Today seems to be a step forward, of sorts.  I feel am almost through this trial I’ve been dealing with, and that is welcome news. The decision to take a class on the Old Testament has been a blessing, because where would I be had I not been focused to this extent on obedience and doing more introspection and self-analysis than I ordinarily would do? That alone has been a TREMENDOUS blessing, and is just one instance of how obedience has blessed me – on multiple levels. I was not convinced I could manage all of the things I am doing – four Summer classes, a new nearly full-time job when I had not worked in several years, caregiving for my 81-year-old husband, looking after my elderly parents and our large (but distant) family, and keeping things together in the house, the yard and the vegetable garden, dealing with church callings - but the Lord assured me that I could, and He, of course, was right. It does something for my confidence, to know He has my back. It helps me know that with exact obedience I can do everything He expects of me, even lose weight, organize the shop, finish the degree, have faith in the promises made to me, and much more. Casual obedience won’t bring about those blessings, but paying attention to what I think, say and do, bringing all of that in harmony with what the Lord expects of me will bring about every blessing He wants to give me. I am only beginning to sense the magnitude of those blessings.