Casting our burdens on the Lord

At the risk of getting too personal, I want to share a little something on my blog that is on the serious side. The past few months (fine years, but who is counting) we have undergone some really challenging financial struggles. We've had some major set backs, and it just seems like this is "our" trial. Without divulging a lot of unnecessary personal information, suffice it to say that it is the thorn in our side that never takes a hike! It's one of those things that is truly like a black cloud of depression and anxiety that just hangs over us wherever we go. The stress that comes with this is unbearable at times.



I've realized over the last few months that the stress I'm under has caused some awful side effects:
* the inability to lose weight (seriously)
* horrible headaches
* stomach aches
* muscle tension
* acne
* sleepless nights
* irritability
* and the lack of ...ahem...a monthly visitor

SO basically, it has really messed me up! With the decision to move in with my parents, a lot of that stress has been lifted with the HOPE that this will all be a bad dream someday. No, a nightmare.

Rewind to Sunday School yesterday. We got out of Primary early and were able to attend the last half of a great lesson about Faith. This wasn't just one of "those" lessons that are read straight out of the gospel principle's book. This was a GREAT lesson about using faith in Jesus Christ in conjunction with TRUST in the Lord Jesus Christ to bring about peace in our lives.



For some reason, it's easy for me to "have faith"...but when it comes time to cast my burdens on the Lord and really, truly say "Okay Lord--I know you've got a plan for me and I know things will work themselves out if I do my part", I usually end up saying "Hello? Are you there? You're supposed to help me, and I'm doing my part--so where are my temporal blessings?"

I know...I know. Cue the lightning.

Tonight during our couple prayer, I was praying about several things that we are working on, and praying for the patience we need to endure these trials that are making us stronger and helping us turn our weaknesses into strengths--I was overcome with the Spirit. I know that the Lord heard our prayer. Out of all the billions of prayers being offered all over this world {and countless others} he heard MY prayer. I felt a peaceful reassurance that the Lord is very aware of our situation. It was a tingly, warm feeling that spread throughout my entire body. The Lord knows that it's hard for us. He knows that we want to change and that we have righteous desires. He knows that we are willing to put our trust in HIM. Sometimes my prayers aren't as sincere as they need to be. Sometimes I don't take the time to listen. And then I have nights like tonight, when I can literally feel the love of our Heavenly Father. I know that the Savior lives. He wants to see us grow from our trials and come closer to Him, not further away. I am positive that before coming to earth, I knew I would be dealing with this--and I can see myself saying something to the effect of "Please. Bring it on. If I'm with Danny--I can handle anything. It will be worth it!"

It doesn't have to stop there though. I can STILL say that. I can mean it. And I do.

Beautiful picture of the Savior painted by Simon Dewey.