About six years ago, several experiences entered my life that gradually escalated over a period of years and very suddenly devastated every area of my life. I instantly did two things:

- I got onto my knees and poured out my whole soul to my Father in Heaven.- I went to my bishop and explained the entire matter, seeking his counsel, advice, support and a priesthood blessing.

During the next year, in order to deal with the consequences of the experiences and my shattered life, I did the following:

- I prayed out loud on my knees daily, morning and evening. I shared with Heavenly Father all of my needs and desires and began to thank Him for all I received in answer to my prayers. I began to pray sincerely for others, including those who had misunderstood or injured me, or vice versa. His love was poured into my heart daily, and this time of prayer became a very poignant and healing part of each day.

- I fasted and prayed a lot, receiving much personal revelation and guidance.

- I read the Psalms every morning. The Psalms are a treasure of praise, promises, pleas and comfort. They became my daily worship journal, which I eventually indexed as it also became a learning tool and record of God's dealings with me.

- I immersed myself in the Book of Mormon daily, reading it six times in one year. As I read, I asked the Lord to teach me how to assist myself through the scriptures.

- I increased my temple attendance. At times, I went daily, but mostly I went weekly.

- I reached out to others in prayer and I reached out in service. Service to others keeps our own lives in proportion and is very healing.

- I listened to Tabernacle Choir tapes, singing along with them.

- I designed, dug and created a beautiful herb garden in my front yard. This became the basis for a nourishing, fresh diet.

- I learned the importance of reaching out to others for comfort and moral support in times of need. I also received a number of very helpful and poignant priesthood blessings. - Susan Maxwell, Provo, Utah

What we did:

Strength in prayer

In trying to cope with personal tragedies, I found my strength in prayer, scripture study, fasting, temple attendance, priesthood blessings and my brothers and sisters in the gospel. My greatest strength came from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who lifted me up from the depth of despair. (See D&C 122:6-9.) - Charlotte McCall, Marion, N.C.

Trust in the Lord

Our family recently went through several trials in a short period of time. There were times I thought I couldn't bear anymore - then something else would happen. There were several things that helped us through, including the following:

- "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Prov. 3:5-6.) We must trust that Heavenly Father loves us and trust in His timing as well.

- Go to the temple. Reflect on the promises given there.

- Don't neglect family prayer and family home evening, even when you don't feel much like doing either. Much strength can be found in pulling together as a family.

- Seek priesthood blessings as needed. There were times when a blessing literally turned things around.

- Listen to general conference, with prayers beforehand that you will find help. I found a couple of conference talks that I copied and carried in my scriptures, marking and reading them often.

- Keep trying to magnify your callings. Attend your meetings even if you end up crying all the way through. Something there will feed your soul.

- Rely on trusted friends. Don't shut them out. You won't want to open up to everyone, but you will need help. Often the help Heavenly Father sends are earthly angels.

- Remember, you are not alone. Our Father loves you and will not leave you comfortless. - Vicki Ratliff, Ridgecrest, Calif.

Feel divine love of the Lord

- Don't allow yourself to focus on those who aren't helping you. Be continually grateful for those who are. Everyone has trials and serves as he is able.

- Open your spiritual eyes to myriad miracles taking place around you. Feel the divine love of the Lord.

- Search the scriptures. Listen to either scriptures or inspirational tapes while traveling in the car.

- Pray for specific things from the Lord. Who better to give your trials to than He who carries the mark of the cross.

- Spend more time offering prayers of gratitude. When I did, I felt His presence, love and guidance more completely. - Barbara K. Dutson, West Jordan, Utah

Sun will come out

Only one thing really held me together - the long and close relationship I'd had with Heavenly Father for so many years. I absolutely knew He was still there for us and that after our dark night of testing the sun would come out again. It did. - Margaret Leigh, Little Rock, Ark.

Professional help

Always seek guidance and assistance of your bishop. Request professional help if you need it. Professional intervention helped our children to understand the changes in our family situation and helped us as parents and adults to understand more what was happening. We did not need the professional help for long, but a little help went a long way toward contributing to the long-term health of our family. - Cyndy McDonald, Visalia, Calif.

New meaning

At this time, I noticed the sacrament ordinance, and the words of the sacrament hymns took on new meaning for me.

I found comfort in working on my mother's history, finishing her scrapbooks, copying her journal for other family members and doing her temple work. A year after our father's death, my brother, sister and I were sealed to our parents in the temple, and my brother completed my father's temple work. - Betty L. Whiting, Salt Lake City, Utah

Feel hopeful

Ask local Church leaders to direct you to others who have overcome the same trials. You'll receive insight that you are not alone and you'll see the immense progress they have made and feel hopeful for yourself. - Name withheld, Naples, Fla.

How to checklist:

1 Trust in the Lord; fast and

pray for comfort, guidance.

2 Seek help from priesthood

leaders; reach out to others

in service.

3 Immerse yourself in the

scriptures; attend the temple.

4 Remember God loves you

and will not leave you

comfortless.

Write to us:

Oct. 31 "How to avoid seasonal depression."

Nov. 7 "How to make the hymns more meaningful in our lives."

Nov. 14 "How to make the holiday season more meaningful."

Nov. 21 "How to apply teachings of Church auxiliaries in your home."

Nov. 28 "How to help someone cope with death of loved one."

Dec. 5 "How to maintain spiritual strength after full-time mission."

Dec. 12 "How to cope with an anxiety disorder."

- Also interested in letters on these topics: "How to make a will that will foster love, not jealousy, between children," "How to make transition from being newly married to becoming new parents," "How to plan ahead for the different stages of life," "How to avoid the gambling trap."

Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, send fax to (801) 237-2524 or use internet E-mail: forum@desnews.com. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.