Gaining Assurance of the Father's Love

"Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. . . . As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love."
~James B. Martino~

I subscribe to the emails sent from the church called "Daily Gems" which is inspirational thoughts and quotes given by our church leaders. These are sent on a daily basis and I love reading them simply because of the strength and testimony it allows me to develop but what is so incredible about it all is how many times these simple emails have pertained to my personal experience(s) and situation(s).

We have had a rough few weeks with many challenges come our way all at once. On more than one occassion I have felt like crawling in a hole but remember that as long as I turn myself toward the Lord and turn everything over to him in Faith I will make it through, although it might be difficult to endure. I say this now because during the difficulty it has been hard for me to really recogninze His hand in it all but through little things, such as this quote...sent in an email, I am reminded that He IS mindful and ever present during these times and that He is allowing me to have situations that allow for growth in truly becoming like my Savior.