The Storm Will Pass

Psalm 91:4 "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust"

This photographer captured exactly how I have felt the past few months. This storm has been the worst in my life, but I have felt safe in his care. I have been so blessed with mild side effects, the prayers of many, an incredibly supportive family, and a peace that passeth understanding. As I come up on my last treatment, I am so thankful for all these blessings that have helped me through this storm.

Round Three- Finished (Only one more Baby!)

My third round of chemo my girls came with me. (I failed to mention before that Steven went with me to my second round since he was home for Christmas.) I think it is good for them to come and see what it is all about. As you can see we had fun- as much fun as you can at chemo. It is actually a boring 3 1/2 hours. They were troopers though- didn't complain once. Heather even had a good nap.:) Everything went very smooth and I feel good today. I had a great run this morning. Loved the sunshine, I haven't run this much outside during the winter. I just can't bring myself to go to the gym since a lost my hair. Bandana or hat? I think I will try tomorrow.

I left out a tender mercy in my last post. (thanks Kara for the reminder) I listen to a christian radio station call KLOVE. The day my hair started falling out, when I got in the car after the gym the DJ was quoting Matthew 10:30 "But the very hairs of your head are numbered." This was another testament to me that Heavenly Father knows and loves me and is there for me. And He can show that love anytime or anywhere.

My father passed away 11 years ago on Jan 10th so tuesday I was thinking about him a lot. We got his temple work done last year and as I was thinking about this a very strong feeling came over me, because his temple work is done he is now more free to help me and be there for me. Thoughout all this I have felt support from him and my brother-in-law Glenn that recently passed away from cancer. One more way that my Father in heaven has shown his deep love for me.

So my last chemo is Feb. 1st. It has really flown by. I would not wish this on my worst enemy, but is has been doable. Mostly because of the support from people like you!

Tender Mercies

As promised this post will focus on some of the tender mercies I have experienced the last few months. Here is a good description of what I am talking about by Elder David A. Bednar, "Through personal study, observation, pondering and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

The day my hair started falling out was hard. Luckily I didn't have to work that day so I took some time to get through it. At the gym I heard a song on my Ipod that took me back to a 'Mercy Me' concert that Steve and I went to the Saturday after I was diagnosed. Steve was so inspired to buy the tickets for this concert long before we knew what was ahead of us. That concert strengthened me and made me realized that my Heavenly Father loves me and shows that love through small tender mercies. That morning as my hair was falling out- I needed to be reminded of that concert and how I can make it through with His help. Without these blessings I would probably be in a fetal position sucking my thumb. A few of them are:

-a patriarchal blessing that tells me I will live "to a ripe old age if I desire it"
-completing a crazy marathon that blesses me both physically and emotionally
-being able to go to Florida and have those memories
-countless friends at work that took up donations to cover all of my co-pays
-an incredible ward with so many friends that support me
-and of course a family that has rallied around me with love and encouragement

This list is not finished. There will be more and as they come I will tell you all about them. Since my diagnosis I have looked for reasons why or what I am to learn from this test. I have realized that I need to encourage all my friends to get mammograms and that maybe someday I can help someone else with the same diagnosis. Now I have realized that there is something more I can do. I can help others see tender mercies in their lives and help them understand how much Heavenly Father loves each of us. I do not understand how He does it, but He knows exactly what we need when we need it. As we begin 2012, let's look for ways that Heavenly Father blesses each of us.