Back to Life!

After nearly 2 years of the most terrifying, trying, and ultimately strengthening obstacles of my life, I feel like I am back and better than ever!
There is a saying about having to go through a storm and not being the same person when you come out on the other side.  It is absolutely true!
While I wouldn't wish these trials on my worst enemy, I like myself so much more now!  I have come to realize the blessing of family, of faith, and of self.  I truly think of myself as a friend now, my relationship with my Heavenly Father is so much more meaningful.  I love Him, I know He is there, I know He hears and answers my prayers, and most importantly, I know He loves me.  He is absolutely aware of everything I need and He knows how to help me, He knows exactly what I need, and when I need it.
I need to speak of my children.  They are angels!  They have been through so much, they have watched me struggle, they have watched their father struggle, and I hope the lesson they have taken from all this is that family is stronger!  We are stronger than anything, we are here for each other, we love each other through all of life's storms, and we become stronger by doing so.  They always knew when I needed a hug, when I needed to cry, when I needed to laugh-I cannot tell you how these sweet children made me laugh at times that I should have been so upset!  They truly are my angels, and I don't know how I could have been so lucky to have been entrusted with them!
I have taken many lessons away from these trials, but there is one that continues to stick out, and that is you do not give up on people.  The Lord sent Jonah back to Ninevah in a most unusual way, he sent missionaries countless times to the Lamanites when their hearts were hardened, and then to the Nephites when they were awful.  He never gave up on them, He kept loving them, He kept trying, He kept hoping they would change and come back.  I will never give up.
I am happy.
I have not been able to say that in such a long time, but I am happy-throughout my countenance I am happy.
I love my husband, he is my eternal companion, he is the person I am here to help through this mortal life, and I am happy to be his help meet.  I understand him so much better now, and I will continue to pray for understanding, I will not give up!
It is time to start blogging again, it is time to be happy again, and it is time to start living again!
 
xoxoxoxox