Things I have learned

Trials are given to us to help us learn and grow. Many times over the past six months I have said, "I hope I am learning the things I am supposed to learn from this." Looking back I can honestly say I have learned a lot and I am grateful.

Here are five things I have learned:

1-Prayer changes things! I have had a testimony of prayer for many years now and have recieved some amazing answers to my prayers throughout my life...but, it wasn't until recently that I really felt the power it can bring. I know we had hundreds of people praying for us and I could FEEL those prayers. It is a feeling of peace I will never forget.

2-"It is usually through another person that the Lord meets our needs." In the moments when I was so tired and overwhelmed with stress, I would recieve a phone call or someone would do something for me that was exactly what I needed.

*One night I can remember in particular. It was right after we had brought Kyson home from his first surgery. I was so worried about him and my ability to take care of him. I recieved a phone call from a friend that night just when I really needed it. I'm sure this person had no idea how much they helped me that night and they probably had no idea they were being an answer to my prayers.

*Another specific experience is when I was in the hospital with Kyson after his second surgery. It had been a VERY long day for Kyson because he just didn't feel well. I was tired, hadn't taken a shower in a few days, and felt mentally exhausted. That night a friend stopped by the hospital to give me something she knew would help Kyson. Her thoughtfulness and kindness lifted my spirits which gave me the strength to cope with everything.

These experiences made me realize the Lord really is a part of our lives and knows our needs. I am so thankful for people who listen to the Spirit and heed the promptings they are given.

3-If we are doing our best to do what's right, the Lord will guide our footsteps, often without us even knowing it. We didn't know what was going on with our precious baby, but the Lord did and he guided our footsteps. I can think of many examples of this, but one that comes to mind is having insurance. We debated for months whether it would be worth it to put me on Jared's insurance at work while I was pregnant since it was so expensive. We went ahead and did it and thought, "As soon as we have the baby and things settle down, we'll switch to a different, less expensive insurance." Well, after Kyson was born we both felt uneasy about switching insurances and so we didn't. This has been a HUGE blessing and I am grateful for the guidance of the Spirit.

4-The power of the priesthood is REAL! Jared has been able to give Kyson many priesthood blessings. They have given me so much comfort and strength!

5-Families are Forever! I have definitely had a testimony of this for a long time, but oh how grateful I was for it especially in the times when we weren't sure if Kyson was going to make it through all of this. I am so grateful for the comfort this knowledge brings. No matter what happens here on earth, I will always have Kyson as a son.