FOCUSING ON THE HEART

                                                             Ronald Update:

Ronald is still doing pretty well and is looking forward to the middle or so of next week when his immune system should start kickin back into it's own action! Meanwhile the doctors are still a bit perplexed as to why Ronald continues to have those SVT's (runs of reallllllllly  rapid heart rate) and nightly fevers.  None of the cultures they take are showing positive for any added infections and his Ecoli has seemed to be under control so it stands as a mystery why he is continuing these strange symptoms. We have felt the need from time to time in our family to pray more specifically for certain things so we have began to pray specifically that if possible Ronald's heart sustain a normal sinus rhythm and fevers are able to subside OR that the the physicians can zero in on the reason these symptoms are persisting so that we can more effectively treat them. It would be AWESOME if we can figure this out before his transplant is to happen so it doesn't need to add to any unnecessary complications!! Other than that we are grateful that Ronald has tolerated this aggressive treatment as well as he has and we are absolutely certain he is able to the degree he is because of the faith, prayers, support and extraordinary love he is receiving from awesome family, friends, and hundreds of missionaries throughout the word. We were SO touched to get word from some missionaries and families of those serving in Sister Selleka's Mission ( Pennsylvania,Philadelphia Mission) that they held a Mission Fast for Ronald! Just visualizing that army of righteous warriors fasting together for our wellbeing has been an enormous infusion of strength!! We feel so blessed!

                                                               Daily Devo:

 So I thought that since we are focusing a bit today more on conditions of the HEART  today it could be applicable to share a summary of the following talk I recently read: ( this thought is a bit lengthy so may want to wait until you have about 5 extra minutes or so, or even another day :-)

                                               Preparing the Heart

•                                                   H. Burke Peterson
• April 1990 General Conference

There are some effective ways we can nurture a heart so that a testimony can take root and grow. If your home is a home where family members are loved unconditionally, regardless of behavior, then your home will have a spirit of warmth that will prepare the heart to receive the testimony of truth. Here are a few ways to help nurture hearts in ourselves and our homes.

First, look for the good in each person, and mention it in a sincere and consistent way. It is amazing how hearts can be softened, testimonies implanted, and relationships improved when we begin to give a daily portion of heartfelt appreciation. 

Second, When marriage partners practice looking beyond the faults and failings of each other and peer into the deeper recesses of the heart, then we find a marvelous strengthening of marriage relationships.

Third, Another way of preparing the heart of someone is to create an atmosphere where judging is held in reserve until anger has subsided, until the hurt has dissipated, until all sides of an issue have been explored. 

Fourth, As you develop your capacity to love unconditionally, remember that listening is a part of showing love. 

If your home is a home where children are listened to, even when what they say doesn’t seem important or you don’t feel you have time, then you are preparing hearts. It is heartbreaking how criticism can wound children and diminish their self-esteem. Can we listen openly to a shocking experience without going into a state of shock ourselves, or without an immediate verbal overreaction? Remember, you can listen to understand, not necessarily to agree. Ofttimes we do our best teaching when we listen. Husband-and-wife relationships are nourished and strengthened as we listen to each other more. Hearts are softened.

                                                                                       (End of talk summary)      

            When thinking about preparing, nurturing, purifying and strengthening our hearts I love to remember the response the faithful people gave to King Benjamin after receiving his unforgettable council regarding improving the conditions of their hearts:

 (Mosiah 5:1.)  “Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. …“And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments.” (Mosiah 5; 2,5)

THAT is the attitude and focus that will nurture and create the most healthy hearts of all.... Whether it is a physical heart condition or a spiritual heart condition we are in need of improvement on, the answer and miracle of improvement will come through the very same source....The Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent!!

      Let's all draw upon that in the days ahead as we desire all our Hearts to be in better condition!!!

                                                                  We sure love you... WITH ALL OUR HEARTS!! ;-)

                                                       Daily Chuckle:

                                 How do crazy people go through the forest?
                                          They take the PSYCHO PATH !