An Example of Believers--"Doer's of the Word"

You know how some days you think it is your place to strengthen and lift people, but then it all turns around and YOU actually are the one who is being strengthened and lifted. Today I went visiting teaching, pondering & thinking for several days how I could make each of my gals' days better, but instead they lifted me with their strength, their desires to live and be "doer's" of the word.

At the first of the year, I was asked by the Bishop to give a talk on President Monson’s Conference talk, “To Learn, To Do, To Be.” In the talk we are counseled in the words of Paul to BE an example of believers in word, in conversation, in charity, and in spirit, in faith, in purity. And further admonished in the New Testament to know our sheep and feed them. Little did I know, that I would in a few short months become a sheep that needed feeding, tender care, and prayers. Today was another example of those who I should be sheparding, in turn sheparding me. Truly an example of believers who are "doer's of the word." I have a saying…”it is usually through the enlightened people of the Lord that he sends help to those in need.” Today, I was surprised how much I was fed and I was sheparded in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity. I love my ladies! And thank the Lord for their goodness on this beautiful day.

The Circle of Women

Unique, individual, but as one in a strong bond circling those in need. These were my thoughts about women the other day. It seems there isn't a day that goes by that I don't recieve a phone call, a card in the mail, an email, a text, a visit, a gift left on my doorstep, meals for my family, items to help further nuture & heal, prayers...and the list goes on. Each sister has their own distinct talents & insights as to how to serve another in a situation; each providing their gift which together provides for a wholeness--a completness in the healing process of others. I am grateful for the women who circle around me--the Martha's & Mary's who give me insight, love, nuture, and most of all their friendship. Their circle of love extends to ALL in need. They are truly one of God's greatest gifts and creations!

Photo Credit: © Andres Rodriguez Dreamstime.com

Mis-information is Worse than NO Information

I haven't written for awhile for a couple of reasons; first, the kids came home for the month of July and we played and enjoyed each others' company, and, second, I was hit with some misinformation, which kind of through me for a bit of a loop.

After further testing, one of my lymph nodes came back with a small spot of cancer. The nurse called and told me I would have 6 months of chemo followed by radiation and it would be a 9 month process. It was a shock! Not even the doctors had exptected lymph node involvement. So...that was the first time I went into melt down since all this began. I cried for two days and then sucked it up as the kids were arriving home from NYC. As soon as they got home, we left for Denver to visit my brother (it was a good distraction). When we got home from that short vacation, I had my first meeting with the oncologist. I prayed so hard for good news! Well, somehow my prayer was heard, because the nurse had given me misinformation (I lived with the misinformation for 1-1/2 weeks). The doctor recommended only 4 treatments of chemo three weeks apart over a three month period; then the 6 weeks of radiation follow up (which I already knew I had to do). The chemo I am being given is not as bad as some...I will NOT lose my hair, but it may thin out. It sounds so much more doable!!! Yeah!

Next, I got a port put into my chest below the collar bone to receive the chemo. The surgery for the port was a "piece of cake." I was in and out in three hours. My anesthesiologist was the same man...the guy with a "wooden leg by the name of Smith." I think I told him three times that he did a great job in spite of having a wooden leg by the name of Smith (he never has told the name of his other leg--hahaha). The anesthesia was so good it made me feel like dancing naked to loud music on a table full of beautiful dishes & food in the middle of some big celebration--literally--and I even said that out loud. I kept laughing and laughing and laughing...I was so uninhibited that I remarked it was a good thing I wasn't a drinking person because I could be totally out of control. My poor husband kept apologizing for me! But, it did feel really great to just laugh and feel so carefree about all my woes.

Chemo started on August 10th--finishes Oct. 12th and is followed by the radiation. I will be through with everything for the holidays. Thanksgiving will be a little touchy, but by December I will be doing great! Back to total health with the immunities back on track by early February.

A Young Idaho Women from Harvard Explains about her Faith as a Mormon

Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.