"All these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good" D&C 122:7

Seeing as how it's Sunday and I'm here at home with Mackenzie instead of at church, I thought I would just express my love for Heavenly Father and the blessings he has granted unto me. This week has been the best and the worst. I have never felt so much pain and I also have never felt so much happiness. Before Mackenzie, I didn't realized how special life is and how great the love a parent has for a child. I was so selfish and prideful. Pregnancy was difficult and so was the labor, breastfeeding, waking up in the middle of the night...but a couple nights ago it hit me; I need these trials to make me appreciate my sweet little girl and my incredible husband and to understand the sacrifice of a parent. Keith and I didn't get much time alone as a married couple and for most of it, I was pregnant. I was not a very happy pregnant woman and yet Keith put up with me and loved me through and through. During the labor, he was the most amazing supportive coach I could have ever asked for. My love for him has increased tremendously and I'm so grateful he will be my partner for this life and for all eternity. I don't know why the Lord felt I was worthy enough to bless me with such a beautiful family but I'm so grateful for them. Mackenzie has brought the Spirit into my life in a way I have never felt before. I know that God lives and I know Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that there is a Father in Heaven who loves us all tremendously and wants each and every one of us to return to him. I know that he listens to our prayers. I know the Savior suffered for all of our pain, sickness, and sin. I am eternally grateful to him and hope that I might live up to the expectations he has for me.
I heard again a talk given this last LDS General Conference and highly recommend it to those who are struggling. It's by Elder Quentin L. Cook and is titled "Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time." You can click the link and it will take you to it.