Time marches on...

Today I'm contemplating blessings in disguise.  Those trials that Heavenly Father sends you that turn into great blessings that change your life forever. 
Recently Sophie came back home to live with me... the circumstances that brought her back to me were painful for her, and thus for me as her mom.  However, I have been so glad to have her home, to have her close to me where I can cook for her, hug her and talk with her about all her middle school drama.  My daughter is such a good person.  She is sensitive and worries about what others think of her, even people who don't like her or treat her well.  She is honest and tries so hard to be good.  She is in tune with the Spirit and has let it guide her in her life recently to make some difficult choices that were ultimately good for her.
While I seem to be going through this eternal divorce and the negative surprises from Jim keep popping up my faith and endurance and steadfastness have finally led to some rewards.  Sophie and Nic have been placed with me permanently.  After 10 months of fighting, I have finally gotten the placement of Nic and Sophie that I originally asked for when the divorce was started.

Several of the trials and painful experiences I've dealt with lately, including not having my daughter for several months while she lived with Jim, have all led to this great blessing of having the courts and the people in charge acknowledge that I am a good mother, that I do take very good care of my kids and that they are happiest and best cared for when they are with me.  If events hadn't happened the way they had, even the most painful betrayals by people I know, then circumstances wouldn't have come to light that allowed my children to live with me.

Heavenly Father is so good to me.  He sees me and my heart.  He knows my outrage at broken commandments and covenants is pure even though people don't always see it that way.  He knows how HURT I am, and that it often comes out as anger and defensiveness.  He knows I love my children completely.  He knows I want to be better, and he knows I am trying.  He blesses me with knowledge and comfort.  I am so grateful for my loving Heavenly Father and am glad he has revealed to me the purpose of the last 3 weeks of pain for me and Sophie.  It was all for the best.  The truth was revealed and at least one part of my life was set right by the revelation of that truth.