Heavenly Help

I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth, just had an extremely difficult time recovering from this staph infection. It’s amazing how small bacteria can cause such tremendous pain. I have spent a lot of time weeping in pain, and wondering if it would ever end. Fortunately, I have received needed strength from Heavenly Father to endure, and tons of help from family and friends. The pain has dramatically decreased; however, I’m not going to say it has been easy. Quite the contrary. It’s been horrible. I was so excited to be able to speak this weekend at my first Time Out For Women event of the year. I was grateful I was healthy enough to make the trip. Of course, I owe tons of thanks to my friend Hilary Weeks for pushing me around in a wheel chair all weekend. She’s probably now so exhausted that she needs a wheel chair. I am constantly amazed at the things we have to go through in this mortal life. At times, there seems no human way to endure the trials. I guess that’s the point. In order to make it through, we need more than human power. We need heavenly power. It’s the enabling power and strength from heaven that sees me through the pain, the heartache, the difficulties of life. I’m grateful for those tender mercies. I’ve certainly needed them these past few months.

Pain and Priesthood Power

It’s amazing how severe pain can just stop you in your tracks! Man, I’ve been wrestling with some pretty horrible pain, and have wondered when it would end. For eleven days, I was in the hospital while doctors tried to figure out why I was in so much pain. The long and short of it is that I had a staph infection in my blood, and it lodged in a muscle in my abdomen/left hip. The inflammation in the muscle caused my Sciatic Nerve to be pinched; thus, one weeping patient. I’ve been home on IV antibiotics, and am trying to heal. It is a very difficult and slow process, and I’m trying to stay up and positive. Oh, there are those times that I am overwhelmed and have had it, but I am trying to baby step my recovery. I had another priesthood blessing last night, which helped remind me that Father is near to help and speed recovery. I’m grateful for the real power of the priesthood of God.

Flash Mob

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwkFG_aeyd4&feature=share I recently participated in a flash mob for the birthday surprize of my friend Laurel. It was a total blast! It was a bit out of my comfort zone since I haven't danced in public since I lost my eye sight. But, I just went for it. I was between Emily Freeman and Heidi Swenton, and we laughed at how ridiculous we must have looked. Oh well. Sometimes we do things because we love others, right?

Celebrating Life

I had a very sweet experience yesterday, and wanted to share it. But, some background will be needed first. There was a two year period in my ward when 5 separate families lost babies, as well as a sweet couple who lost their granddaughter. The whole ward rallied around these families, served them, prayed for them, and prayed for them some more. We loved each one of these little ones, and loved their families who were left behind. Miracles were promised in blessings, and miracles were seen; however, not the ones that were expected or desired. All of these little angel babies died, each one from a different disease or birth defect. After one of our (that’s what we called them ‘our’) babies had passed away, my son asked, “Why do all the babies die that we pray for?” It was the question on everyone’s mind and heart, and one that was difficult to answer. The Spirit gave me a little insight, and I responded to his heart broken question, “I’m not sure of all the reasons, but Heavenly Father knew he could send those precious spirits to our ward for their brief life. He knew that we would love and take care of all the families who suffer because of their loss. What a blessing from heaven that we were able to pray for each baby, and see Heavenly Father’s hand in so many ways.” We talked about all the tender mercies and miracles that had come throughout those two years. Our ward truly grew in charity and love. Yesterday was the birth/death day of one sweet baby named Suzy. She didn’t have kidney’s and only lived a few hours. Her parents chose to celebrate Suzy’s life with a party. Of course, they mourned, but tried to concentrate on the blessing of her receiving a physical body. They invited many of the ward members, as well as friends and family to gather at Suzy’s grave to celebrate the anniversary of Suzy’s life. Nearly sixty people stood in a large circle around the little headstone, while the immediate family stood together inside the circle. It seemed symbolic to have the family surrounded by friends and neighbors, the ones that had surrounded them during the difficult time of Suzy’s prenatal diagnosis and subsequent delivery and death. My heart cheered them on for their bravery on this day. Each person present held a pink balloon with a small tag attached to it. On the tags, we were invited to write down something we were celebrating as a gift to Suzy. On mine, I wrote the words, “resurrection and perfect body”, knowing that on that day of resurrection, Suzy would gain a perfected physical body. As a group, we sang “I Am a Child of God” and “Families Can Be Together Forever”. Then, after singing “Happy Birthday” to Suzy, we all released the balloons. It must have been an awesome sight. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as they watched all the balloons ascend. Following this, we all went to the house of the grandparents for birthday cake and ice cream. It was such a precious experience, and reminded me of the sweetness and love of God. So many tragedies happen in this world, so many heartbreaks, so many tears, but Father in Heaven doesn’t leave us without comfort as we turn to him in our need. I am so grateful for his loving care, and for his plan that allows us to love and care for one another.

Ask and Receive

Sometimes, I find myself just letting Father in Heaven give me what he knows I want/need. This video has reminded me that some blessings are predicated on my asking bor them. It's something I really need to improve on. http://www.tofw.com/story/447-video-what-would-you-ask-for

Hopeful Promise!

"Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come." Elder Jeffry R Holland Isn't this a fantastic promise? I love to look for promises from the Lord and his prophets. This particular promise brings me hope!It makes life's struggles a little easier.

It Matters!

Well, it’s Friday once again, and I’m wondering what I’ve done with my week. Ever feel like that? Of course, I’ve done tons, but looking back, which of it really matters? The things that are truly important, seem to be the things we down play. Take motherhood for example. When some one asks what you do, do you feel unimportant because all you do all day is take care of mundane things around the house, or care for little ones? These things don’t seem to measure as important on the world’s scale. I mean, this week, I’ve made tons of meals (most of which the kids won’t eat), done a gazillion loads of laundry, and cleaned the house so Many times I have lost track. The things we do for our families, whether our family consists of one or twelve are vitally important! No one usually says, “Wow! Thanks for cleaning up!” Or, if you have babies, how many times do you get thanked for all those blow outs you’ve changed? How many days do you wish some one would show appreciation or tell you what a wonderful job you are doing? I know that I wish I heard more reassurance that what I spent my time doing was of worth. So, to you and to myself, thanks for all your hard work! You might have a job during the day and have to come home to yet more work. You might live alone and never hear how awesome you are. You might be drowning in diapers and whining children, wondering if the chaos will ever end. You may be married, yet need your spouse to appreciate your efforts more. Where ever you are, what you do matters! What you and I do is part of Father’s plan. Whether or not we hear it, it is important! Thanks for sharing my personal pep talk. Now, let’s go make dinner!