Remember How You Felt

As we go about the trials of life it is important that we are able to remember the times our Heavenly Father has blessed us. Remembering these times can help us to make it through some of the sudden temptations or trials that come our way.

After a year of writing this blog I have been through the ultimate roller coaster of emotions. I have felt the deepest pain and some of the greatest joy. Although my trial is not over, I am grateful that I can look to my past and remember the tender mercies the Lord has blessed me with. I still have days where sadness seems to engulf me. I still have days where I don't understand why things are the way they are. I still have days where I feel like peace and happiness cannot be found. I still have days filled with regret and sorrow, wishing that people would know of my sincerity. It is during these times that I look to my Heavenly Father for answers. Many times I find those answers in the experiences of the past year. I can look back on specific times the Lord has helped me and I can know that things will work out and be ok.

Certain parts of my life right now did not turn out how I had hoped. When you put your whole heart into something and it doesn't work out how you had hoped, it is important that you remember to KEEP GOING. You may feel like giving up. You may struggle with understanding. You may feel scared or angry. But we must overcome this and know that if we keep moving forward with faith, we will reap amazing rewards from our Heavenly Father. I know that the Lord has blessed me through this trial because of where I am at today. I am certain that God lives and that Jesus is our Savior. I am so grateful for what I have learned.

I want those who read this blog to know that I am grateful for the support. I continue to hope for the chance to be able to help someone in need. I continue to hope that I might be able to help someone avoid similar mistakes. My life, in our little close knit world, has been on display for all to see. Some of that has been positive, some of it has been negative. But I would not change it now. I will not give up, I will not give in, and I will keep moving forward with hope.

I want my kids to know that I gave it my best effort. I want them to know that we ALL make mistakes and that we ALL can change. I want them to understand the amazing Atonement and how it can and will bless their lives. I want them to know and understand the consequences of making bad choices and how to avoid making serious mistakes. But I also want them to understand the consequences of humility and sincere desire to choose the right. I want them to know that I took this head on, admitted my mistakes, and was able to overcome. I love them so much. I pray that I will be able to be a constant and consistent example in their lives. They have been my angels.

Moving forward I will be able to look at how the Lord has blessed me and find strength. I know that He is waiting to help all of us no matter our circumstances. Never give up in your pursuit to be better and to overcome your trials. It is well worth the FIGHT. God bless you all.

Matt