Ronald's Update
Doing well... appetite diminished, stomach upset, nausea so unable to keep any food down YET... with all that said looking and feeling pretty well! All labs are right on point and perfectly ready for his big day!!!
DAILY THOUGHTS:
Well, here we sit on the eve of the day which hold the greatest promise of re-birth for my good husband, carrying with it some of the most pain yet, the most hope and healing available !! I would have never dreamt up this scenario just a short 18 months ago.... so much SERIOUS MORTALITY merging with so much SERIOUS ETERNITY has seemed to penetrate each and every day- since 3:15 February 27, 2015... the way I view this life has seemed to evolve into something so much more tender, fragile and absolutely priceless. Those feelings have once again magnified not only because of my Ronald's upcoming opportunity for deep cleansing , but I have also had some especially extraordinarily emotional and tender feeling these past several days!....
....For those who haven't heard , the night before Ronald was to return to Huntsman to begin the next phase of his adventures and begin his abliterating chemo before transplant, I was told by my sister, Michelle, that after months of not feeling very well, she had just been unexpectedly diagnosed with
ovarian cancer, stage 3C/4 !!! My first thoughts were... REALLY... there is NO WAY the Lord is going to allow this to be true!!... and then within minutes my thoughts were... WHY NOT??? The Lord has effectively taught me and my family the last several months how creative He can be in molding and refining us and getting us to understand and truly rely upon Him, His teaching, and His infinite atonement! Words cannot express how deep I have hurt for Michelle having a knowledge of how difficult the road ahead may be for her. Between what we have been told is ahead of Ronald and now Michelle's painful road ahead.... I have once again come to the solid conclusion that we CANNOT do this... It will be absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to experience all the pain and discomfort... all he inconveniences, weakness, ...all the pressure and support and all the unknown and fragility of life!!..... Absolutely physically, mentally, and spiritually impossible...WITHOUT the compensatory power provided through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ! A dear friend of mine led me to a recent talk by Elder Neil A. Andersen that helped put these feeling of mine into better worlds.
what we have pretty much lived and relied on the past several months and will put to the test to an ever greater extent in the several months ahead:
“As [difficulties] increases in the world, there is a compensatory power, an additional spiritual endowment, a revelatory gift for the righteous,” he said. “This added blessing of spiritual power does not settle upon us just because we are part of this generation. It is willingly offered to us; it is eagerly put before us. But as with all spiritual gifts, it requires our desiring it, pursuing it, and living worthy of receiving it.”
In short, we are certain that the Lord will most certainly provide us with all the need powers and abilities that are needed to compensate for all are unequipped and what strength and means we have to offer is just not enough!!
Thank you to all of you for your faith filled thoughts and prayers and unbelievable support!!
We invite you to join other friends, family and ward members for a special fast tomorrow as Ronald receives his bone marrow transplant, for his sister Rhonda who has so selflesslessly donated much time and emotional and physical sacrifice as she is the donor of Ronalds bone marrow/stem cells, and especially my sister michelle as she begins her difficult days ahead. We feel certain the Lord is in every whit of every detail in each of their lives as well of all of us who love them so dearly!!
WE TRULY LOVE YOU ALL !!
NOTE: for all those who would like to follow my sisters unexpected adventure she has a blog set up: www.somuchllghtandlove.blogspot.com
Monday, August 31, 2015
Thursday, August 20, 2015
T-7 DAYS
Ronald Update:
Hello there everyone! Sorry if you have been checking in on this blog the last few weeks with nothing new...Things have just been crazy busy, but all in the things we are happy to be busy with.
Work, Pre-School planning and preparations, Family gatherings, Church activities, working in the yard, cleaning up the house, a few doctors appointments, feeding Ronald all we can as his appetite is great right now, but best all just loving being home all together!! .... because Ronald goes in to begin Bone Marrow Transplant (also referred to as Stem Cell Transplant) this next Wednesday.
LOVE to see him so Shooting Water bombs with his Spent a great day with
hungry and eating!!! awesome brothers...Look at that Ronald's family that
boys face!!! Good times really help charge up up!!
As we have many people wondering what is ahead I thought I would fill you in if you may be wondering yourself.... so here goes....
He will get 4 days of hard chemo ( they told us yesterday that it is so hard that if he didn't follow with the transplant he would die from the chemo..... isn't that crazy??? but all is set to follow through with the transplant so were good :-) then he will have a day off and then receive the bone marrow stem cells and NEWNESS OF LIFE on September 1. The doctors told us that he should feel pretty awful for about 7-10 days and if mucocitis appears it cold be a bit longer and then about day 14-21 they look to see if the new marrow cells start to become ENGRAFTED which is a big deal! We have no reason to believe they won't since he will be receiving he angel sister's bone marrow cells and that presents a really wonderful chance of it grafting! He will be at Huntsman until his numbers come up to a safe level, he is eating, has no infections/high temperatures
and is in overall safe health to leave.... at that point (most likely about 3-4 weeks following transplant) we will move him into a small apartment (owned by an angel family friend) that is near the hospital for between 30-60 days... this is due to the fact that apparently he may get unexpected infections and complications that can come very quickly and may need immediate response, also during this time he will be under constant 24hour supervision for any complications and evaluation for a highly possible reaction calle Graph vs Host Disease (GVHD) that arrises because of the "conflict" between his body and the new cells multiplying within him. He will be on Immuno Suppressant Medication for about 6 months which cause his T-Cells to be suppressed as to decrease his chance of rejection new cells and complication so during that time he will be more susceptible to infections and illness an may take longer to get over such infections, but we are told the greatest possibility of illness/infections during that time will come from exposure to elementary age children and especially children three years old and younger due to a bacteria they naturally carry and transmit (didn't know that till yesterday) so if all goes as smoothly as we hope, he will be very tired off and on for many months but should be able to try to carry on as normal life activities as he is able to within reason of staying away from possible places and people who may increase the chance of illness .... by the time our darling missionary arrives back home in Glory just about November 17th... although his magical 100 mark will be December 10th ( 100 days from transplant day is the time that the doctors say we can breathe just a bit easier and begin doing more and more :)
WHEW!!!!! sooo,.... if your still with me..... Please know that we rely on and truly hope and count on
your fasting, prayers and continued faith filled lives to help bring to live action every miracle and tender mercy that the Lord could possibly have reserved for us contingent upon our faith!!! We also ask for your prayers not only of deepest gratitude but also health and safety for Ronald sister Rhonda who will be going through the process of marrow preparation, donation and recovery this next week. She quite literally is gifting Ronald his great opportunity of renewed mortality and life. No words can express the value and love that is attached to such a priceless gift as she is extending to us so freely and with such a generous,loving, and unconditional heart.
We will check in again... most likely the day he is admitted again ( Sept. 26th)
For now..... The future looks unfamiliar, a bit daunting and a little overwhelming but it also looks
very VERY BRIGHT!!! We love you all and continue to pray as well for you to receive all the comfort, guidance, understanding and magnified blessings that you and your family stand in need of as well!!
Daily Devo
Try VERY hard not to take time with your family and love ones for granted. We have learned for
ourselves that time in the home, family dinners together, sitting outside in the yard and even working on the yard together , not to mention having Family Home Evening, and just reading a few scriptures together in the same room is a precious, precious opportunity and blessing!!! We have felt so very thankful to have these past few week all at home together as we never thought we would have this opportunity before Ronald's transplant and we have been absolutely SOAKING it up.... As much as we loved spending time together BC (before cancer) we have found we truly took it deeply for granted........ feel free to learn at our expense or more at our mortal experience.... don't wait for something dramatic, traumatic or tragic to strike .... Just SOAK UP TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY TODAY... and tomorrow... and the next day..............!!
Daily Laugh
Did you hear they're changing the flooring in the daycare centers?
They're calling it "infantile"!
How do you make an octopus laugh?
With ten-tickles!
Did you hear about the hungry clock?
It went back for seconds!
What is the difference between a school teacher and a train?
The teacher says "spit your gum out" and the train says "chew, chew chew"
Have a wonderful last few weeks of summer!! We love you!!
Hello there everyone! Sorry if you have been checking in on this blog the last few weeks with nothing new...Things have just been crazy busy, but all in the things we are happy to be busy with.
Work, Pre-School planning and preparations, Family gatherings, Church activities, working in the yard, cleaning up the house, a few doctors appointments, feeding Ronald all we can as his appetite is great right now, but best all just loving being home all together!! .... because Ronald goes in to begin Bone Marrow Transplant (also referred to as Stem Cell Transplant) this next Wednesday.
LOVE to see him so Shooting Water bombs with his Spent a great day with
hungry and eating!!! awesome brothers...Look at that Ronald's family that
boys face!!! Good times really help charge up up!!
As we have many people wondering what is ahead I thought I would fill you in if you may be wondering yourself.... so here goes....
He will get 4 days of hard chemo ( they told us yesterday that it is so hard that if he didn't follow with the transplant he would die from the chemo..... isn't that crazy??? but all is set to follow through with the transplant so were good :-) then he will have a day off and then receive the bone marrow stem cells and NEWNESS OF LIFE on September 1. The doctors told us that he should feel pretty awful for about 7-10 days and if mucocitis appears it cold be a bit longer and then about day 14-21 they look to see if the new marrow cells start to become ENGRAFTED which is a big deal! We have no reason to believe they won't since he will be receiving he angel sister's bone marrow cells and that presents a really wonderful chance of it grafting! He will be at Huntsman until his numbers come up to a safe level, he is eating, has no infections/high temperatures
and is in overall safe health to leave.... at that point (most likely about 3-4 weeks following transplant) we will move him into a small apartment (owned by an angel family friend) that is near the hospital for between 30-60 days... this is due to the fact that apparently he may get unexpected infections and complications that can come very quickly and may need immediate response, also during this time he will be under constant 24hour supervision for any complications and evaluation for a highly possible reaction calle Graph vs Host Disease (GVHD) that arrises because of the "conflict" between his body and the new cells multiplying within him. He will be on Immuno Suppressant Medication for about 6 months which cause his T-Cells to be suppressed as to decrease his chance of rejection new cells and complication so during that time he will be more susceptible to infections and illness an may take longer to get over such infections, but we are told the greatest possibility of illness/infections during that time will come from exposure to elementary age children and especially children three years old and younger due to a bacteria they naturally carry and transmit (didn't know that till yesterday) so if all goes as smoothly as we hope, he will be very tired off and on for many months but should be able to try to carry on as normal life activities as he is able to within reason of staying away from possible places and people who may increase the chance of illness .... by the time our darling missionary arrives back home in Glory just about November 17th... although his magical 100 mark will be December 10th ( 100 days from transplant day is the time that the doctors say we can breathe just a bit easier and begin doing more and more :)
WHEW!!!!! sooo,.... if your still with me..... Please know that we rely on and truly hope and count on
your fasting, prayers and continued faith filled lives to help bring to live action every miracle and tender mercy that the Lord could possibly have reserved for us contingent upon our faith!!! We also ask for your prayers not only of deepest gratitude but also health and safety for Ronald sister Rhonda who will be going through the process of marrow preparation, donation and recovery this next week. She quite literally is gifting Ronald his great opportunity of renewed mortality and life. No words can express the value and love that is attached to such a priceless gift as she is extending to us so freely and with such a generous,loving, and unconditional heart.
We will check in again... most likely the day he is admitted again ( Sept. 26th)
For now..... The future looks unfamiliar, a bit daunting and a little overwhelming but it also looks
very VERY BRIGHT!!! We love you all and continue to pray as well for you to receive all the comfort, guidance, understanding and magnified blessings that you and your family stand in need of as well!!
Daily Devo
Try VERY hard not to take time with your family and love ones for granted. We have learned for
ourselves that time in the home, family dinners together, sitting outside in the yard and even working on the yard together , not to mention having Family Home Evening, and just reading a few scriptures together in the same room is a precious, precious opportunity and blessing!!! We have felt so very thankful to have these past few week all at home together as we never thought we would have this opportunity before Ronald's transplant and we have been absolutely SOAKING it up.... As much as we loved spending time together BC (before cancer) we have found we truly took it deeply for granted........ feel free to learn at our expense or more at our mortal experience.... don't wait for something dramatic, traumatic or tragic to strike .... Just SOAK UP TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY TODAY... and tomorrow... and the next day..............!!
Daily Laugh
Did you hear they're changing the flooring in the daycare centers?
They're calling it "infantile"!
How do you make an octopus laugh?
With ten-tickles!
Did you hear about the hungry clock?
It went back for seconds!
What is the difference between a school teacher and a train?
The teacher says "spit your gum out" and the train says "chew, chew chew"
Have a wonderful last few weeks of summer!! We love you!!
Thursday, August 6, 2015
SOOOO MUCH JOY!!
Ronald Update:
Great things have come to develop the last few days...
1. Ronald's ANC ( immune system) kicked up to 700!!
2. Received his bone marrow biopsy!
3. Biopsy came back CLEAR of cancer which is exactly what we
hoped... sets up best case scenario for a successful transplant!
4. Drs decided to let Ronald come home yesterday while waiting
for transplant to be given in about 2 weeks!! YAHOO!
-Still so much to overcome, but for today we are thrilled to be riding this hopeful and exhilarating wave!! Thank you all so much for your love, support, concern, support, faith, fasting and prayers in our behalf ... it has made such an extraordinary difference in our lives! We are SO humbled and thankful for the great infusion of
hope, love and joy that we receive from you!!
Daily Devo:
"Some of the sweetest treasures are found in the space
BETWEEN the miracles."
Daily Chuckle:
Why did the traffic light turn red?
You would too if you had to change in the middle of the street!
Great things have come to develop the last few days...
1. Ronald's ANC ( immune system) kicked up to 700!!
2. Received his bone marrow biopsy!
3. Biopsy came back CLEAR of cancer which is exactly what we
hoped... sets up best case scenario for a successful transplant!
4. Drs decided to let Ronald come home yesterday while waiting
for transplant to be given in about 2 weeks!! YAHOO!
So much joy is found in being together as a family at home!! SO MUCH JOY!!
hope, love and joy that we receive from you!!
Daily Devo:
"Some of the sweetest treasures are found in the space
BETWEEN the miracles."
Daily Chuckle:
Why did the traffic light turn red?
You would too if you had to change in the middle of the street!
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
QUICK UPDATE!!
So Sorry I haven't kept the blog updated lately... we've had some really poor internet connection here at the hospital for some reason the past few days AND
I have had a few extra things to get to this past week so here it is...
Ronald is doing real well... no abnormal heart rhythms for about 6 days, all levels rising well. His ANC (which pretty much tell how functional his immune system is fluctuating between 300-500 and can't have his bone marrow biopsy until it reaches 1000 so.... we're just pretty much waiting for his system to kick back in so we can get that biopsy and see how clear he is!! They are pretty much set that if and when the results come back clear... cancer free....they want to move pretty quick to the transplant so there isn't time for any cancer cells to start producing again before the new marrow cells can get in and do their job!
We will certainly let you know when he is able to move ahead with the biopsy!!
Thank you SO much for your care , concern and interest in Ronald's health and our family's well being !!
We love you all and hope all is well with you!!
So Sorry I haven't kept the blog updated lately... we've had some really poor internet connection here at the hospital for some reason the past few days AND
I have had a few extra things to get to this past week so here it is...
Ronald is doing real well... no abnormal heart rhythms for about 6 days, all levels rising well. His ANC (which pretty much tell how functional his immune system is fluctuating between 300-500 and can't have his bone marrow biopsy until it reaches 1000 so.... we're just pretty much waiting for his system to kick back in so we can get that biopsy and see how clear he is!! They are pretty much set that if and when the results come back clear... cancer free....they want to move pretty quick to the transplant so there isn't time for any cancer cells to start producing again before the new marrow cells can get in and do their job!
We will certainly let you know when he is able to move ahead with the biopsy!!
Thank you SO much for your care , concern and interest in Ronald's health and our family's well being !!
We love you all and hope all is well with you!!
Friday, July 24, 2015
STARTING TO SEE THE FIRST FEW ROBINS OF SPRING!
FIRST OFF: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!
Just a quick shout out to my mother on her 30th birthday... (we go by how old one LOOKS on birthdays!!!) Always so fitting that my mom's birthday is on Pioneer Day since she truly is a pioneer as she was first generation in her family that traveled to the United States from Germany and had the opportunity of raising her family her. She ALWAYS has and ALWAYS will hold such a deep and tender love for this country. I am so thankful for her consistent reminder to me and our family how blessed we are to be recipients of precious this promised land! I love you mom!!
Ronald Update:
Ronald is is doing really well.... his numbers are not up yet but showing signs of creeping up there. I like the way the doctor put it yesterday.... "we're starting to ssee the first few robins of spring" ;-)
Ronald had his first 24 hours "arryhthimia/SVT FREE" yesterday!!! (so thankful for the fasting and prayers that continue to petition the Lord for whatever is possibly reserved for Ronald's health... thank you!!!!) Feeling a bit more energy, and appetite (although nothing really tastes too great because of the chemo residuals so any ideas would be great ;-) and his sense of humor and personality has risen again to the surface!! We're hoping and expecting to have his numbers and immune system back up and kicking by the first part of next week!!! He is scheduled for his bone marrow biopsy on the 28th and as long as the chemo did what was hoped for and expected then doctors want to move fairly swiftly in getting him prepped for transplant ASAP... possibly around August 6-ish!... If so he will only have about a week or so of feeling better before he is shut back down a bit for about 3 or so weeks...we will definitely keep you posted on how the next few week unfold!!! SOOO thankful to continue to be reminded that we are absolutely no alone in this adventure!! Thankful to have so many wanting to celebrate every simple success right along with us! On that note.......
Daily Devo:
So apparently, the Special Olympics World Games are being held in California beginning this
weekend! This of course holds a very a sweet spot in our hearts due to our darling son, Rylan.
Not only do few know that he won the Tennessee Regional Special Olympics in BOWLING... but more influential for us is that so often we have smiled spontaneously when remembering how Rylan would celebrate little things like throwing a ball away, taking your hat off your head, someone new walking into the room, the slashing of water, seeing his school bus come into view, blowing bubbles, and 'Music and the Spoken Word' beginning each Sunday!...Despite every mortal challenge that young man had everyday... he didn't really even know how to complain, and hardly ever even let us know when he was in any pain (except when he would realize we were going shopping- which just about every guy knows how to communicate ;-) BUT.... did that boy KNOW HOW TO CELEBRATE!!!.... and he didn't wait until 
he was able to run a marathon, give an important public speech or even win a competition.... he truly knew how to find joy in and celebrate the simple things.... and those celebrations almost alway included other individuals!! We continue to find great joy in visualizing him bouncing up and down, squeeling this iconic EEEEEEEEEEEEEE, waving his arms up anddown ALWAYS with his perfect twinkley eyed smile absolutely radiating such beautiful JOY! So in honor of all those participating as well as those of all of us not officially participating in these extraordinary world games.... Let's remember to celebrate all the priceless simple things that are always arising in our own and other's personal daily "SPECIAL OLYMPICS" as we press forward in this life.... we know Rylan still is celebrating them all with us too!In honor of all of us working toward celebrating every simple joy as well as all those officially participating in the World Games, I thought you may enjoy this JOYFUL short video of one demonstrating exactly what I was trying to express! ENJOY!!
https://youtu.be/rginoXefaF4
Daily Chuckle:
What do you call a belt with a watch on it?
A WAIST of TIME!
HAPPY PIONEER DAY EVERYONE!!!!!
Monday, July 20, 2015
CELEBRATING MICHELLE'S BIRTHDAY BY GETTING A GREAT HAIRCUT!
FIRST OFF: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!
Michelle is my sister but probably more accurately described as an administering angel for countless individuals and families!! Throughout her lifetime she has been a person that would drop just about anything to come to the aid and comfort of those around her. Multiple family members have been blessed by her ability to help, support, succor and love us through extraordinary and somewhat overwhelming challenges!! I am sure we have no way of counting up all those that have been touched by her gifts of compassion, long suffering and selflessness!! Michelle, I know that no matter how hard we could try to be able to express and show you of our gratitude for your selfless life we would still fall short of what you deserve in return! We love you deeply, unconditionally and eternally!!
Ronald Update:
Everything is still about the same. (which we choose to feel is pretty great) He does continue to have irregular heart palpitations that continue to confuse the doctors a bit... they have changed medications today to see if that helps! He is on his 20th day after Chemotherapy and we are hoping and expecting for his counts to start rising by the end of this week, and then he can get a bone marrow biopsy to see how things are progressing!!
Although Ronald has still been holding on to his hair pretty well, it continues to fall out throughout the day and it has been driving Ronald crazy so to celebrate Michelle's Birthday we liberated Ronald a bit by having our "twins" ( actually pretend twins, Ryker and Syvanna) Shave his head.... they loved it and Ronald loved it!!! Ronald is one that still looks soo handsome even without a blade of hair!!
DAILY DEVO:
For today just thought to challenge all to atleast be reading The Living Christ and think about the life of our Savior Jesus Christ and the unmatched love and impact his life has on ours individually and as friends, family and humanity. We also invite any who would like to join Ronald in memorizing it to do so... he is currently starting this week on the first paragraph in the second column. I've posted a link to the document we're speaking of for those of you that do not have one.
https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/34190/34190_000_WWC_27-LivingChrist.pdf.
DAILY CHUCKLE:
What are three candies you can find in every classroom?
Nerds, Dum Dums and Smarties
Saturday, July 18, 2015
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 :-)
How do crazy people go through the forest?
They take the PSYCHO PATH !
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 :-)
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:
They take the PSYCHO PATH !
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