person I am today.  I'm a little stronger, a little more in tune to the Spirit, and a little more reliant on God than I was in 1989.  I've learned a lot about myself and Heavenly Father in the last two months.  For that, I am grateful. 

Cara came today and helped out with the kids.  I am grateful for her willingness to come!  It meant I could go to the class this morning and also go volunteer at the kids school.  She has to drive a long way, THANKS for helping out!!