It's My Bloggy and I'll Brag if I Want To

~Three adults at Brandon's harvest job, including his boss commented on his good work ethic.  He comes home happy everyday and adds up what he thinks he is earning.  Love it!

I can't type

with my left hand but I can say enough to recount some blessings:
~My ride today with Dian to radiation was fun
~The people at radiation are so nice even though they gave me a new tattoo (that gives me 5 in all!)
~Dian bought sandwiches for our lunch tomorrow (she said it was her daughter's idea)
~Elaine brought dinner
~Christine brought raspberry salad and arranged rides for me for the next week (my pain meds makes it so I can't drive)
~Bro. Dance brought pie
~Colette called
~Darcee called
~Julinna called
~Mom called
~Janell and others sent facebook messages
~Andi and others emailed
~People prayed--I know they did!
~Dennis got me a sling but I don't need it  He also did lots of other stuff for me.
~Camille did dishes several times
~My kids are cute and fun and nice
~I'm sure I am forgetting stuff.
~I can still sew by hand--I'm finishing up some pin cushions and they are stinkin' cute!
~I don't have to do my hair 'cause I can't.  I'm glad flowers are IN!

The Atonement

Last Sunday Dennis, Jeffrey and I gave talks on the atonement.  Here is an excerpt from mine:

What does the atonement mean to you and me?
It means you and I have a relationship with Someone outside of this world and we know that we are dearly loved by Him!
I can make and keep sacred covenants with Him
We can be sealed to our families.
Jesus paid for our sins.
You and I can repent.
We can be forgiven.
We can have a clear conscience-- and what a blessing that is!
Jesus Christ knows our pains and sicknesses. He has experienced them! 
He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience. (President Eyring)
He knows and loves those around us. He has atoned for all.
We can rest assured that he is in charge of our lives. And we can rest assured that He knows what is best for us.
You and I must do our best.
Righteousness matters
Faith matters
Good works matter. If there were no atonement there would be no reason to even try. But the consequences would be beyond description.
Because of the atonement you and I can look up in faith!

I have experienced the power of the atonement in my life as I’ve struggled through trials. I know that when the load gets heavy for me the Savior will, if I allow Him, shoulder my burdens. We all know that we will be tested to the fullest in many ways. But I have been blessed to know that no matter what happens everything will be all right, that compensatory blessings will be bestowed upon my family to whatever degree they are needed. That is a burden lifted! To paraphrase Job, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Tidbits

Even though I had the hardest time staying awake during church (my pain medication makes it very hard), I had a sub for nursery today.  It was so nice to attend S.S. and R.S.

French dip sandwiches for dinner....Yum!!!

Dennis and the kids cleaned the house today while I took a nap. 

Dave and his family visited.

Robert, my brother-in-law called to see how I am.

Played games with kids.

Brandon and Jeffrey both have harvest jobs bright and early in the morning.

Radiation starts tomorrow.  I'm sure hoping for help with my poor lame hand.

Hum a Favorite Hymn

There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today, no. 227

There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light.

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King,
And Jesus listening can hear
The songs I cannot sing.

There is springtime in my soul today,
For when the Lord is near,
The dove of peace sings in my heart,
The flow’rs of grace appear.

There is gladness in my soul today,
And hope and praise and love,
For blessings which he gives me now,
For joys “laid up” above.

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

Text: Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851–1920
Music: John R. Sweney, 1837–1899
Isaiah 60:19
Psalm 16:9, 11

Love Note

A facebook message from my favorite convert on my mission (her name is Camille and we named our Camille after her--I'd lost contact with her until just this week--she found me!):

"Wow!!! I am at a loss for words but my heart is full. I have read your blog for the past hour. What a wonderful woman, wife, mother and person you have become! I am amazed at your courage, love for others, faith in Heavenly Father and the quiet strength you possess that is so apparent in your thoughts, pictures and activities that you have graciously share with all the readers of your blog. Thank you for sharing yourself and your family. I have missed you so much!
Please know, you have always been in my thoughts, heart and prayers and you and your family continue to be. You are AWESOME!
I love you Katie."

Friends

I ran into 2 friends yesterday at the cross counrty meet. We hugged and cried together.  They had not heard about what is going on. I sure need the love.  But it is really hard to see people so sad for me.  My family is so wonderful. I have gotten a lot of loving phone calls. They make me happy.  Camille and Alexa fixed lunch yesterday. What sweeties!! Dr. Dickson called today and upped my pain medication.  It helps not be hurting.  I have still got a ton of peace.  It is wonderful to know that Heavenly Father is in charge.